Embracing Technology: Why It's Time to Utilize Cloud Services
Updated: Aug 16
When visiting businesses for support or site assessment, we often find the same story: outdated systems, operating systems that are no longer supported, including on the server, and no security software running because the server itself can't support it anymore. It's a common situation, and it's more of a risk than most business owners realize.
The Old Way: VPNs and On-Premises Servers
Many of these businesses tell us they need remote connection services like a VPN so employees can access the server and get resources while working from home. But in practice, this setup slows everyone down. Employees remote into their server from wherever they are, connect through a VPN, and then dig through the company's shared drive just to find work documents. It works, but it's clunky, slow, and dependent on a single physical server.
The Modern Way: Microsoft 365
Today, tools like SharePoint and OneDrive (part of Microsoft 365) solve this problem entirely. Your IT provider backs up this data and builds in redundancy, so you're not relying on one physical box in an office.
With Microsoft 365, there's no VPN to slow you down. You can be anywhere in the world and log directly into SharePoint to access your documents, just as if you were sitting at your desk in the office. It also enables permission-based access, so specific people only have access to the specific resources they need.
Beyond File Storage: Teams, Calendar, and Phone Integration
The cloud advantage doesn't stop at documents. Microsoft Teams replaces the back-and-forth of texting or phone calls, letting remote coworkers chat and collaborate directly. Your calendar integrates too: if you have an appointment, it automatically shows your coworkers you're busy and shouldn't be disturbed.
Even phone systems can be integrated into this ecosystem. Together, these tools let you work out of the office while functioning exactly as if you were in it , without losing time, productivity, or access to resources.
"But I Don't Trust the Cloud"
It's a common objection, but often not a well-founded one. As long as you follow good security practices, a strong password, multi-factor authentication, good password hygiene, and locking your computer when you step away , the cloud is a safe place for your business.
In fact, it's often safer than keeping everything on a server sitting in your office. That server can be flooded, stolen, or destroyed in a fire. The cloud doesn't have that single point of failure.
The Bottom Line
It's time to move to the twenty-first century and embrace the cloud. The advantages, flexibility, security, collaboration, and resilience, far outweigh the risks of holding on to outdated, on-premises infrastructure. Want a free assessment? Call us 614-454-3890
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