Introduction
Today’s business people have read the myriad articles espousing all the benefits of the cloud (and if you haven’t you can read some of ours, here). Just like the adoption of the Internet, there has been a tsunami of information, some useful and some hype. But typically, the true benefits of any system are only truly recognized when we begin to embrace the innovation and actually use it for ourselves.
This blog does not cover the core benefits of the cloud like disaster recovery, security, automatic software updates or environmental issues as we are highlighting the benefits of seasonality, particularly holiday seasons.
Where are you in the cloud adoption phase?
If you have a smartphone, then you’ve already experienced, and likely enjoyed, some of the benefits of the cloud. Some of you may have even moved your business mail hosting to the cloud and some have migrated their entire business model.
Why has cloud become so important?
When our routine is altered or we are no longer available “at the office” where people are used to finding us we rely more heavily on systems and processes. For these to be effective, they need to be available and accessible.
Why does seasonality highlight the benefits?
In many countries around the world, December is a holiday season. Regardless of religious or cultural beliefs, December also marks the end of a calendar year with January starting a new year. Millions of people around the world take this opportunity to take time off and even to go away to holiday destinations.
Many industries shut down for extended periods during this time, like the building/construction industry. Other industries experience their highest demand.
And it is at times like this that the cloud really shines for business people, for the following reasons:
Access Data as if you were at your desk
With all your applications in the cloud, you can access data from anywhere at any time. Depending on the application, you may not even need a PC or laptop as you could possibly use your smartphone. This ease of access to data eases the burden for many a business leader wanting to spend quality time with their families and friends.
Keep workflows ‘flowing’
Modern businesses make extensive use of workflow services. An example of this could be that customers exceeding their usual credit limits need approval before making further purchases. In certain cases, that sign off may need to come from a head of Department. Instead of disrupting processes, they can continue as usual as the HOD can continue to approve or reject requests at the click of a smartphone button.
Keep an eye on performance
Many business owners find it difficult to get away from the office as they feel they need to maintain control and monitor performance. Hosting in the cloud allows you to be away from the office but still monitor performance. If your applications provide dashboard views, this can provide only the information you need in a single-view giving you peace of mind and freeing up time.
Flexibility, scalability and always on
What would a cloud article be without these fine keywords?
As mentioned before, while many businesses taper off in the holidays, it is quite the opposite for other companies – especially in the retail sector, when demand increases exponentially. Hosting in the cloud gives you the opportunity to alter your IT infrastructure as needed. In peak times, you simply add capacity as needed. With AWS you only pay for what you use, so when the demand decreases, and so do your IT infrastructure requirements…so do your costs.
Because you can adjust your server capacity, chances of down-time are drastically reduced. With flexible, scalable cloud hosting you never need to worry about seasonal surges in demand causing your systems to crash. Being always-on means you can trade uninterrupted.
In conclusion
We’ve highlighted a number of benefits that translate into cost savings, peace of mind and increased free time for you. Isn’t it time you considered moving your business to the cloud?
Introduction
This blog does not cover the core benefits of the cloud like disaster recovery, security, automatic software updates or environmental issues as we are highlighting the benefits of seasonality, particularly holiday seasons.
Where are you in the cloud adoption phase?
If you have a smartphone, then you’ve already experienced, and likely enjoyed, some of the benefits of the cloud. Some of you may have even moved your business mail hosting to the cloud and some have migrated their entire business model.
Why has cloud become so important?
When our routine is altered or we are no longer available “at the office” where people are used to finding us we rely more heavily on systems and processes. For these to be effective, they need to be available and accessible.
Why does seasonality highlight the benefits?
In many countries around the world, December is a holiday season. Regardless of religious or cultural beliefs, December also marks the end of a calendar year with January starting a new year. Millions of people around the world take this opportunity to take time off and even to go away to holiday destinations.
Many industries shut down for extended periods during this time, like the building/construction industry. Other industries experience their highest demand.
And it is at times like this that the cloud really shines for business people, for the following reasons:
Access Data as if you were at your desk
With all your applications in the cloud, you can access data from anywhere at any time. Depending on the application, you may not even need a PC or laptop as you could possibly use your smartphone. This ease of access to data eases the burden for many a business leader wanting to spend quality time with their families and friends.
Keep workflows ‘flowing’
Modern businesses make extensive use of workflow services. An example of this could be that customers exceeding their usual credit limits need approval before making further purchases. In certain cases, that sign off may need to come from a head of Department. Instead of disrupting processes, they can continue as usual as the HOD can continue to approve or reject requests at the click of a smartphone button.
Keep an eye on performance
Many business owners find it difficult to get away from the office as they feel they need to maintain control and monitor performance. Hosting in the cloud allows you to be away from the office but still monitor performance. If your applications provide dashboard views, this can provide only the information you need in a single-view giving you peace of mind and freeing up time.
Flexibility, scalability and always on
What would a cloud article be without these fine keywords?
As mentioned before, while many businesses taper off in the holidays, it is quite the opposite for other companies – especially in the retail sector, when demand increases exponentially. Hosting in the cloud gives you the opportunity to alter your IT infrastructure as needed. In peak times, you simply add capacity as needed. With AWS you only pay for what you use, so when the demand decreases, and so do your IT infrastructure requirements…so do your costs.
Because you can adjust your server capacity, chances of down-time are drastically reduced. With flexible, scalable cloud hosting you never need to worry about seasonal surges in demand causing your systems to crash. Being always-on means you can trade uninterrupted.
In conclusion
We’ve highlighted a number of benefits that translate into cost savings, peace of mind and increased free time for you. Isn’t it time you considered moving your business to the cloud?