Leverage the cloud to grow and sustain profitability

Leverage the cloud to grow and sustain profitability

The pandemic has significantly impacted businesses of all sizes, but small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often do not have the resources to quickly recover from economic stressors.

Cloud computing technology has helped many businesses restabilize and grow during difficult times. According to a study conducted by McKinsey, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses were quick to adopt cloud-based digital technologies to address business challenges.

Cloud-based Anything-as-a-Service (XaaS) offerings can help businesses in the post-pandemic future due to its inherent flexibility.

What is cloud computing, and how does it help with business digital transformation?

Cloud computing gives businesses the ability to store and access information by utilizing applications over the Internet instead of connecting to on-premise hardware. For certain applications, businesses no longer have to purchase, install, and maintain servers or software; resources are simply rented from a cloud services provider.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) are three main types of Cloud services. IaaS provides companies with infrastructure such as servers and storage that are needed to run applications. PaaS is a platform on which companies can develop and deploy applications. And SaaS is software offered by providers on a subscription basis.

IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS are all important parts of the Cloud ecosystem, but SaaS is what drives the majority of businesses' digital transformation efforts. SaaS allows businesses to quickly adopt new applications and technologies without having to go through a lengthy and expensive implementation process.

Ways businesses can leverage the Cloud

Here are a few ways your company can leverage Cloud services.

Protect a business from the unexpected

Unexpected situations include disasters that may affect operations. For example, a company can use the Cloud to store data offsite to achieve security from loss or damage. Cloud services also enabled remote work during the pandemic, reducing staff exposure to COVID-19.

Create flexible work arrangements

With the Cloud, businesses are no longer tethered to a specific device or location to perform work. All that is required to be operational is an Internet connection to the Cloud. The resulting flexibility is key for businesses to attract and retain top talent.

Additionally, the Cloud enables teams to collaborate online with ease. By using SaaS applications, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Teams, employees can create a virtual workspace for sharing files, communicating, and working on projects together.

Tighten data security

Data is unquestionably one of the most valuable business assets and is also highly vulnerable to security threats. To operate successfully, businesses need to define an IT security strategy.

One of the best ways to protect data is by using the Cloud. Cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure have state-of-the-art security systems that are becoming more affordable. In addition, Cloud providers are constantly updating security systems to ensure data is protected against the latest threats.

Automate repetitive processes and simplify tasks

The Cloud can automate tedious tasks including emailing, invoicing, and payment processing. For example, with a tool like Zapier, companies can connect various business applications and create a workflow to automatically send invoices, process payments, and create reminders.

The Cloud also makes it easy to track spending. By using an application like QuickBooks Online or Wave Accounting, users can track expenses. Integration between Cloud applications can improve visibility into spending patterns and identify areas for cost savings.

Help build stronger customer relationships

Cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) software like Salesforce and Zoho CRM can help companies seamlessly manage contacts, send emails, make calls, and track sales. The cloud also makes it easy to keep track of customer interactions and provides a central repository for all customer data. This data can be used to improve customer service, resolve issues quickly, and increase sales.

Roebuck Technologies offers Business Cloud services that can help businesses improve communications, secure critical data, and become more agile and flexible. Give us a call today.


Doug Coleman

Doug Coleman

Chief Operating Officer

Doug possesses over 20 years of expertise in corporate finance, information systems, logistics, supply chain management and competitive strategies. He has served in executive management not only for The Roebuck Group, but also Commercial Carrier Corporation, a nationwide transportation and logistics provider. Additionally, he served in senior management at Vology, a global value-added reseller of technology solutions. Doug earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Florida as well as a Juris Doctorate degree from Stetson University College of Law.