Cloud Computing for Small Businesses: A Quick Guide For SMBs

Cloud computing is a catch-all term for certain computing services that take place over the internet, or the cloud. Cloud computing encompasses many different areas, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence. Small businesses can benefit from cloud computing as it allows for a digital IT infrastructure that can be accessed on demand. Keep reading for just a few of the perks of the key components of cloud computing.

Benefits Of Cloud Computing

Most attractive for many small businesses is the cost savings associated with moving certain parts of their business over to the cloud. Instead of buying, owning, and maintaining physical servers and other IT infrastructure, businesses can access these services on demand and pay only for what they use.

Cloud computing can be a great way for small businesses to save money by improving overall efficiency. There are many different types of innovative cloud solutions available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Types Of Cloud Services

Cloud services might be referred to as cloud computing or cloud solutions. There are a few different types, but they generally fall under the scope of infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), or software as a service (SaaS).

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).IaaS provides businesses with access to computing resources, which might include servers, storage, and networking. This makes it easier for businesses to scale their IT infrastructure up or down as needed, without having to invest in and maintain their own hardware. This is a great option for businesses priming for growth.
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS).PaaS is an online platform for developing, deploying, and managing applications. According to Microsoft, PaaS reduces coding time and essentially streamlines the development process involved in creating new applications. If you have a small IT team, PaaS gives them an advantage.
  • Software as a Service (SaaS).SaaS gives businesses access to software applications that are hosted on the cloud – software applications that might otherwise be out of reach and out of budget. This allows businesses to use the latest software without having to install and maintain it on their own computers.

These are the three main types of cloud solution. However, there are many other types of cloud services available that may fall under the scope of any of these. These include:

  • Backup and disaster recovery.Cloud-based backup and disaster recovery services can help your business protect its data from loss or corruption from hackers or natural disasters.
  • Communication and collaboration.Working on the cloud, your teams can communicate from anywhere in the world. Collaboration is effortless, and progress is instantly saved.
  • Security.Cloud security removes vulnerabilities from your systems that might otherwise get overlooked.

So, what’s the best type of cloud solution for small businesses? That depends on each individual enterprise’s needs and budget. In general, however, cloud computing is a great way for SMBs to reduce expenses, improve efficiency, and have access to the latest technology.

The best type of cloud solution for a small business will depend on its specific needs and requirements. However, cloud computing can be a great way for small businesses to save money, improve efficiency, and access the latest technology.

To learn more about cloud computing services, including Amazon Web services, provided by ITC, call us at 845.561.4440. We’re here to help, and we can get your business online, accessible, and ready to scale when you’re ready to grow.