Cloud computing has been around for over two decades. Yet, despite this, many small businesses don’t use cloud services, citing issues like file security and cost. If you’re hesitant about adopting cloud services for your business, here are eight reasons why you should use a cloud-based file server for your business.
Remote Access
Today, many companies have employees working remotely. Cloud-based file servers can allow you and your employees to access data anywhere and at any time. Additionally, data is accessible from various devices. This means cloud services can enhance productivity because they won’t confine you to one location.
Most businesses in the US are required by law to have a registered agent. A registered agent can be a person or a company and they are required to receive documents on behalf of a business from the state in which the business is formed. Many companies use a registered agent service for this requirement because it can be quite onerous.
Easy to Use
Many small business owners worry about adopting cloud services because they may be complex to use. However, their worries are unfounded. Most cloud-based systems are relatively simple and intuitive to use. Plus, many usually have a detailed onboarding process so that you can get up and running in no time.
Enhanced File Security
You may be concerned that allowing a third-party service to handle your files may compromise your security. However, storing your files on the cloud can bolster security. When you store your files on your local drive, you’re vulnerable to cyber theft.
On the other hand, cloud-based services offer extra layers of security like data encryption and 2-step authentication. These security measures can protect your files from hackers. Additionally, many cloud servers are usually located in secure off-site data centers.
Protection from Disasters
Disasters are inevitable. If a natural disaster like a fire strikes your business, you could lose all your data. Data loss can be catastrophic. In fact, roughly 25% of small businesses don’t reopen after being hit by a natural disaster. Data loss is one of the key reasons many of these businesses don’t reopen. Cloud storage can protect your files if disaster strikes and prevent your business from closing permanently.
Set File Permissions
In addition to protecting your files from hackers and disasters, cloud service providers can allow you to choose who accesses what. By adjusting privacy settings, you can prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing certain files.
Multi-user Collaboration
Local hard-drive storage inhibits multi-user collaboration because multiple users can’t simultaneously access a file. On the other hand, cloud storage allows multiple people to view and edit files at the same time.
This can be helpful in various scenarios. For example, when different departments in a company like finance and marketing need to work together on a spreadsheet budget for an advertising campaign.
Timely Updates
Working with files stored on a local hard drive can be pretty time-consuming. Copying files to the device you need them on can take a lot of time. Worse still, you can’t be certain you’re copying the most recent file. With a cloud-based system, you can speed up your workflow.
When you update your files, they’re synchronized across all your devices. Plus, you can be certain you’re working on the latest version of the file.
Cost-Effective
Adopting a cloud-based system can be economical in the long term. If you expand your business, you’ll need extra storage and hardware. This can increase your maintenance costs. Investing in a cloud-based system can relieve you of this burden. With it, you won’t have to worry about maintenance and updates. Your cloud service provider will handle these tasks. And, if you’re concerned about high subscription fees, many cloud service providers offer reasonably priced plans for small businesses.
Adopting a cloud based file server can offer your business all the benefits above and much more. If you are interested in migrating your data to the cloud, Egnyte offers robust cloud-based solutions for small businesses.
