Cloud solutions enable the use of computing services such as storage, databases, software, and more through the internet. It is a very convenient way of making computing services accessible for all, especially small businesses. Cloud strategy development is a real turning point for small scale enterprises since the benefits they offer are countless. Around 44% of traditional small businesses use cloud infrastructure or hosting services.
How do these cloud services help small businesses? We’ll get into it, including what are the types of cloud services available and how do you choose the right cloud service for you. Stay tuned.
What Are Cloud Solutions?
In simple terms, cloud computing services provide the computing services you demand, so you don’t have to buy and install complex computing hardware and software, paying a huge amount of money.
Benefits of Cloud Solutions for Small Businesses
There are several benefits that cloud solutions give small businesses. A few of them are:
Cost Efficiency
Cloud computing for small businesses helps them to reduce the cost of using computing services. You may use any type of computing service model, but you only have to pay for the services you use. You may not need all the computing services, but a few. Cloud computing for small businesses follows a pay-as-you-go pricing model which offers a cost effective method of payment.
Scalability
Your computing needs will change as time goes on and the business grows. Your business will need more storage space, server support, databases etc. When you use cloud services you can easily increase and reduce the capacity provided by the cloud services without changing the physical infrastructure of the business.
Flexibility and Accessibility
Cloud services are the most flexible way of using computing services. It enables smooth remote work and collaboration with just a stable internet connection. You can access the services from any place and at any time when you have internet access. Cloud services connect your clients, remote workers and partners at the same time, you can edit and share files simultaneously without any struggle.
Security
Cloud solutions in Qatar use high security cloud systems to provide ultimate protection and avoid data breaches and security attacks. Don’t worry about losing data since the cloud services have automatic data backup and support. You can easily recover the data you think you have lost with the help of these facilities. All of the cloud computing for small businesses complies with industry standards and the terms of licensing authorities, so you can avoid having legal troubles.
Types of Cloud Services for Small Businesses
There are different types of cloud services that are widely adopted by small businesses. They are:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a service is the most important cloud service for small businesses. IaaS offers IT infrastructure services needed by your business on a pay-as-you go basis. Over the internet, you can seamlessly access these services which are scalable and flexible depending on your needs.
DigitalOcean, Microsoft Azure,Vultr and Google Cloud are some of the most common IaaS providers.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
If your business needs a platform where you can develop and test fully developed web applications without worrying about cost, complexity, or infrastructure, you need a PaaS service. For a small business, it provides the needed infrastructure, development tools, a complete software stack etc on your demand. With PaaS, you can easily run, deploy, build, test, maintain, scale and update applications.
Engine Yard, Heroku, Google App Engine and IBM Cloud are the most popular PaaS providers.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Your small business doesn’t have to worry about software licenses and paying to own them when you have Software as a Service. They offer software for you to use without ownership. You pay for it periodically to make use of it. The service provider will take care of updating the software. You can use the most updated cloud services without worrying about taking care of the website when the service provider is there to do it.
How to Choose the Right Cloud Solution?
You need to think through a lot of things before choosing the cloud solutions that best suit you.
Assess Your Business Needs
Every business has varying business needs. Based on these, the IT requirements will also differ. Identify your specific requirements and future goals, and evaluate your current IT infrastructure before choosing and implementing your cloud services. Select a cloud service that can meet all your business needs.
Compare service Providers
Conduct research about the available cloud service providers in Qatar. Go through the cost and check whether they are reliable service providers and if they support you through the installment, and if they provide maintenance when needed. Reading reviews will help you understand the pros and cons of the service providers. If they click all the checkboxes, consider that you have found the right cloud solutions for you.
Consider Security and Compliance
Security is an important aspect of every cloud solution since protecting the data saved in the cloud is necessary. Cloud computing for small businesses always makes sure their data is given enough security against data breaches, thus protecting them.
Cloud solutions offer a lot of advantages to small businesses. They help you use the benefits of computing with minimal cost and effort. You just have to pay monthly only for the resources you make use of.
If you’re searching for the right cloud services for small businesses, consult with an expert. If finding cloud solutions in Qatar is your concern, Trojan Technologies offers the best cloud services at reasonable prices for your small businesses in Qatar. We have been successfully supporting small businesses for the last 10 years. Get in touch today to learn more about the comprehensive cloud services we offer.