During the 2020 pandemic, companies suddenly faced the reality of a remote workforce. Since then, remote work has firmly planted itself within business structure.
But how can employees access necessary applications and files? How do they collaborate with team members across time zones?
Many businesses are finding answers to these questions in the cloud.
WEBIT Services has been developing IT strategies, procuring equipment, and deploying technology for over 25 years for hundreds of clients in the Chicago area.
By reading this article, you will learn four ways the cloud supports remote workers and three challenges of utilizing the cloud.
Understanding the Cloud
The cloud is a server network that stores and manages data and applications over the internet instead of on a physical device or server within an office space.
This virtual space allows users to access their files, programs, and other resources from any location with an internet connection. Employees are no longer limited to using the company network within the office.
4 Ways the Cloud Improves Remote Work
1. Easy Access and Teamwork
The cloud allows users to access files and applications from anywhere. This helps teams work together, even if they're not in the same place.
For example, through the cloud, a team can work on a project simultaneously across the globe. Team members can edit and add to a document together using tools like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
Users can also have video meetings regardless of location using applications like Google Meet, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.
The cloud allows users to connect and collaborate across the miles, building camaraderie and successful projects.
2. Flexible and Scalable
Remote work needs flexibility, and the cloud delivers. It lets businesses change their size easily based on what they need.
For example, suppose a small business experiences sudden growth. A physical server may be unable to accommodate this increase in data and users. It becomes glitchy, slow, and unreliable.
In response, the business must either replace the server with one with greater capacity (a significant investment) or move to the cloud. Depending on the cloud applications and data requirements, the cloud may be more affordable than a new server.
If a business experiences sudden, unplanned growth (like the company in our example), it can add more memory or licenses to its cloud applications. There's no purchasing, building, or programming a new server.
3. Security
In today's technology-driven climate, data is the most valuable resource. As such, protecting data has become a top priority for many companies.
Cloud services use robust security tools to protect users' information. For example, the company can erase sensitive information remotely if an employee loses their work laptop. This keeps the data from falling into the wrong hands.
However, utilizing solid cybersecurity practices is essential even while using secure cloud applications.
In addition, cloud applications can protect your information in a natural disaster.
For example, an office building is destroyed in a tornado. Their servers are beyond recovery, and the data on those servers is lost. However, if this data is backed up to the cloud, it is safe and can be restored.
4. Saves Money
Many cloud applications work on a pay-as-you-go structure. You only pay for what you use. This helps businesses, big or small, save money. A new business can use cloud tools without spending a ton upfront.
3 Challenges of Remote Work and the Cloud
1. Requires Good Internet Connection
Remote work depends on a solid internet connection. People might struggle to use cloud tools where the internet is slow or unreliable.
If users lose their internet connection, they cannot accomplish tasks until the connection is restored. To prevent this, some users may utilize mobile hotspots or pay for a backup internet connection at home.
In addition, users must ensure that their internet speed is sufficient and does not bottleneck with too many requests.
For example, a user may experience glitchy video calls or upload times when family members use the internet to stream television shows or play video games.
2. Keep an Eye on Security
Even though the cloud is considered safe, no software or service can offer a zero-risk guarantee. Unfortunately, if you’re connected to the internet, your data is at risk. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new breach techniques.
Users must be trained in and utilize solid cybersecurity practices while using the cloud and working from home. Otherwise, the company’s data may be compromised even through remote work.
3. Learning Curve
Switching to cloud tools might be tricky for some. Cloud applications are not identical, so users may require additional support as they learn the new tools.
Next Steps For Utilizing the Cloud for Remote Workforces
The cloud can be an invaluable resource when utilizing a remote workforce. It allows employees to collaborate, access vital data, and use company tools regardless of distance. However, it is not without its disadvantages.
Four benefits of the cloud include:
- Easy access and teamwork
- Flexibility and scalability
- Security
- Saves money
Three challenges users may face within the cloud are:
- It requires a solid internet connection.
- It still requires solid IT security practices.
- It may present a learning curve for some users.
Understanding both sides will help you make an educated choice when considering the cloud.
If you're thinking about using the cloud for remote work, take a look at good cloud services and see how they match up with what you need. Your IT provider or internal IT team can also help you examine various cloud applications to find ones that work best for your business needs.
If you’re considering transferring your data and operations to the cloud, talk to your IT provider or internal IT team. Moving to the cloud is a significant undertaking and requires IT expertise and planning.
For over 25 years, WEBIT Services has helped hundreds of clients build successful IT strategies and processes while utilizing effective technology.
If you are looking for a new IT provider, schedule a free 30-minute consultation to see how WEBIT can help.
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