In today’s digital world, Cloud Computing has become an integral part of how companies conduct business. Cloud-based systems include a range of services and applications including communication resources such as telecom and VoIP, as well as cloud-based storage, payment software, and more.
Cloud-based systems are being put to good use in many different industries. From emergency pager systems in hospitals to audiovisual installations. Cloud-based systems are becoming more and more vital to a wide range of companies. In fact, recent statistics show that roughly 96 percent of all organizations have utilized some form of cloud-based technology.
In this article, we’ve assembled a list of a few beneficial cloud-based services and applications that companies can use to make their business’s operations more efficient.
What is Cloud Computing
Before we get into our top picks, let us explain exactly what cloud computing is in the simplest terms:
Cloud computing is the practice of using a network of remote servers and devices to store, manage, and process data via the internet, rather than a local server or a personal computer.
Useful Cloud Based Tools
From telecom and VoIP, to design tools, to data storage and file sharing, there are a plethora of useful cloud-based tools that can help growing organizations of any size to better manage projects and facilitate better customer service.
Google Drive and GSuite
Google Drive is arguably one of the most powerful tools that companies can have at their disposal. Google Drive is a free data storage service offered by… Google, of course. Google Drive offers you up to 15 gigabytes of free storage space, and unlimited storage for GSuite organizations. Google Drive allows you to create various types of documents and files such as spreadsheets, word documents, images, and slide presentations. These are stored on Google’s servers and able to be remotely accessed from any device with an internet connection.
Social Media Management Tools
Unless you have been living under a rock for the last decade, then you know the important role that social media has come to play in the way companies conduct business. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have become crucial marketing resources for companies, and anyone with a marketing certification will likely tell you that managing social media can be no small task indeed.
From posting relevant content, engaging customers, and responding to comments and messages, there is no understating the importance of the role that social media management plays in business. To make things a little bit easier there are various social management tools such as Hootsuite, Buffer, and CoSchedule which integrate with social media platforms and allow for the creation of social media posts. The best part is that these posts can be scheduled in advance. Social media tools such as these also allow users to view analytics data for each specific post, such as engagement, reach, etc. Following these analytics can make the difference between lackluster social media content, and top-notch content that can really drive marketing efforts. Social media tools such as these are indispensable for businesses.
Graphic Design Tools
There is no shortage of graphic design tools available today, the most well known being Adobe Photoshop. With the release of Adobe CC apps, the industry standard name has become a fully integrated cloud-based software suite, meaning that Adobe CC apps can be accessed from anywhere via the internet, and on any supporting device.
There are also quite a few free cloud-based design tools such as Canva and Snappa. While these do lack some functionality in comparison to Adobe Photoshop, they are still powerful tools, and very useful. These tools can be used to create and custom graphics for a variety of different formats.
Telecom and VoIP
VOIP is an acronym that stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. Simply put, VOIP is phone service delivered through an Internet connection rather than a local phone company. The two major reasons for using VOIP and telecom are lower cost and increased functionality. In addition, cloud-based systems give modern organizations more flexible tools for staying connected. Employees can take phone calls from anywhere in the world, keeping your employees and customers in touch.
Conclusion
From cloud storage to telecom and VoIP, these are just a few useful cloud-based tools for businesses and this article only just scratches the surface. Can you recommend any useful cloud-based tools?