Cloud-based computing is not a new concept, but it is only recently becoming better accepted in the more traditional of workplaces.
Take the British 2012 summer for example. Hosting the Olympics raised the dilemma of how staff would battle crowds on public transport. With a worry looming that local employees would turn up continually late due to traffic or transport delays, the idea of flexible working was introduced, and many companies actioned staff to work from home to ensure no working hours were lost due to the big Games: this was possible because of Cloud computing.
Of course, this isn’t appropriate for all environments, but for office workers, it is an ideal way to lower overheads whilst giving staff the flexibility and job satisfaction that they crave.
So how does it work?
Cloud-computing, sometimes referred to as Software as a Service (SaaS) is a way in which software and data can be accessed via a web browser over the internet. Often, access is granted by a username and password, to limit who has access for security reasons, and it is not that dissimilar to the use of e-mail.
Most consumers will be familiar with accessing their e-mail – whether it is Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo Mail – in the palm of their hands thanks to a wireless internet connection. With this familiarity well and truly set thanks to the popularity of smartphones and the subsequent thirst for information anytime and anywhere, the transition to computers for most shouldn’t be too different, and high adoption rates are truly one of the big plusses for cloud-based computing.
With this in mind, cloud computing allows a business to make anywhere an office, providing there is access to the internet. Not only does this give employers a more broad hiring process, not limiting candidates to one geographical location, but they can also save money in the long run.
Firstly, let’s look at the geography. In a company where regional sales may be a factor, SaaS can be of huge benefit. Employees who may not be within commuting distance or who would be required to travel with work, can still access their company e-mails, shared files and programs, whilst on the go. All they need is the internet connection.
Now let’s look at the money – the deciding point in any addition to a business. Typically a cloud server is smaller than a regular server, meaning less storage and space is required for its existence in the head office. This technology will store all necessary information in a secure way, allowing access only when permission is granted – again, through a password.
What’s great about cloud computing is that a business can be seen as growing whilst not having to invest hugely in new premises – a major cost to smaller companies. Likewise, the hub that is your head office can downsize if needed meaning your general facilities costs, whether it be utility bills or office equipment, can be reduced.
In a similar fashion, if you are looking for allowing more flexible work for employees, sanctioning working from home, or setting up multiple office locations, these can be easily done without the need for expensive set-up of complex virtual private networks.
In the case of location-based sales, this can be a particularly beneficial way of ensuring that long commutes aren’t an issue, and that can always be a huge plus for any company (particularly if you are looking to boost your green credentials) as well as an appealing factor for future employees.
Furthermore, where an office with large numbers may need multiple licenses for essential – but pricey – software, cloud-based computing can reduce this number and cost. Providing the cloud server has the appropriate software hosted, others can access this remotely without the need to install on the machine outside of the office.
New style businesses who adopt a more flexible way of working will be sure to reap the rewards of doing so. If employees are trusted enough to work at home, generally they will become more productive as they are able to spend less time commuting and more time with family. This additional productivity is beneficial for the company and gives job satisfaction for those in this modern workplace environment.
In addition, where multiple office locations would normally need heavy investment in order to connect and install expensive software and networks, thanks to cloud computing, this cost can be eradicated.
Overall, cloud computing is a simple idea that has massive implications for a business that chooses to use it. There is certainly an implied flexibility and faster start-up associated with cloud-computing. On top of this, it is a cheaper and completely accessible system overall. With rents not likely to reduce in the near future and employees constantly looking for a way to prioritize their family without sacrificing their career, cloud-computing will become ever more appealing for the modern working generation.
Provided there is adequate organization at the head office, a solid back-up system in place and a means to keep of tracking work carried out remotely, cloud-computing will surely be a staple in the IT department of any office of the future.
Author Bio
Ben Stoneham is the founder of Now We Comply – a cloud-based software service for the recruitment and HR sector that cuts risk and admin by easily automating key HR and compliance processes.
