Cloud Storage: A Simple Guide for Small Business Owners

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Cloud computing has evolved since its introduction in the early days of the internet. And with all
these advancements come a variety of new cloud storage solutions for small businesses to
elevate their operations. But while some may argue that one cloud solution is better than others, the best cloud storage providers for small businesses are often determined by the specific needs of the team.

Let’s take a look at what to keep in mind when selecting cloud storage for small businesses.

The Impact of Cloud Computing on Small Businesses

With remote and hybrid work becoming the new normal, having the ability to access data from
any location is vital. This is where cloud computing comes into play. It grants you on-the-go
access to important programs, files, and storage that are stored on remote servers instead of on
your own computer; so long as you have a stable internet connection.

This can include a range of services, solutions, and functions including:

  • Applications and software solutions
  • Data storage
  • Data processing

Because cloud computing is flexible and you only pay for what you need, it’s typically quite
affordable for small businesses looking to keep their operating costs in check. This reason alone
is why many choose cloud providers for small businesses over traditional on-premise servers.
The cloud empowers businesses to scale their computing needs up and down to match their
operations. But what are some other benefits of cloud computing?

  • Security: While some organizations may be hesitant to allow a third-party to store their data, rest assured that cloud security for small business infrastructures is quite robust. The best cloud storage providers for small businesses are constantly researching emerging threats and deploying the technologies to protect against them.
  • Simple Upkeep: Cloud computing eliminates much of the maintenance that small business owners take on when they manage data on-premises. When an organization opts for cloud computing, it doesn’t have to worry about updating equipment or the maintenance that comes with local storage options.
  • Rebound After a Disaster: In the event of an incident like a tornado, flood, or fire, your data is all stored off-site. Not only does this mean businesses retain all the information they have stored in the cloud, but it also means they limit downtime after an incident. No matter the type of setback, cloud-based computing offers resilience.
  • Easier Collaboration From Anywhere: Without the cloud, businesses and their collaborators are stuck sharing projects without real-time visibility and cooperation. It’s easy to lose track of changes and versioning becomes challenging. What’s more, users often waste time duplicating the same work. On the other hand, cloud computing empowers teams to work together in real-time—and much more efficiently. Workflows are more streamlined and intuitive, and in the world of small business, this can have a huge impact on operations.

Cloud Storage Providers for Small Business: What Are Your Options?

Small business owners looking to manage their operations in the cloud don’t have to choose a
one-size-fits-all approach to cloud storage. There are so many solutions available to small
business owners when it comes to the cloud—and most of these fit into three separate
categories:

  • Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS): This refers to cloud access to storage, networking, servers, and any other solutions needed to support cloud computing. IaaS is like a virtual server for your data, software, and applications; IaaS solutions host your data.
  • Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): This is a cloud-based environment created by a service provider, where small businesses can develop their own applications and cloud computing solutions; PaaS solutions are there for you to build your own solutions.
  • Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): With SaaS solutions, small business cloud software service providers develop their own software applications and make them available to users like small business owners to access via the internet. These users license the right to use these pre-existing tools to run their operations; SaaS solutions are meant to be used or consumed by users.

Small business owners can opt for cloud computing and storage solutions to match any
compliance or security concerns they have:

  • Public cloud options are hosted externally on a service provider’s platform. Users have their individual clouds within a shared infrastructure, but no outside users have access to an organization’s information stored in the cloud unless shared or invited. Public clouds are highly flexible, built on the latest technologies, and are the most cost-effective.
  • Private cloud options are built separately on an organization’s own hardware. It is the most secure option with the most control for small businesses, but is also the most expensive.
  • Hybrid cloud infrastructures combine the convenience and affordability of public clouds with the security of a private cloud. An organization’s most sensitive data is stored in the private cloud, while less-sensitive information is stored in the public cloud.

How Rocket IT Supports Your Cloud Computing Journey

As a small business owner, cloud computing has the potential to take your operations to the
next level; it’s more affordable, more powerful, more secure, and more flexible than traditional
solutions. But what is the best cloud storage for businesses like yours?

Rocket IT’s Ideal IT solution examines an organization’s IT infrastructure to present the best
cloud storage option for their needs. Once selected, business leaders use Ideal IT to properly
configure and secure their cloud solution to comply with industry standards.

To learn how businesses are using Ideal IT to overcome challenges with data storage and
accessibility, request a call.

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