The debate on whether to adopt cloud computing or not is passé now. India has seen remarkable adoption of this technology in its different size of businesses. A Forbes 2018 report says in 2016-2017, the public cloud services market in India has seen phenomenal growth–reaching $1.8 billion in 2017, up from $1.3 billion in 2016. By 2020, this figure is expected to reach $4.1 billion. In Asia Pacific region, India stands second only to China, as the largest and fastest-growing cloud services market. Cloud computing pundits see an enormous growth opportunity for this sector backed by factors like growing Internet penetration, technology inclination among the Indian business houses among other.

However, yet there is one debate going on as to who invented the idea of Cloud Computing? Different websites say the concept of network-based computing dates to the 1960s. However, many believe the first use of “cloud computing” in its modern context happened on August 9, 2006, when the then Google CEO Eric Schmidt introduced the term to an industry conference.

A brief on Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing refers to the computing services including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, intelligence and other over the Internet (“the cloud”). What it does? It offers faster innovation, flexible resources and economies of scale. Cloud Computing has the flexibility of offering “pay per use” feature that enables business houses to pay only for services you use, helping lower your operating costs, run your infrastructure more efficiently and scale as your business needs change.

Indian context

In Indian business environment, Cloud-based services have already become pervasive. So much so that, for some enterprises, it’s difficult to manage innovation without the Cloud technology. If we compare what the technology has brought to the Indian businesses, I will say, compared with traditional conditions, it has conveyed efficiency that empowers organizations to diminish capital expenses and increment business adaptability. Also, cloud specialists say, the technology has dramatically impacted how web hosts and server farms work.

To put it simple, Cloud Technology is a utility model for business houses; where one can utilize the services as per need, procedures and applications and then pay for the amount being utilized. It is a model for enabling ubiquitous, helpful, on-request network access to a shared pool of configurable processing assets like servers, stockpiling, applications and administrations that can be quickly provisioned and discharged with negligible management exertion or service provider communication.

Cloud Computing for small businesses

Cloud Computing is all the more important for small businesses than big ones given the fact that it reduces operational cost and brings speed, accuracy. It makes such businesses to compete on a global scale. Thanks to innovative products that provide storage, software, and infrastructure through the cloud, businesses can minimize their IT expenses. Additionally, the monthly or annual billing rates set by cloud service providers can help you eliminate surprise expenses such as emergency server repairs.

Cloud Computing can be beneficial in following areas as well:

Software solutions

With Cloud solution, small businesses don’t have to buy server to access some of the most powerful software, infrastructure and platforms in the world, regardless of their location, without having to buy a single server. Cloud computing streams applications from the Internet, where service providers have all the needed equipment on hand, directly to their users.

Scaling and flexibility

Cloud computing helps small companies manage fluctuating demand. In the past, companies with on-premises systems had to buy server and workstation upgrades to accommodate new users. Now, when you need to expand your staff, you can log into your service provider to add users. Likewise, cloud computing can scale everything from bandwidth to processing power, ensuring that you can always have the resources needed to support growth. Best of all, when periods of peak demand subside, you can scale back your service plan to save money.

Collaboration

With Cloud Computing, in a small set-up, your team members can access, edit, and share documents from anywhere, using computers and mobile devices. This means that traditional and remote employees can work together on projects to save time and improve quality.

Big Data and Analytics

As you process growing amounts of data from multiple internal and external sources, cloud computing enables quick analysis thanks to powerful data processing capabilities.

Cloud Computing for Biggies

Enhances productivity

Heard about work from anywhere, anytime? This has come from cloud computing technology. Lately, big companies boast this concept wherein the infrastructure allows the employees and business executives to work anytime, anywhere. This fosters a good environment for more collaboration within the organization. The ability to share information continuously and work on projects together can transform business processes in a big way. Workers can complete projects in real-time and share information with each other remotely.

Document control

As employees produce and exchange information within the production loop, the need for proper documentation increases. Employees send attachment files back and forth through the company’s Intranet. This often creates a lot of conflicting files in different formats and titles. The number of complications increases as more data is being released, processed and stored. People who use the cloud send files in a central place where everyone can access them.

Security

Cloud services store information on servers and hardware a business doesn’t control. These offsite servers have stringent security measures that prevent any form of data breach. They typically require the most powerful firewalls, access credentials and security protocols to make sure business managers are comfortable storing critical information on their servers. The data is stored in a central repository managed 24/7 by internet security experts.

By Aniketh Jain, General Manager, APAC, Enterprise Cloud Business