We live in an age of technological marvels. In the last decade, fast strides in most sciences have been made, but it's only in the last few years that we are seeing one particular innovation from this time period come into expansive commercial and domestic use: cloud computing.

What Is The Cloud?

“Cloud Computing” (a term first coined as a metaphor for the internet) eliminates these issues. What it involves is a series of servers that allow users to set up what is, essentially, an online hard drive. People can store an incredible amount of files on their cloud storage, ranging from small word documents to larger audio-visual files. They can then invite other people to share that storage space, allowing free file sharing and distributing between an organised group of people.

Cloud computing systems are wide and varied, and not just limited to storage. Cloud software has grown exponentially in popularity over the past few years, and is particularly favoured by small businesses. With cloud software solutions, small businesses, for the first time, have access to powerful business applications they were previously priced out of, giving them a level of insight, control and power they have never had before..

Why Move To The Cloud?

One of the great benefits of Cloud Computing is that  you no longer need to pay for new hardware or software. You never need to upgrade or repair your own servers, and if you end up filling your cloud storage, it's infinitely cheaper to pay per month or year for more space, than it is to buy extra hard drives, storage drives or upgrade entire computer systems. While there's very little wrong with doing things the old way, it's extremely inefficient considering what is available with the cloud.

You also don't need to worry about upgrading, all of that is handled by your service provider. You don't need to install software, you don't have to download or anything like that at all - just sign up and reap the rewards.

As mentioned above, the Cloud also allows anyone  access to any file or application at any time - all they need is an internet connection. For example if someone has a meeting but has forgotten their notes, if they've backed them up on the cloud, when they get to work they can download their notes at work, or even on their phone using mobile internet on the way to work. Employers can upload and share important documents, and manage integral business processes on the go - such as workforce management (with providers like Ento), accounting (Xero, MYOB), bookings (Rezgo, Rezdy) and more. And by operating in the cloud, you’re allowing their workers to autonomously gather what they need giving them more freedom and employers more time to attend to other matters.

Taking advantage of the cloud means that any kind of work can be done practically anywhere, at any time. Not only that, but the cloud is surprisingly secure. The idea of the cloud can sound daunting to some, but the only people who can access your cloud solutions are the people you allow. Your files and data aren't just up in the air ripe for the plucking, they are inside a hard-drive, locked inside a hard box, several miles away in someone else's server that even they don't have access to. The cloud is your own, secure little part of the internet. Also, due to the cloud saving the date when items are stored, it can prevent any copyright disputes.

Should You Make The Move?

For these reasons, 2015 saw a massive 60% of privately owned businesses using the cloud to increase productivity and efficiency, and it's only a matter of time before everyone is using the cloud for everything from domestic life, to high-end business requirements. If your own business is still utilising on-site storage and traditional software, you risk getting left behind your competitors.For small businesses, there’s never been a more pressing time to move to the cloud.