We have all heard about the wonders of cloud computing and how everyone is moving to the cloud. Yet, for many in management, it may be unclear how to move your company from the ground to cloud. Let’s examine 5 common business needs supported by cloud services that help reduce costs, increase operating efficiencies and provide more scalability.
1. Email Management
If your company still relies a physical email server located in the office, now is a great time to look to the cloud. Regardless of your email system, the exact same system can be provided as a service via the cloud. This move will eliminate the need to keep a high-salary email administrator on staff, will reduce the risk of a broken server leaving your staff without the ability to communicate, and will provide a scalable resource that grows with your business needs. Once migrated to the cloud, managing your company’s email system will be as simple as deciding the overall capacity and the number of email accounts needed.
2. Marketing Analytics
There are great analytic services offered in the cloud and one of the most used options is free (Google Analytics). Take advantage of the cloud to collect and interpret your marketing data, including website traffic and email marketing performance. By taking a moment to connect the dots, you may learn that an initiative you’ve put a lot of resources toward is under-performing against lower-prioritized initiatives. This basic knowledge will help you assign resources to support your most impactful programs.
Does your business send marketing email? Are you selling ad space on your website? Are you investing in an SEO strategy to push leads to your site? If so, then now is the time to turn to the cloud for simple, low-cost analytic tools.
3. Data Backup
The ability to back up and restore data can make or break a company in the event of an emergency. Several cloud-based data backup services exist so you don’t have to risk storing your data on-site. Whether you have a staff of three or seventy-five, there is a scalable, cost-effective solution that will ensure your data is protected.
4. Project Management
Whether you are a general contractor, an association, or an architecture firm, chances are you’re collaborating on projects. It is always a struggle to ensure participants are reviewing the latest documents, delegating task ownership, and communicating status updates. Fortunately, there are a number of project management solutions offered in the cloud at a wide range of prices levels. These services integrate seamlessly with desktop and mobile devices, providing a huge advantage to companies collaborating on projects with customers.
5. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools
Small to mid -size businesses should consider cloud-based CRM services. Not only does it eliminated the need to implemented complex software on-site, but these tools often integrate seamlessly with email, social media, and other software tools you are already using.
Where to Begin
I have worked with many clients who are unsure or hesitant on the first steps to utilizing the cloud for their business or department. Unsure where to begin? Contact Richter Sterling to begin the conversation.
Tim Richter is a seasoned IT leader providing technology agendas that support strategic business plans. Richter Sterling offers an affordable and flexible alternative to expensive in-house IT leadership. As a result, your business can capture a higher return on technology investments.