Don’t you just hate feeling left out of the conversation when everybody else is talking about “working in the cloud”?

Trust us, we don’t blame you for feeling that way.

The truth is this:

If you haven’t migrated to a cloud solution yet, you are missing out on a whole bunch of benefits that your competitors are using to grab a bigger piece of the market.

So:

Isn’t it about time you got up to speed?

Isn’t it about time you got the same advantages as your competitors?

Isn’t about time your head in -and around- the cloud?

We thought so too, which is why we’ve put together this comprehensive, easy-to-follow beginners’ guide to cloud computing.

By the time we’re finished today, you’ll have the answers to all your cloud questions, including:

• What is the cloud and how does it work?
• How can my business benefit using it?
• How easy is it to migrate to a cloud solution?
• Is it safe?

Ready to finally join in the conversation? Let’s get started.

So, What Exactly Is The Cloud, Anyway?

First, here’s what it it’s not:

The cloud is not any one single thing. It’s not a physical entity like your desktop computer or your physical server network.

What it is, is an entire network of servers which enable you to access applications and data via the web.

Need an example?

In the last few years, scores of businesses have ditched the traditional productivity suites and migrated to Microsoft Office 365.

This is a whole range of tools designed to help business users work, communicate and collaborate without the limitations of physical hard drive space or expensive software licenses.

Here’s the thing:

You’re probably already using the cloud without realising it.

When you store those files in your Dropbox account? You’re storing them in the cloud.

When you use your Gmail account? You’re using a cloud email solution.

So the whole thing should be more familiar to you than you first thought.

How Does Cloud Computing Actually Work?

Let’s keep it simple, shall we?

It’s like firing up a piece of software on your laptop and using it to work on a document, except both the software and the file are stored externally.

When you access a cloud service, you’re basically accessing applications and files stored on the server network owned (or at least operated) by the company that runs that service.

Using nothing more than a device with a browser and a secure web connection, you access the service you need, and simply log off when you’re done.

OK, Great, But Why is it Called ‘The Cloud?’

It’s not what you might think:

The name has nothing to do with the big white things we see in the sky, but for the way that the web and online applications are often represented by a picture of a cloud.

Why Should I Invest in Cloud Migration?

If you haven’t moved your business to the cloud yet, here’s what you’re missing out on.

Huge Cost Reductions

That physical server that’s costing you a fortune in maintenance and upgrades?

Forget it.

Those expensive software licenses?

Let them go.

When you invest in cloud migration to services  like Microsoft Office 365 for productivity or Amazon AWS for storage, you only pay a small per-user subscription fee.

The best news?

These cost less than individual licenses for locally installed software.

That’s not all:

Because the servers you’re using are based elsewhere, you don’t have to worry about maintaining them, saving you even more money.

Significantly Improve Remote Working

Let’s be honest:

Your current remote working applications leave a lot to be desired, don’t they?

Slow, clunky and unreliable, just accessing your work email from home is more frustrating than it should be.

WIth the cloud, those days are over.

Access your applications and data from any location on any device, and enjoy the same smooth, lighting fast experience that you would if you were chained to your desk.

Is it Safe?

In short, yes.

Not surprisingly, many users are wary about storing secure data in the cloud, the major cloud players are taking security and data protection very seriously.

Companies like Google and Amazon encrypt data for those on their business plans.

Microsoft have also been highly praised for their unparalleled high levels of security.

In other words:

Working in the cloud is as safe as working from your local computer, if not more so.

After all, is your business able to match Microsoft when it comes to a security?

How Easy is it to Migrate My Business to the Cloud?

Easier than you might think.

Investing in a cloud migration service can not only help your business save money and improve productivity long-term, but also ensure that your move to solutions like Office 365 run smoothly, all without any disruptions to your day-to-day operations.

Still have unanswered questions about the advantages of the cloud for your business? Contact Pacific Infotech’s cloud migration team online to book your free, no obligation consultation. Alternatively, give us a call now on 020 313 76707.