5 Ways Cloud Storage Improves Business

As employees are no longer chained to desks in today’s bring-your-own-device business landscape – plus, of course, the always-on-your-feet world of retail – cloud storage is becoming an ever-increasing factor helping enterprises better collaborate and keep their data safe. The 2015 GCI report by technology company Cisco predicts that by 2019, 83 percent of all data center traffic will come from the cloud. Prominent brands are publicly joining the cloud storage movement. For example, grocer Whole Foods announced on Fox News that it is moving to a cloud-based retail management system for everything from product management to intuitive analytics.

Cloud storage allows you to upload and download the same data from any device, from any location. If you’re an independent retailer who is questioning whether cloud storage is an ideal solution for your business, here are five ways utilizing a cloud application can benefit your company.

Reduced IT Costs

Because cloud storage is provided by a secure data center that has a team monitoring security, this reduces the need for your business to invest heavily in technological support. The cloud storage provider uses secure servers monitored by professionals, eliminating the need for data checks.

If you’re comparing cloud storage services through a provider, such as Top 10 Cloud Storage, search for cloud storage providers that offer robust security through standards such as in-transit and at-rest encryption, plus complex sharing controls. While 100 percent uptime is never a guarantee, 99 percent is an acceptable cloud storage standard.

Automatic Backup

Losing data or experiencing an outage can cost your company millions. A 2011 Ponemon Institute study sponsored by Emerson Network Power found businesses lose an average of $5,000 a minute during an outage. Add minutes your business uses to recover files or re-create them from scratch, and that can obliterate a retailer.

With cloud storage, instant sync and backup features automatically store your data across devices, so if your office computers are damaged or stolen, you won’t have to go offline. Backup protects against everything from hardware failures to environmental threats, making it essential for your business data.

Increased Efficiency

With cloud storage, you can upload documents and share them with the specific team members you want. Chat and messaging options in document windows improve collaboration, while employees can work on projects no matter where they are, from any device.

With real-time updates on projects comes elevated transparency, allowing team members to hold each other accountable regarding progress on projects. Since communication can happen in one window, the hassle of lengthy or confusing email threads is also eliminated.

Easy File Sharing

Along with increased efficiency comes simple and straightforward file sharing that doesn’t require slow FTP sites or the handover and potential loss of thumb drives. Cloud storage is built for the speedy uploading of large files and allows employees to share significant documents and media quickly and easily with team members.

Cloud storage also allows for public sharing of large files through the download of a public link. Simply paste the cloud storage link onto a website or social media channel, and anyone you want to have access to a large file can see it in mere clicks.

Version Recovery

Part of the power of cloud storage’s analytic value lies in allowing businesses to see how projects come to fruition, including time spent on tasks and version progress. Cloud storage allows for the saving of file history, so old versions are always accessible in case you need to go back a few steps.

This quality is especially helpful for businesses working with and sharing data with other clients. Clients might want to revisit earlier versions or compare new files to older work. Version history and recovery also allows sales team members to track and view how the performance of certain materials contrasts with newer techniques, weaving powerful analytics into cloud storage services.

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