The line between work and home life might be a little blurred right now, but we know the future of work is changing. Companies of all sizes have embraced cloud-based managed software to efficiently transition their employees to remote work. For small businesses, who have been the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, these subscription model services have helped them access the cloud technology they need to keep working from anywhere.
You’ve probably heard the term Software as a Service (SaaS) thrown around in tech conversations. In simple terms, SaaS is software managed by a third-party provider. It’s one of three main types of cloud computing, along with Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
For some small businesses owners who might be hesitant to invest money in new technology, here are six reasons why cloud-based managed software is beneficial for small businesses right now.
1. Access your data from anywhere
If you switch to storing your data in the cloud, you and your staff can easily access it at any time, no matter where you are. It also allows you to sync your data simultaneously. Which means if your employees are enjoying the flexibility of working from home, you can continue to offer it once your office or place of operations opens back up.
2. Share information while remote working
Sharing files between staff and customers can be as easy as sending a link. Another advantage is you don’t have to face the problem of email bounce-backs when files are too big for the recipient’s server.
3. You can cut down on hardware costs
Hi-res images, videos and audio files can take up an inordinate amount of space on your office servers. Upgrading your servers to handle the load can be costly, time-consuming and a huge headache for those who aren’t technically minded.
Connecting up to the cloud means you can store large files there, and eliminate the burden on your office systems.
4. Keep up with customer expectations
According to EY’s Future Consumer Index few consumers expect to go back to their old behaviors any time soon, with 42% saying they would pay a premium for domestically produced goods.
Small businesses that can personalise the customer experience through technology will have a genuine edge. Enter easy-to-use, cloud-based CRM software, without all the hassle of paying for hardware, maintenance and extra IT personnel.
5. Technology updates are done for you
You don’t have to spend big on new IT solutions to keep your file storage system updated and maintained. Updates to managed software are automatically handled at the service provider’s end.
6. Backup your data with ease
Backing up your data is a necessary annoyance. When you save your data in the cloud it backs it up as you work. It can also make copies of your data, then save it in a safe location, just in case of any unforeseen events, like a natural disaster or power outage.
Find out more about keeping up with big businesses with the latest Small & Medium Business Trends Report.
