Tony Abi Saab is the CEO of Brescia Middle East, an international sporting goods business with a headquarters in Lebanon. Being a competitive global corporation requires constant innovation and process improvement and in the following article, Tony Abi Saab shares his insights on how cloud computing is transforming the way modern companies do business, and how organizational leaders can take advantage of this technology to improve their operations and stay ahead of the competition.
As the world becomes ever more reliant on online services, cloud computing is becoming more prevalent in the business world. This allows businesses to scale efficiently, provide a reliable method of communication on a global scale, protect their data more securely, cut costs in terms of hardware and in-house IT services, improve their customer experience, and allow flexible hybrid/remote work conditions.
Below, Tony Abi Saab dives into the impacts of cloud computing on businesses at all levels.
Tony Abi Saab: The Impacts Are More than Subtle
Not every business will have the same access to, or need for, cloud computing on the same level but taking advantage of this technology even in small ways can positively impact the business in countless areas. The following are some of the highlights:
Increases Scalability
Business scalability is one area that suffers tremendously in the absence of cloud computing. The need to purchase and house physical servers, transition to new buildings, and house more workers are all factors that contribute to the expense and time needed to expand.
With cloud computing, Tony Abi Saab of Lebanon says that new employees could work from home to eliminate the need for a business move, and there are two main benefits for the IT component of expansions as well. Not only will a remote IT staff be able to meet all the needs of the business, but with remote servers, the only thing needed for upscaling or descaling a business is a package change with the provider.
Provides a Reliable Communications System
Communication and collaboration tools are a significant component of cloud computing, and they have a major impact on the ways businesses run. Tools such as Google Drive and Dropbox allow workers to access data and collaborate on documents no matter how far apart their physical distance may be.
Tony Abi Saab reports that with numerous systems available for secure chats and video calls, employees have the opportunity to communicate with peers and superiors they would otherwise not have access to. Not only is this beneficial from a productivity standpoint, but it creates a more cohesive work culture and improves employee morale.
Protects Data
At the heart of cloud computing is data protection. Since information is stored off-location and in multiple sites, it is much harder for non-authorized people to access it, namely hackers. Tony Abi Saab with Brescia Middle East explains that full data backups are also provided by all providers, and sensitive information will always be encrypted for additional security.
Cuts Costs
Cloud computing positively impacts a business’ financials in two ways. First of all, they don’t need to pay for any physical servers or a larger building to house them. This will cut down on maintenance costs, too. Secondly, cloud computing eliminates the need for an on-site IT team, lowering personnel and all the costs associated with salaries, benefits, and more.
Improves the Customer Experience
One of the lesser-known benefits of cloud computing is its ability to enhance the customer experience. Tony Abi Saab of Brescia Middle East says that not only are customers able to find information about the business more readily, but they have many more options when it comes to purchasing from a company or registering a complaint.
Online self-service portals and resolution centers have changed the way customers interact with businesses. Rather than going to a physical location or calling in with an order, customers can help themselves to a business’ products and services. Tony Abi Saab Brescia of Lebanon also notes that resolution centers allow customers to register complaints without needing to call in or send an email, which can be much less stressful and speeds the process along, too.
Allows for Flexible Work Conditions
Cloud computing is responsible for the vast improvements in business flexibility. Employees have access to their work websites and data from anywhere and from any device connected to the internet. This enables effective work-from-home setups, as well as provides much more freedom to employees that must travel regularly for work.
This remote flexibility also enables businesses to hire from the global pool, rather than focusing on candidates that are within travel distance. As a result, companies can hire the best individuals for each role without concerns about relocation.
Final Thoughts
As the work paradigm shifts to remote and hybrid work conditions across industries, cloud computing will only become more relevant and beneficial for businesses at all levels. Its future impacts for workforce mobility, business competitiveness, and business desirability as an employer are yet to be realized.
