Switching to cloud technology is a fast-growing business trend, and it’s not hard to see why.

Approximately 75% of all businesses in Ireland use cloud technology, whether it’s in a public, private, or hybrid. Cloud technology is basically computing based on the internet rather than running applications from a physical server, meaning companies using cloud technology save on costs associated with server maintenance and expansion.

Efficiency for Business  

Cloud technology is also more efficient, since it’s easy to scale. Often businesses will need more or less bandwidth depending on which applications they need to run at any given time, and it’s easier to modify cloud technology to suit these purposes than it is to upgrade a server. Cloud technology also updates automatically, so there’s not as much IT costs involved in keeping it up to date. It’s also easier to back up files with cloud technology rather than resorting to using additional in-house resources.

Another important advantage of cloud technology is that employees often have an easier time logging in to company software remotely – which means that employees are able to be more mobile when they need to be, allowing businesses to offer flexibility that may not have been possible before. Additionally, if there’s a work emergency or projects that need to get done, being away from the office isn’t an issue for more senior staff members who might otherwise feel helpless in a time-sensitive work crisis.

The Challenges

However, along with the perks come some challenges, particularly in the setup phase. If a business is already storing everything on servers, moving everything over can seem like a daunting task. It’s a long project and can require a lot of additional IT work on top of regular everyday maintenance, meaning there are short term costs for the longer term payoff. If a business has the resources and a strategy to jump this hurdle, they still have to make sure that they have selected the right type of cloud platform. Should it be public, private, or a hybrid of both? Public cloud programs are more accessible but don’t have the security that private ones do. What features do you need?

Coping with new processes means encountering resistance to change, but as long as you have a good strategy in place, you’ll be able to overcome it. Knowing why you’re making the move to the cloud and defining your objectives is key to a successful transition. Is it better for performance? Are you aiming to reduce costs? Being able to explain precisely why cloud technology will help the business will also help employees feel invested in putting in the extra work to make it happen.

Changing to cloud technology takes time through the planning and implementation phase, and since time is money, you’ll want to invest it wisely. Still, cloud technology can be a huge benefit to any business hoping to save money in the long run.