Why are businesses moving to the cloud?
Cloud computing and digitisation hadn’t been a concern for many industries for a long time. That is, until almost overnight the coronavirus lockdown occurred, and employees were forced to work remotely. The big issue arose where many employees couldn’t secure their jobs because their current technology didn’t support doing so. At the time, full access to data and workplace systems was impossible from a remote location. This is where the benefits of cloud computing came into sharp focus for businesses.
Simply put, the cloud provides a fast way to reduce spending and operational risk. And now – in post-lockdown – cloud services have been thrust to the top of UK businesses’ operational strategies.
Why outsource IT support?
These events further revealed the need to move away from the limitations of an internal IT department and outsource. For SMBs, investing in an outsourced IT partner brings practical benefits and lessens the burden on non-tech organisations.
Living through lockdown also highlighted the skills needed to help us deal with such a huge interruption at short notice. Many organisations, especially those who didn’t have vast internal IT departments experienced a real struggle. As a result, the shift from a normal place of work to a home office surpassed disruption and, for some, caused complete shutdowns. In such circumstances, business continuity was severely affected whilst many scrambled to find help from experts.
Undoubtedly, technology companies must take some of the blame for the lack of action in moving to the cloud. A jargon fuelled industry often leaves executives in the dark. And realistically, many professionals won’t know what cloud computing is, what it does, how it can save on your budget, or how to move systems over if they don’t work in tech.
So here we try to provide some clarity about adopting an outsourced IT partner and why you should move your organisation to the cloud.
But what exactly is cloud computing?
Let’s start at the beginning. Simply, cloud computing is the ability to access your data, including files, critical business information and systems, via an internet connection. This means it’s stored on someone else’s server which is maintained by them, eg, Microsoft 365 or Google Cloud. Gone are the days when you need your own physical server, file storage or back-up and a team of people to look after them. Instead, you can leave it to the experts, and reap all the business benefits that come with outsourcing your IT.
What are the business benefits of the cloud?
So, now you may have a better understanding of how the cloud came to be so popular amongst businesses. However, before you choose to make the switch, you should know more about the practical and operational benefits:
Cost reduction
Employing cloud services is an instant cost reduction to your organisation. Once they are set up, you no longer need to pay in-house experts to maintain your systems. Nor do you need the expensive hardware, software, back-up, security, or corresponding upgrades. Renting resources monthly via the internet (known as software as a service, or SaaS) is much more cost efficient. And if you wish to keep an internal IT team, their responsibilities can be more focused on important tasks such as process improvement.
Remote working
The necessity of remote work during the pandemic has perfectly exemplified one of the core benefits of cloud solutions. A primary reason to move to the cloud is the ability to be elsewhere and still have the same level of access as in your workplace. With just a Wi-Fi connection and an enabled device, you’ll have access to business-critical systems through the cloud. This allows you to maintain strong business continuity whilst working from any location during unforeseen events.
Instant upgrades
Being cloud-based means your systems are always up to date and maintained by your vendor. Upgrades will happen regularly without the need to worry and data security in the cloud has proven to be much more reliable than most on premise solutions. In any outsourced IT partner contract, there are strict service level agreements (SLAs) governing disaster recovery and back-up. This protects your data as it will be safer in the cloud than it is on your own server.
Increased productivity and efficiency
Cloud gives every team member access to the latest information and systems so that the entire organisation has the same knowledge. This leads to an increase in productivity as colleagues can collaborate across all departments. And despite any influx of remote workers, your cloud solutions facilitate close communication, thus allowing your teams to thrive.
The benefits of choosing an outsourced IT partner
Choosing the right IT partner is like choosing an extension to your in-house team. It’s important that they’re not only experts but are able to guide your infrastructure and consult with you when or if you need help. An IT partner must be able to deliver something above and beyond the knowledge you already have internally, otherwise there’s no return on your investment. Adding significant value may sound cliché, but if your IT partner doesn’t, they’re the wrong fit for your organisation.
So, here are some of the advantages you can experience when choosing to outsource your IT:
24/7 IT Support
Outsourcing with a managed service provider means that you have IT experts at your disposal 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. With a suitable IT partner, you’ll have access to a team of specialists with the right type of skills whenever you need them.
Access to new innovations
Outsourcing isn’t simply about cost-cutting, it’s also about innovating rapidly to meet consumer demand. With an outsourced IT partner comes the competitive advantage of swift access to new software and technologies. These perks will cater your business to a whole new kind of culture – the one that gets things done and wows customers.
Scalability
Outsourcing also means that you can scale the type and level of experience you need in line with demand. Cut back on resources in leaner times and ramp up when you need to scale up. An external IT team will give you fast access to support without the need for expensive or time-consuming recruitment.
Proactive maintenance
Relax knowing that experts are anticipating what comes next. Your IT partner will have a customised roadmap for your business, ensuring services are tailored to both your projected growth and current needs. This means they’ll alert you when things need upgrading, changing or can be improved to save costs or optimise your systems.
Modernising stagnant businesses
Outsourcing IT can provide the cultural change for those organisations that may struggle to achieve it internally. If you feel like you’re falling behind on improving your tech or simply wanting better network security, an IT service provider can deliver it to you. An outsourced IT partner will maintain a high level of execution to keep your business relevant, so it thrives.
Reduced pressure and anxiety
Less IT responsibility means more time for your business, so you’re free to do what you do best. With external IT support you can concentrate on your organisation, its goals, and the needs of your customers. And most significantly it reduces the burden of relying on a small on-site team with limited tech expertise.
If you’d like to discuss outsourcing your IT or moving to the cloud with a totality services expert, please get in touch today.