Top 10 Benefits for SMBs to Move Their Desktops to the Cloud

The Cloud Movement Is Here

There is no question that the cloud movement is well and truly upon us, with many small-to-medium businesses already embracing the benefits of the cloud. This whitepaper discusses the reasons and advantages for moving away from traditional desktop computing strategies, and explores why cloud-hosted desktops are being readily embraced by small-to-medium businesses globally.

What Is the Cloud?

Cloud computing refers to virtual infrastructure or internet-based resources that can be accessed and consumed on demand to perform computing tasks. The cloud allows businesses to pay upon usage and is versatile in its usability and functionality. Cloud computing minimises — and has the potential to eliminate — upfront computer software costs, with most managed service providers billing the service as a monthly fee.

Top 10 Benefits of Moving to the Cloud

1

Improved time management

Cloud computing allows for easy staff management and training, and reduces the loss of revenue associated with the inability to access resources immediately. Manage documents, projects and communications — and train staff from anywhere, anytime. Desktop as a Service (DaaS) gives employees immediate access to resources with just an internet connection, so staff can meet with clients and accelerate deals by instantly sending required information.

2

Savings

Budget for an affordable set monthly fee without any hidden costs — one that’s tangible as your company grows and requires further usage. You can also cut costs on updating computer software and avoid software redundancy costs.

3

Mobility

If your business requires you or your employees to be constantly on-the-go, or a number of staff work remotely, then the cloud is for you. All your information is stored in one place, accessible to all employees with an internet connection. Staff are no longer desk-bound and can perform simple or complex tasks on the road. This also supports the growing popularity of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategies — making working from phones, laptops or tablets simple and efficient.

4

Nature of business

With 49% of Australian businesses expected to look into cloud computing strategies, your business can’t afford to be left on the starting blocks. If your business has an online element, it’s open 24 hours a day regardless of whether you or your staff are physically working. The cloud lets your business be more flexible and productive — responding immediately to problems and opportunities, and adapting to technology advances as they emerge.

5

Scalability

Don’t pay for what you don’t use. Cloud computing changes the way your business buys and uses technology — you’re given the control to upscale or downscale your IT requirements. The cloud supports your business growth without expensive investments that cause stress as your workplace continues to grow.

6

Data storage

Perhaps one of the most beneficial aspects of the cloud is its data storage capabilities and file backup properties. If a technical failure arises within your business, your work on the cloud is instantly backed up to an offsite server — meaning your valuable data remains accessible.

7

Collaboration

The cloud encourages collaboration and teamwork. Remote team members feel engaged and valued. Multiple employees can leave comments and feedback on projects regardless of which device they’re working from, and users can access files of all formats and collaborate whether they’re next to each other in the office or on the other side of the world.

8

Speed

A key benefit of the cloud is its superior performance and speed. The nature of the cloud is instant, meaning accessing applications and documents is quick and easy. Working from the cloud is generally quite simple and requires limited training and detail when explaining it to employees.

9

Security

By moving your desktops to the cloud you can certify security. Most companies host data within their own office and risk losing their entire workplace data should disaster strike. Cloud-hosted desktops let you adopt a desktop disaster recovery (DR) strategy — ensuring business continuity and protection with no physical infrastructure required, so you can reserve data capacity and protect your tiered workforce.

10

Performance

SMBs can really benefit from cloud-hosted desktops in the area of performance. As an SMB, updating hardware isn’t always a first priority — it’s sometimes unnecessary and can prove costly. The cloud gives life and a new purpose to older equipment.

Australian Small Businesses’ Favourite Features of Cloud Accounting

Summary

Through moving your SMB to the cloud and utilising cloud-hosted desktops, you will reap benefits that span not only monetary advantages, but mobility, functionality, security and speed. Join the cloud movement to simplify your workplace and secure its valuable and essential data.

About Hosted Network

Everything we do is based around building solutions for our partners to enable them to grow and succeed.

Starting off as a traditional MSP in 2003 and launching a number of direct to market cloud offerings, we quickly gained traction in the SMB market and were approached by a number of other MSPs asking if we could provide our services at a wholesale level.

We quickly realised a gap in the market for wholesale cloud services designed for MSPs to grow their service offering and reach new markets. In 2013, Hosted Network transitioned to an entirely channel-only model, working hand-in-hand with MSPs to grow their business and win new deals.

Since then, our success is credited to and driven by the success of our partners. This has led to us adopting a simple mantra of BUILD – GROW – SUCCEED. Building successful partnerships and solutions, growing together, succeeding together.

¹ Business Spectator, 2015 — “Australian SMBs ahead of the cloud accounting curve.”