How Does Cloud Computing Benefit End Users and Organisations?

How Does Cloud Computing Benefit End Users and Organisations?

If you’ve been alive, conscious, around computers and speaking English over the last 5 years then you have undoubtedly heard about the Cloud. Insert joke about the ones in the sky here. However, unless you’ve been really interested in the subject or needed to use it at one point or another then chances are you’re not 100% sure what it is and how it can benefit you.

What is the Cloud?

For those of you still living in the dark ages of computing, the Cloud is an online storage unit that lets you take files with you wherever you go. All you need is an internet connection and you can log on, upload, download and edit any file saved there. Quite simply it’s the future and you should be using it.

What are the Benefits?

That’s what we’re all here for, you’ve probably thought “the cloud sounds great but realistically what’s the benefit to me?” The answer is wide spread and varies depending on whether you’re an individual user or an organisation trying to keep everything in one place. Some of the benefits that benefit everyone include:

• Cost saving – online storage costs a lot less than physical storage, potentially saving a small fortune in hard drives.
• Storage on the move – no matter where you are in the world you can save your work and download all the files you need, when you need them.
• Increased flexibility in the workplace – similarly to the above point, the Cloud means that you can work from wherever you need to – ideal for freelancing or working from home.
• File recovery – if your computer dies, or is lost/ stolen it isn’t a problem as all your files will still be available online.
• Automatic software updates – the Cloud suppliers will make sure the server and security updates are always done, saving you time and hassle ensuring this is always up to date every week.
• Greater capacity for collaboration – thanks to the edit option, you can easily share the document you’re working on with clients or colleagues without worrying about creating duplicate files.

All of these are features that you are likely to be regularly using whether that’s as an individual or an organisation. Depending on how you currently operate, this could completely change the way in which you carry out your daily tasks – either by allowing remote users and flexible work schedules or simply by being able to leave your laptop at home when travelling to somewhere with computers.

Knowing How to Use it

Deciding to use the Cloud is great, but actually knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. Often it is beneficial to attend cloud computing courses so that you can make the most out of all the features listed above. Learning the best way to use this system will help to make you faster and more efficient, cutting costs even further and ensuring that you’re getting the most out of the platform.

Increased knowledge of the system will also help you to find little hidden benefits that are much more specific to you. Even if you thought you knew how to use the Cloud, there may be features and aspects of the system that you previously didn’t realise how to access – training can help you make the most of this system and greatly improve the way you operate.

About the Author – Global Knowledge UK provides cutting edge IT and business skills to individuals and companies around the UK. If you’re looking for flexible and tailored Cloud training programmes, then visit Global Knowledge today to learn more. 

To enable your staff to use those cloud computing systems, give us a call on 020 8203 1774 or email us enquiries@theittrainingsurgery.co.uk. We use Office365 to run our business, we are well placed to help you find your way around.