In the midst of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, cloud-based technologies continue to be among the most commonly used and fastest growing technologies around the world. Cloud is the ability to host a service or software platform from a remote location where it can be freely accessed from anywhere via the Internet.

There is no need for the user to invest in complex, physical infrastructures, thus resulting in lower financial investments. Cloud technologies also bring numerous benefits to any company. 

This article is a guide to how to use cloud technologies to boost your business needs in 2020 and into the future.

1. Cloud-Based Digital Signage

In the past, businesses looking to advertise their products and services, or announce special promotions or seasonal sales, would need to prepare promotional materials weeks in advance,  then get them designed, printed and distributed, and decorated in stores. The whole process takes a long time and a great deal of efforts and human resources. Today, digital signage has resolved that problem.

By using cloud based digital signage services, businesses can advertise their products and promotions through multiple screens at multiple locations nationwide, all at the same time.

As explained by the experts at https://www.yodeck.com/, businesses use cloud storage linked to digital signage devices to upload their materials, advertisements, promotional brochures, banners, seasonal branding, and whenever they choose to, they can display it on monitors across all their stores or at locations they’ve registered – all with a simple click.

Cloud technologies such as digital signage help businesses save a huge amount of money, time and effort, and at the same time, allow them to quickly renew or change their marketing materials or promotions anytime they want.

2. File storage and recover

Instead of investing in hard infrastructure for file storage, you can now store all your files and systems on Cloud-based platforms. Depending on the regulatory compliance requirements, you can also request for on- or off-premises storage.

Either way, you will be able to access and use your data from anywhere, with the same level of availability, speed, and security. Companies also do not have to pay for the maintenance of storage, as they only need to pay for the amount of cloud storage they are using.

Cloud storage also offers businesses cost-effective disaster recovery options, as they can help recover data in a fast and efficient manner, unlike the traditional recovery process of fixed assets. Even as an individual, you can recognize the ease and convenience of cloud-based automatic backup. Hence, for businesses, the benefits and security will be much greater.

3. Big Data Analytics

Given its ability to store unlimited data, Cloud also allows businesses to extract meaningful information from their existing data. As companies gather data from various resources such as their sales, marketing, call centers and web analytics, they can now compile that data, analyze customer’s buying patterns and behavior, and use these insights to improve their advertising and marketing campaigns as well as their marketing and advertising targets.

Cloud computing has indeed created a new approach to innovation. Social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram are all providing insightful analytics on user behavior and will display ads that appeal to the right audience according to the specific interests of the business.

Cloud has thus become a vital tool for big data analytics, and with it, businesses can now obtain forecasts on their potential customers, test their new products or service ideas, and ultimately achieve higher business values.

4. Cloud-Based Management Platforms

Today many companies, from manufacturing to the hotel and hospitality industry are using cloud-based management systems. These management platforms are becoming a one-stop shop for everything; from production to order management to invoice processing.

Companies are realizing the multiple benefits of these platforms, as they are more cost-effective, more consolidated, more convenient, and also easier to generate reports and track progress. For manufacturing companies, using such management systems can help them become more efficient and accurate in terms of production, and save time and human resources in terms of order processing and tracking.

Above are just some examples of how cloud-based technologies can help businesses transform in this digital age. It is foreseeable that cloud technologies will continue to lead the trends in the next few years. Businesses which fail to incorporate cloud technology into their operations will soon face tougher competition and risk falling behind in their industry.

So if your company is looking to transform digitally, it is time to seriously consider the various types of cloud-based technologies that can help you get ahead.