One of the extraordinary benefits of the cloud is the accessibility it offers users. As the landscape of our industry changes, we can see more and more SMEs are migrating to the cloud. The cloud offers an innovative service; one which provides accessibility. The option for roaming, and working away from the office is present more than ever with the cloud.

1. Accessibility in the
Cloud
One of the extraordinary benefits of the cloud is the accessibility it offers
users. As the landscape of our industry changes, we can see more and
more SMEs are migrating to the cloud. The cloud offers an innovative
service; one which provides accessibility. The option for roaming, and
working away from the office is present more than ever with the cloud.

2. Limitless Working
The accessibility of the cloud
makes it the go-to place for
companies due to the
convenience its offers. Users can
now work on projects and
documents from anywhere that
offers an internet connection, but
not only that, they now have a lot
more server space available to
them. SMEs are realising the
benefits of not hosting websites
and apps on in house servers.
This is not only on the grounds of
accessibility, but also for security
and costs.

3. Data Security
A recent survey conducted actually „identified that when it came to Cloud
uptake, the biggest concern for firms is where their data is being stored, with
64% identifying this as a key issue‟ *.
This needn‟t bee a worry as 85% of data centres have data backup and
recovery plans to ensure that your files are safe**. The beauty of cloud
storage means that your files, although united in one place online, could be
stored in various geographical locations. If there is a problem at a data
centre, it‟s unlikely to be significant enough to disrupt your business.
Where data is stored should not be of a concern to your business, any
concerns should be about how securely your data is stored (encryption and
physical facility security). You should also consider the extent at which your
data becomes inaccessible. If your servers are down how will this affect your
business?
Luckily, cloud servers are much more secure and robust than your average
SME‟s on-premise server. Cloud servers also offer the added benefit of being
accessed from anywhere the user wishes. SME‟s need to be focusing less
on where and more on how accessible and secure the cloud service is.

4. Keeping up
Living in a world that is increasingly technology based, more competitive and
where everyone is staying connected everywhere they go, is leading us into
faster-paced lifestyles. The cloud allows us to keep up.
Cloud services are accessable using a multitude of platforms. In our everyday
lives there is always “an app for that”, and within the cloud there are no
exceptions. Now you can stay connected when you‟re on the go via your phone,
tablet, laptop- anything on which you can connect to WiFi. Many cloud services
nowadays have a specific app for their products, simplifying the product in order
to enhance user experience and adding a profound new layer of accessibility.
Collaboration
The technology allowing us to constantly be connected to our work itself is a
revolutionary change in our business environment. But how is this any different to
having your work with you? Being in the cloud gives you the opportunity to share
and connect with all of your coworkers. This means that your accessibility
extends to your colleagues‟ work, meaning you can bounce off others‟ ideas and
contribute remotely. This new, social approach can make your staff more
innovative, productive, flexible and efficient.

5. With the internet becoming more developed, more
accessible and more widespread, the cloud is fast
becoming the destination of information technology,
with many businesses taking the lead. Collaboration
is one of the most important factors of working within
a business and now it is easier than ever.
*Sourced from SourcingFocus
**Based on figures provided by Eckhaus

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