Boost Productivity With Cloud-Based Teams

Are you noticing a lull in productivity and output in the workplace recently? Or, perhaps your IT infrastructure is struggling as your business scales. Slow, outdated systems could be what’s holding your business back just when you’re on the brink of success. Instead of turning a blind eye to your current IT systems’ constant issues, you need to look at the bigger picture. It’s time to switch to cloud-based services.

These days, more and more modern enterprises are turning to cloud computing to increase their teams’ productivity levels and relieve any IT infrastructure issues. Cloud-based services are an excellent solution that grows with your scaling business, giving employees the flexibility they need to work efficiently.

What Is Cloud Computing?

In simple terms, cloud computing is the process of delivering computing services via the internet, which is what we call “the cloud.” Cloud-based services offer innovation, flexibility, and adaptability, with you only paying for the services your business uses. Cloud-based systems support several kinds of computing services, including:

• Servers
• Databases
• Networks
• Software
• Storage
• Applications
• And More

Although the cloud is virtually endless, three primary cloud models exist for business purposes. Your managed IT service provider can help determine which model makes the most sense for your business.

Types of Cloud Services

The three main cloud models for businesses include SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS, but really, anything can be sold as a cloud-based service. Explore the range of options available before settling on a cloud service that’s right for your business’s needs:

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS is typically the starting point for most small companies. This cloud solution includes applications hosted by your service provider. One great example to give you a better understanding of SaaS solutions is Google. The tech giant allows you to log into multiple cloud-based systems through a singular account, such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and more.

SaaS gives your employees the ability to access emails and essential documents anywhere in the world with a reliable internet connection. It’s no wonder nearly 94% of businesses in this study report using cloud SaaS solutions in some capacity.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS provides a framework of cloud components so software developers can create custom applications for businesses. PaaS is delivered via the internet as well, so there’s no physical hardware or operating system infrastructure for developers to keep straight.

Many businesses select PaaS for business applications because it gives developers immediate access to a comprehensive suite of software development tools, such as sample code and pre-built application templates or components.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS is another cloud computing model with infrastructure that utilizes virtualization technologies. Think of IaaS as your business’s virtual data center, where IT administrators can control the cloud environment remotely instead of maintaining any physical infrastructure like servers, storage, or operating systems that are prone to breaches. It might come as a surprise, but cloud computing is critically interconnected with IT security.

IaaS is useful for networking, computing, and data storage. Since IT specialists can instantly access IaaS systems, it’s swift and easy to scale with your developing needs. Services can be completely customized to provide the highest levels of security to your organization and its customers.

Anything as a Service (XaaS)

Although the previously mentioned systems are the primary solutions businesses choose for storage and computing, many other services are offered. XaaS is the overarching term to describe tools, games, applications, and services delivered through the cloud. Here are some XaaS examples:

• Storage as a Service (StaaS)
• Database as a Service (DBaaS)
• Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS)
• Communications as a Service (CaaS)
• Network as a Service (NaaS)
• Data as a Service (DaaS)

As you can see, just about anything can be offered as a cloud-based service, even harmful programs such as Malware as a Service (MaaS). However, the cloud models many businesses utilize are designed to help, not hurt.

5 Benefits of Cloud Computing That Can Boost Productivity

Many organizations have immense success after implementing cloud-based services. Business owners often report a rise in productivity and improvements in communication across teams with a cloud-based system. Below, see how cloud computing can benefit team productivity and, ultimately, your business.

1. Enhances Collaboration

First, one of the most attractive features of cloud services is the centralization of communication channels. Your employees will have a much easier time communicating and collaborating on tasks with the help of one of the many cloud models.

In fact, a Forbes survey found that 64% of organizations utilizing cloud-based collaboration tools reported higher output and faster execution times than ever before. Giving your employees the tools to work together with ease is one of the crucial components of a productive company.

2. Increases Flexibility

Nowadays, work from home is all the rage, and businesses are hard-pressed to find employees who will work without the flexibility of remote employment. Luckily, cloud computing gives you that same capability.

When your cloud-based teams have the option to work wherever they have access to the internet remotely, they also have the ability to work at times and in locations that allow them to perform more productively. Cloud services offer immense flexibility and enable your teams to access, edit, and share documents or evaluate data on secure servers, even when they’re on the other side of the globe.

3. Integrates With Existing Systems

Another reason so many more businesses are beginning to migrate to cloud services is the ease of implementation. Cloud infrastructure seamlessly integrates your business’s existing system, allowing you to maintain operations with minimal downtime.

So, how does an easy integration equate to more productivity? The answer is simple. Since your employees won’t have to worry about familiarizing themselves with an entirely new system, less time is spent training cloud-based teams. With cloud computing solutions, your teams can take a break from boring training to focus on serving your customers instead of struggling to adapt.

4. Reduces IT Team Workloads

What’s better is that cloud services give your IT team a break too. No longer will your IT professionals waste time updating individual systems or fix damaged hardware since everything is entirely online. In addition, cloud systems bounce back quickly in the event of a disaster, especially when you have a high-quality IT disaster recovery checklist to follow, helping minimize downtime among your IT team. 

5. Provides Consistency for Employees and Customers

Cloud services supply your business with more consistency, which can positively affect customer satisfaction and employee productivity. The cloud creates a more organized and unified workforce, with centralized data storage centers, open communication channels, and shared services that can be utilized throughout your organization.

In terms of customers, the cloud enables your employees to provide more effective customer support. In the digital age, no one wants to wait around for answers to simple questions from unresponsive IT customer support when issues could be solved with the click of a button. With one centralized platform for communication, marketing, and other essential business functions, your company can better serve its customers. 

Change Your Business Landscape Utilizing High-Quality Cloud Services

Industries are evolving, and now, more than ever, businesses need robust and reliable IT infrastructure to meet the demands of daily operations. Utilizing cloud services can launch your teams toward success with consistent, flexible solutions.

Cloud-based solutions adapt as your business grows, giving your employees the tools they need to reach maximum productivity. Contact Total IT today to take advantage of our outstanding cloud services for businesses and get the best productivity levels out of your cloud-based teams.