A cloud server is simply data that is stored online, versus offline, physical storage. It is called “cloud” storage, because it has no presence in a physical location. According to data from Gartner, over 50 percent of Global 1000 companies will store their customer data on cloud servers by 2016. Over 80 percent of new businesses already use cloud storage. Forrester estimates that by 2020, the cloud industry will be worth over $241 billion. The reason this industry is growing so large is because it improves on computing, storage, and communications. Take a look at five reasons why cloud storage can revolutionize business:

Security

Remote storage is safer than on-site storage. In fact, most cloud hosts store their data in several locations. This protects the data from flood, fire, tornadoes, and other natural disasters as well as from stealing. A professional cloud provider can easily encrypt and safeguard information on a cloud server. Most businesses that use cloud servers are quite pleased with the security measures and want to keep their data as safe as possible by using the cloud server. Even businesses that use shared servers can benefit from the added security.

Convenience

Convenience is the ultimate benefit of a cloud server. It is always there and always accessible from any point at any time. This means that it is possible to run a business on the road and at home, and any place in the entire world. A lot of small business owners have to remain flexible, and a cloud server enables them to do just that.

Cost-Savings

With a cloud server, you can save money. A business doesn’t have to invest in costly data storage and hardware. A cloud stores your data for you, and you don’t have to pay to store the data onsite. Cloud offers IT services at a greatly reduced cost to what you get. With cloud services, you can get shared servers, VPS Cloud Hosting, and even dedicated servers just for you at a reduced price. Businesses that use cloud services can save up to 35 percent in hosting and maintenance costs for their business.

Communication

It is easy to communicate with businesses and employees around the world using a cloud server. A cloud stores business data remotely, and all employess can access it from any point. This makes communication between employees and managers much better. Employees don’t have to wait to find that report or remember important company data. In fact, employees from around the world can work on a project together, which is something that has never been done before. All the data you need is right at your fingertips and ready to go at all times. This makes all business operations more efficient.

Improved efficiency is probably the biggest benefit of the cloud system. All aspects of a business are improved and made more efficient with cloud storage. And since every business wants to become more efficient, it just makes sense to use cloud services for all possible aspects of your business. Increased security, easy access, better communications, and cost savings all lead to a more effective, productive, and profitable business.