Why Has Everybody Moved to the Cloud?

Are you reluctant to relocate your applications from your computer to the cloud?

Businesses of all sizes at one time perceived cloud-computing with doubt. They may have had some valid concerns about application speed and other issues early on. They also had invested money in software that ran on their own PCs.

But the cloud grew up, convincing businesses (especially SMBs) to shift applications from internal servers and desktops into data centers.

Back in 2015, Nielsen Consumer Insights found that 37% of small businesses in the US relied on cloud software for critical work processes. Research suggests that by 2020, 78% of SMBs will be “cloud-adapted”.

Gartner early this year estimated that the market for cloud-based applications will grow from $46 billion in 2017 to $75 billion in 2020. Researchers state that small businesses use cloud applications because of their cost benefits and scalability, among other factors.

What’s So Great About the Cloud?

So what attracts businesses to use cloud-based solutions instead of software that runs on their own computers?

In the first place, cloud-based solutions reduce a company’s need for hardware. By using an application hosted in a data center, they no longer need their own servers or PCs to host the application. They spend less on the hardware, on the people who maintain that hardware, and on people to maintain the software that runs on those computers.

Secondly, cloud solutions give customers instant product upgrades, while allowing for customization, without the need for re-installing software across multiple computers. All the product development and deployment happens in the data center.

Finally, cloud software providers build solutions for collaboration, integration, and scalability.

What About You?

Setting aside arguments for cloud solutions, are there good reasons to maintain on-premise software?

The truth is, the cloud model is well-established. Old worries over cloud applications dissipate. Reliable, broadband internet makes cloud application delivery as trustworthy and fast as a local area network. Cloud applications make it easier for staff to collaborate.

What about your business? Do you run mission-critical applications on your own PCs or servers? If so, have you considered switching to a cloud application?