Cloud computing has made a massive impact on a range of sectors, including e-commerce. Its ability to streamline daily functions and reduce development costs has made it a valuable asset, especially for small to medium-sized businesses. What’s more, cloud computing is useful in building a brand’s online presence and driving revenue and growth.
Before we analyze its various benefits on e-commerce businesses, let’s take a look at how cloud computing works.
What is cloud computing?
In tech speak, “cloud” refers to data storage on the Internet. Simply put, cloud computing is the act of storing, managing, and processing data online instead of your computer’s hard drive.
In the e-commerce landscape, businesses are leveraging cloud computing to improve productivity and agility. From inventories to customer data, running any business involves managing loads of information and paperwork every day. An entrepreneur can choose to manage all of this data internally, which means hiring manpower and physical storage. When you transfer all your data into the cloud, it will not only reduce storage and workforce costs but also enhance data security and efficiency. The beauty of cloud computing lies in its ability to automate and manage all the processes related to your online business. That means you get to focus directly on running your business.
Advantages of storing data in the cloud
Cost-efficiency
Instead of investing in pricey equipment and physical space to store heavy servers, e-commerce companies can reduce costs by using a cloud computing provider like Cisco or Amazon Web Services.
For online businesses, even a short downtime can drive potential customers away. Visitors who experience an error during the checkout process may exit the page and switch to a competitor site.
Providers or resellers of AWS, Cisco, or other cloud computing services can handle system upgrades and introduce new software if necessary. That lowers potential downtime and network outages that may affect operations and revenue. Because troubleshooting is automated, cloud computing also reduces the need to employ expert personnel for IT issues, cutting down your security and maintenance costs.
Scalability
To succeed in the retail business, you should take advantage of shopping events like Black Friday and payday sales.
During these events, most brick-and-mortar stores hire seasonal staff and rent out extra space to cater to the anticipated demand. E-commerce stores are no different. An expected spike in visitors requires additional network capacity, or else the site will crash.
Cloud computing is naturally scalable, which means it can support millions of page views and payment transactions while still ensuring everything functions smoothly. Unlike offline stores, you don’t need to hire more people or purchase physical servers for a single event. Just request more bandwidth from your provider, and you’re all set.
Cloud computing technology can operate efficiently in a manner no human employee can achieve. Buying and deploying cloud services follow a lifecycle. The services are chosen, and daily usage is carefully monitored as a basis for renewing or upgrading them.
When selecting a cloud provider, establish detailed requirements based on your company’s specific needs. Ensure that the services you choose will not only solve your current problems but also be flexible enough to foresee potential issues.
To help you make an informed decision, consult with authorized Microsoft, Cisco, or Amazon resellers or contact the provider directly. After all, a cloud provider is no small investment. As such, it requires extensive research and trial and error.
