Cloud computing has created a range of opportunities for businesses seeking to improve their working process. The technologies, services and options that are currently available can allow workers to enjoy greater flexibility while providing employers with enhanced security as well as reduced operational costs. Cloud computing services make it easy to update a conventional working process and ensure that workers and employers are able to benefit from the unique opportunities this technology is able to provide.
Enhanced flexibility
Limiting workers and staff to dedicated terminals and systems can reduce their effectiveness. Businesses that are seeking to make the most of their existing computer systems and equipment will find that cloud computing can provide an ideal solution. Ensuring that workers can more easily make use of a wider range of systems, devices and options is often much simpler than many employers may realize.
The freedom to work from anywhere
Cloud computing services that allow professionals to access important documents or to communicate with each other using a variety of options and services reduce the need to work from a central location. From sharing Excel reporting in Hadoop to video calls and teleconferencing, access to the right services and software applications can play a key role in ensuring employees will not be burdened by unnecessary limitations and obstacles.
Convenient collaboration and improved communication
Poor communication can quickly bottleneck group projects and tasks that require contributions from multiple employees and departments. Cloud computing services and resources such as Apache Hadoop can greatly improve communication, especially for businesses that rely upon a decentralized workforce. Services and applications that will promote more efficient and effective communication are a resource that no business can afford to discount.
Improved security
Storing sensitive information on a laptops or other portable devices directly can create any number of problems should the device be lost or stolen. Cloud computing services can provide a superior degree of security by keeping sensitive documents and files in a secure off-site location. Updating the password or account of any online service can often be done with just a few keystrokes, and may be all that is required in order to effectively address a lost or stolen laptop or other device.
Automated backup for sensitive data
Work that has been lost due to a device failure, power outage or similar event can create a very serious problem. Cloud computing applications, such as the Hadoop distributed file system (HDFS), can allow for a faster, more convenient and more effective way to backup key files and sensitive data. Files stored directly to a drive or device can be impossible to recover in the event of a system failure or the theft of the physical device.
Document and data control
Governing documents and managing files is a concern that no organization can afford to ignore. Distributed file systems and cloud computing applications can be a key asset when it comes to restricting access to sensitive information and ensuring that files and data can be made available to staff and associated in a more secure manner. Relying on outdated technology may find your organization hard pressed to ensure document and data control does not become a problem.
Environmentally friendly and cost effective solutions
While creating a truly paperless office is not always possible for many companies and organizations, a more versatile and effective digital working environment can still provide considerable benefit. Implementing online and digital alternatives to conventional documents can save on overhead costs and help to ensure your business is able to reduce the environmental impact of day to day operations.
Severe usage and expense
Off-site file storage and multiple service accounts often require considerable expense. Cloud computing options and solutions have shown to have a huge ROI and provide a more cost-effective means of meeting the needs of workers, staff and associates may allow businesses to enjoy the full range of cloud computing benefits without placing greater strain on their financial resources. Freeware and open source applications such as Apache Hadoop can provide an attractive alternative for organizations that are paying too much for cloud computing services.
Providing your business with a competitive edge
Staying competitive in today’s marketplace can be a challenge for new businesses and established organizations alike. From disaster recovery to the enhanced communication that will allow associates to share and access Excel spreadsheets and other key documents more quickly and easily, cloud computing can provide your business with the edge it needs to stay competitive and successful. For example, cloud computing has changed the way that medical professionals are able to treat patients through companion diagnostics. Failing to take advantage of new technologies and digital resources is often a very serious misstep, one that no business can afford to take lightly in their efforts to improve worker efficiency through the creation of a more flexible and secure working process and environment.
