By admin 
Doesn’t it sound absurd when I say that you’ll need to own a power plant to have electricity at home?
Since we can pay for a utility, there’s no need to spend time and resources on creating it. Just like that, businesses, especially small ventures, have come to understand that utilizing cloud solutions is a more sensible option than spending resources on in-house software.
Based on a Pay As You Go (PAYG) or Subscription model, even small businesses can now access some of the most advanced and efficient tools.
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about cloud solutions. Starting from what they are, I’ll also explain how cloud solutions can be the ultimate tools for your business.
So, let’s get started!
What are Cloud Solutions?
Cloud solutions offer computing power, such as storage, software, and databases, over the cloud. These resources are offered by third-party hosts, who are responsible for creating, maintaining, and updating them over time.
Businesses just need to subscribe to those cloud solutions and watch out for a few prerequisites, which I’ll explain later. Other than this, cloud solutions effectively eliminate the need for local servers and other hardware.
Businesses can access such tools over the cloud, from anywhere and at any time they want.
Prerequisites For Using Cloud Solutions
As I mentioned, a business needs to buy a cloud tool’s subscription to access it. However, there are a few prerequisites that must be kept in mind before subscribing to cloud solutions. Let’s take a look.
Reliable Internet Connection
Cloud solutions are internet-based tools. Though some tools might work offline, it’s likely that you won’t be able to access their full features. Also, as cloud tools can offer massive computing and analysis power, they are bandwidth-heavy and require a high-speed connection to work seamlessly.
Personally, I’ve subscribed to Verizon Internet, a fiber connection that offers symmetrical speeds, i.e., similar upload and download speeds. This way, I can access cloud storage, leverage computing power, or simply use a tool to analyze large data sets.
Data Migration Practices
Some cloud tools may require you to shift, simplify, analyze, or completely change your existing database into a certain format. Other than this, keep in mind your business’s IT practices and infrastructure to ensure that a cloud solution fits in smoothly in your tech ecosystem.
Compatible Devices or Systems
Not all, but some cloud solutions require certain system requirements to work. It can be a high-end processor, graphics card, or storage. And it’s best to watch out for them before subscribing to any cloud tool.
Training and Workshops
Some cloud solutions have a steep learning curve, which can pose different challenges for your employees. Here, I would advise you to conduct a few training sessions or workshops to familiarize your workforce with the new cloud tools.
Types of Cloud Solutions
Based on its applications, cloud solutions can be divided into different categories. However, here are some of its predominant types that are widely used by businesses:
- Software as a Service (SaaS): In this type of cloud solution, the service provider offers a complete set of tools or resources to businesses. In most cases, SaaS is based on cloud software which are accessible from any device and at any time. Businesses only have to buy their subscription to start using them. And, when businesses no longer require them, they can simply unsubscribe.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): This type of cloud solution eliminates the need to maintain in-house servers, operating systems, or IT infrastructure. PaaS is widely used by developers to access cloud-based tools without needing to maintain or upgrade them from time to time. Additionally, PaaS also lets users leverage its power for creating personalized solutions.
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): This offers a complete, cloud-based infrastructure, including servers, data centers, and a network, to businesses to manage their operations remotely. Besides offering flexibility, IaaS can significantly help small businesses that cannot afford to create, maintain, and regularly update an in-house IT infrastructure.
Benefits of Using Cloud Solutions
Cloud solutions like software, applications, programs, servers, etc, are a game-changer for businesses in the following ways:
- Highly Scalable and Flexible: When compared to in-house IT services, cloud solutions are highly scalable and flexible. In the case of in-house tools, businesses might need to allocate resources and time to further improve their services. However, they simply have to subscribe to a high-end plan when it comes to cloud solutions.
- No Maintenance or Upgradation: From creating to maintaining and upgrading cloud tools, the service provider is responsible for everything. Though it can limit control over cloud solutions, it also brings convenience for users who don’t have resources or time to regularly maintain in-house tools.
- Access to Advanced Tools: Cloud service providers spend significant resources on research to create cutting-edge IT solutions. On the other hand, even large corporations might require expertise to come up with such solutions. But with cloud tools, businesses only have to pay a subscription fee to access such advanced tools and resources.
So, for me, cloud solutions are a more feasible option than in-house IT services. And before I wind up, I’ve got a little suggestion. Most cloud tools offer a free trial period, which you should try out.
Try out different cloud tools, analyze how they complement business needs, and then decide which one works for your business. I follow this approach, and it always helps me choose the best available cloud solutions.