Benefits Cloud Computing Can Provide Pacific Businesses

The use of cloud computing can deliver significant benefits to Pacific based businesses. However, even though cloud technology has been available for around two decades, many businesses both in the Pacific and elsewhere still yet to implement it within their workplace.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing lets a business access on-demand computing services over the internet. These services can include databases, servers, storage and a range of applications. It works through a network that opens a portal between the user and the application or service in the cloud.

Cloud computing is used for:

• Streaming audio or video
• Storage, backup and restoring of data and information
• SaaS (Software as a Service) which includes things such as email services, SMS, document sharing applications, Microsoft Office or Google’s G-suite.
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) including services such as data analytical tools, storage databases and other pay for use computing infrastructures.

Cloud computing is ideal for Pacific based businesses due to their relatively isolated geographical locations and limited availability of IT professionals and equipment.

Benefits of Using Cloud Computing for Pacific Businesses

Having chosen to use a cloud-based computing solution, a business may gain several significant benefits including:

• No need for hardware and software maintenance or upgrading. These are taken care of by the cloud-based provider.
• Receive access to the latest software, as regular and/or automatic software updates are provided by the cloud suppliers.
• More cost-effective IT solution, as less on-site equipment and on-site maintenance is required.
• Improved business continuity, as data backups are made, there are no shortages of data storage space and no downtime associated with upgrades or maintenance. A flood, fire or disaster at your workplace would not affect your cloud-based applications.
• Ability to access data outside of the workplace, such as if working from home.
• Scalable resources that can grow with your business, and you only pay for what you are using as you go.
• Improved security as cloud providers have stringent security features built-in to their offerings.
• Being more energy-efficient and eco-friendly, as there is no need to maintain a data centre to power and keep servers cool.
• Automatic software integration, where a business’ applications can be quickly integrated and customised once and set.
• Easy to back up information, with this often being done automatically by the cloud service being used.

Many of our local Pacific business advisors specialise in Information Technology Systems, which includes cloud computing and other specialised IT services. To connect with your local advisor, please use our Find an Advisor tool, or contact us directly for personalised assistance.