10 benefits of cloud computing for companies

Cloud computing offers a host of benefits for companies, outperforming on-premises set-ups in terms of processing power, scalability, cost, security and accessibility. The massive trend towards cloud migration is evidence that the cloud is here to stay and will overtake on-premises computing in the coming years.

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the benefits of cloud computing have become even more apparent. With improved collaboration, on-demand networking and the power of data-driven insights, the cloud makes businesses more competitive and agile. SEACOM Business offers a range of cloud computing services for enterprises is South Africa. Here are 10 benefits that these services can bring to your company.

Benefit 1: High accessibility with the cloud

Since cloud computing is web-based, resources stored on the cloud can be accessed from anywhere. This supports remote teams who need to collaborate from any location - file sharing is easier and faster on the cloud. Data can be accessed from any endpoint, including laptops, smartphones and tablets. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of cloud computing.

Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are reshaping industries and global manufacturing. Smart supply chains, algorithms based on machine learning, connected assets that provide predictive and preventative maintenance are all made possible because of interconnected datasets held on the cloud.

Benefit 2: Scaling a network

With traditional computing, if a business needs to increase their network size, they have to invest in more servers, modems, routers and other hardware. This is expensive and can take months to implement. If that business no longer needs the extra capacity, then this excess equipment just gathers dust.

Scaling a network with cloud computing is completely different. It can take a few minutes, rather than weeks or months, and it is just as easy to scale down. With cloud computing, businesses are able to respond to seasonal demand. Auto-scaling can be used to scale up or down as needed without any manual intervention.

SEACOM Business offers burstable capacity, which means that enterprises never have to worry about running out of cloud-based storage space or processing power. Businesses can grow their digital presence very rapidly and this makes large-scale enterprises extremely agile.

Benefit 3. Pricing structure with cloud computing

Unlike the costs associated with on-site computing, there is no upfront expenditure related to setting up a cloud network. There is no need for specialised hardware or software, making it much cheaper to deploy cloud infrastructure than a traditional on-premise network. Administrative costs are also reduced because it is much quicker and easier to manage a cloud network. Automation is used to replace most of the manual setup and maintenance.

Another key benefit of cloud computing are consumption-based payment models. With SEACOM Business, enterprises only pay for what they use. Predictable pricing and managed services reduce IT expenditure. This is why SEACOM Business is a reliable business-to-business (B2B) partner for large South African enterprises.

Benefit 4: Resource pooling with cloud computing

Cloud service providers (CSPs) offer cloud resources to multiple tenants. In other words, different companies share the cloud environment, including storage, memory and network bandwidth. Pooled resources improve network performance because they offer higher processing speeds. In addition, costs are reduced as CSPs leverage economies of scale. Businesses can enjoy higher levels of security and have access to cutting-edge technologies.

Benefit 5: Secure cloud computing within multi-tenant environments

In a multi-tenant environment, CSPs use virtual private clouds to keep data separate and secure. If one tenant experiences a data breach or cyber security threat, then it will not affect other tenants, even though they share the same cloud environment.

For some industries, this may not be enough to meet regulatory requirements. In these cases, enterprises can have a private cloud in which they do not share resources with other tenants. Better still, they can take a hybrid approach and enjoy the best of both worlds: the cost-effectiveness of a public cloud and extremely high security with a private cloud.

By using software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN), corporate networks automatically choose the best path for the network traffic, prioritising critical business functions and securing highly confidential data.

Benefit 6: Security benefits of cloud computing

Enterprise-grade public clouds, such as Microsoft Azure, offer standard levels of data security. By adding the most advanced technology in cyber security, these cloud environments can become extremely secure. Data encryption and access control and management, give enterprises the highest levels of cyber security when it comes to cloud computing.

SEACOM Business has additional value added services designed for corporate networks. Distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection is essential to ensure that enterprise networks are kept safe from such large-scale attacks. Find out more about our DDoS Protect solution.

Benefit 7: Self-service and on-demand computing

When businesses use a public cloud, they remain in full control of their network. On-demand functionality is easy to administer from a user-friendly console. Permissions and access control can be easily updated, network scaling happens in a few quick steps, and network performance is easy to monitor. Businesses don’t need to have highly specialised IT teams in order to enjoy the benefits of enterprise-grade cloud connectivity.

Benefit 8: Maintenance is much easier

With cloud computing, businesses don’t need to maintain their own data centres, servers, routers, switches and other networking equipment. Everything happens virtually in the form of software. When businesses have an on-site data centre, they need storage racks, cooling systems, electrical equipment, back-up generators, and all these need to be maintained, kept clean and secured with surveillance systems. Cloud computing makes maintenance much easier as it all happens from an online platform that can be accessed from any location.

Benefit 9: Automation on the cloud

The cloud is well-adapted for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. AI is replacing a number of manual operations and this streamlines workflows and boosts efficiency. By processing data held on the cloud, AI can be used to support internal operations with automatic alerts, system checks and communications. It can also improve the customer journey, with customised product offerings and streamlined purchasing.

Benefit 10: Insights and reporting with cloud computing

Data gathered on the cloud gives businesses insight into what is happening with internal workflows and with their customers and clients. The cloud can deliver detailed reports which support decision-making and help businesses align to their corporate goals.

By computing data very quickly, cloud based software can monitor usage and detect any issues before the business network is disrupted. This ensures minimal downtime and with SD-WAN, critical business processes are always-on.

Choose an enterprise-grade provider of cloud services

Businesses need to carefully check Service Level Agreements (SLAs) when choosing a cloud provider. SEACOM Business has industry-leading SLAs, offering maximum performance and security. For more information or to get a quote for our enterprise-grade cloud services, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.

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