This article is going to go over a few of the many reasons why cloud computing is becoming essential for businesses. This is especially true for hybrid workforces or companies that employ remote workers. We will look at the cost-effectiveness of cloud computing, how it makes data more accessible, how scalable it is, and the security benefits it provides.

Cloud computing has taken the world by storm, as it has been growing dramatically in recent years. Companies of all shapes and sizes are adopting it, and the growth in the industry shows no signs of slowing down.

When it comes to cloud computing, businesses have their fair share of options. There is Software-as-a-service (SaaS), Platforms-as-a-service (PaaS), and even Function-as-a-service (FaaS). Using FaaS for businesses and making use of various other cloud computing models has become very popular for a variety of companies.

But why has the cloud become such a popular choice for businesses? 

Well, a big reason has to do with all the benefits it provides. 

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing has been around for quite some time now, but it is only in recent years that its importance has skyrocketed. In 2023, it has become essential for businesses to adopt cloud computing, as it provides numerous benefits that are critical to a company's success.

One of the primary reasons why companies are adopting cloud computing is because it allows them to reduce their IT costs significantly. Traditional IT infrastructure can be expensive to set up and maintain, and it requires a lot of time and resources to keep it up to date. 

With cloud computing, businesses can offload their IT requirements to a third-party provider, who takes care of everything from hardware to software maintenance, and all that for a fraction of the cost.

Moreover, cloud computing provides greater flexibility and scalability. 

Businesses can scale their IT infrastructure up or down based on their needs, without having to invest in additional hardware or software. 

This level of flexibility is crucial for businesses that have fluctuating demands or are experiencing rapid growth.

Another critical advantage of cloud computing is its ability to enhance collaboration and communication. Cloud-based platforms allow employees to access documents, data and applications from anywhere, at any time, using any device. This makes it easier for team members to work together, regardless of their physical location.  Additionally, cloud-based tools enable real-time communication and collaboration, making it easier for teams to work on projects together, even if they are located in different parts of the world.

Cloud computing also offers improved data security. Most cloud service providers offer advanced security measures that protect businesses from data breaches, malware, and other cyber threats. 

With cloud computing, businesses can have peace of mind, knowing that their data is safe and secure, and that their operations will continue uninterrupted in the event of a disaster or security breach.

A great example would be Intranet, a cloud-based intranet solutions allow businesses to scale their IT infrastructure up or down, based on their needs. This means that businesses can add or remove users, storage, and computing power as required, without having to invest in additional hardware or software.

Top 6 Cloud computing platforms examples

Here are a few cloud computing platforms examples available on the market today, each with its own set of features and benefits. 

Here are some of the top cloud computing platforms that businesses can consider. 

List of cloud platforms:

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS) - AWS is one of the most popular cloud computing platforms, offering a wide range of services, including computing, storage, and databases. AWS also offers machine learning and artificial intelligence services, making it an attractive option for businesses that require these services.
2. Microsoft Azure - Azure is another popular cloud computing platform that offers a wide range of services, including computing, storage, databases, and networking. Azure also offers advanced analytics and machine learning services.
3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) - GCP is a cloud computing platform that offers computing, storage, and networking services. GCP also offers machine learning and data analytics services, making it an attractive option for businesses that require these services.
4. IBM Cloud - IBM Cloud is a cloud computing platform that offers a wide range of services, including computing, storage, and networking. IBM Cloud also offers advanced analytics and machine learning services.
5. Oracle Cloud - Oracle Cloud is a cloud computing platform that offers a wide range of services, including computing, storage, and databases. Oracle Cloud also offers advanced analytics and machine learning services.
6. Alibaba Cloud - Alibaba Cloud is a cloud computing platform that offers a wide range of services, including computing, storage, and networking. Alibaba Cloud also offers machine learning and artificial intelligence services.

In conclusion, there are numerous cloud computing platforms available on the market, and businesses should choose one based on their specific needs and requirements. AWS, Azure, and GCP are some of the most popular cloud computing platforms, but other platforms such as IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud also offer a wide range of services and features.

4 Reasons Why Cloud Computing Is Essential For Business

Cloud computing has become essential for businesses in recent years. With the rise of remote work and the need for digital transformation, businesses are turning to cloud computing to meet their IT needs. 

Without any further ado, let's take a closer look at a few of the reasons why cloud computing is essential for your business.

#1. It is Cost-Effective

One of the first reasons cloud computing is so essential is because it is cost-effective. Businesses have a long list of costs that they are responsible for, such as:

• Insurance
• Utilities
• Staff salaries
• Equipment
• Legal fees
• Web design and hosting
• Permits and licenses

The last thing you need is to spend more as a business. Unfortunately, buying, running, and maintaining your own hardware and servers can not only require a lot of work and specialization, but also a ton of money.

On the other hand, using the cloud allows you to only pay for what you use, which should dramatically lower your costs. Starting up with the cloud also requires much less of an investment than building your own IT team and setting up your own infrastructure. Sure, there is still a cost associated with using the cloud, but it will generally be smaller and easier to manage than if you handle everything yourself.

#2. It Makes Data More Accessible

The number of people who primarily work from home has tripled in the last few years, and this is another reason why using the cloud has become so important. Having your data easily accessible and reachable online ensures remote workers always have access to the information they need to do their job and can be great for improving employee experience.

Whether they are at home on a laptop, or on their phone on the train, they will have instant access to information and documents just like they would if they were in the office.

If you only house your data and information in-house, it can make it difficult for remote workers or those out of the office to gain access to important data when they need it. The easier your data is to access, the happier your workers will generally be. 

#3. It is Scalable

Cloud computing solutions are inherently scalable, which is another major reason why they have become so popular recently. Every so often, the needs of your business will change. For example, as your business grows, you will need to grant additional users access to your cloud solutions, increase storage, or otherwise change the environment.

If you rely on physical hardware to store information or data, you are often limited when it comes to scaling, as you can only go so far. With cloud computing, you can easily scale up or down when you need to, and this provides a ton of additional flexibility within your organization.

And with you only paying for what you use, you don't need to worry about paying for space or capacity that you don't need. 

#4. It is Incredibly Secure

When many think about using the cloud, their mind instantly goes to the security risks. They think that since your workers can access information and data from anywhere, that anyone else can too. However, the opposite is actually true, as cloud computing is incredibly secure.

These cloud service providers dedicate a ton of time and resources to security, and have various protocols and policies in place to protect users. There are also many compliance-related security requirements that generally need to be abided by, too. They also make an effort to constantly monitor their security efforts and ensure there are no weak points or vulnerabilities.

There are also a ton of settings and features that can be changed to ensure only those that require certain information or data will have access to it. Information is also often encrypted, to make information less accessible and legible if it does end up in the wrong hands somehow.

We hope that this article has helped you learn why cloud computing has become essential for businesses of all shapes and sizes. 

Wrapping up 

In conclusion, cloud computing has become essential for businesses in 2023. 

With its ability to reduce costs, increase flexibility, enhance collaboration, and improve data security, it is no wonder that more and more companies are adopting cloud computing. As businesses continue to adapt to the ever-changing business environment, cloud computing will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their success.