Cloud migration: how a move to the cloud can improve employee productivity

Business continuity has recently been a key driver behind businesses taking mission critical applications away from on-site legacy systems and onto the cloud. After all, the experience of Covid-19 has shown us how important it is to have a resilient, connected organisation that can continue with business-as-usual operations, no matter where your team needs to work.

But a move to the cloud brings with it even more benefits for your business. According to research by Microsoft on Office 365, nearly 80% of IT professionals said they’re saving money, seeing more productivity and better security as a result of using a cloud approach.

And at a time where recruitment is tight and organisations are trying to do more with less, it’s not surprising that employee productivity is top priority for many Kiwi businesses.

Benefits of the cloud

If you’re looking for ways to create greater efficiency across your business, here’s how a move to the cloud could help:

Business connectivity & collaboration

With cloud connectivity, your entire organisation can access essential business tools and data in real time, from anywhere they need to work. And with remote work on the rise, this is more important than ever. Platforms such as Microsoft Teams make it easy for colleagues to communicate, without clogging up email inboxes or creating silos of information. Using Teams, conversations and project discussions can stay focused in channels, contributors can collaborate on Office files and meetings and video calls can be organised, all from one place.

Integrated applications

Cloud tools are more easily integrated with each other, creating a seamless flow of information between platforms, reducing double-handling of data, creating efficiency and visibility across your business, and improving both user and customer experience. Automating everyday actions takes repetitive yet time-consuming tasks off your employee to-do lists, freeing up time and headspace for them to focus on more productive work.

Reliable performance

Cloud tools are constantly being improved and updated - without the need to reinvest in upgraded software. Software updates are automatically installed, meaning you’re always working with the most up-to-date, secure environment. Leading cloud providers also guarantee 99% up-time, and have options available for back-ups and disaster recovery. With more localised server centres appearing around the globe, users can increasingly access data with minimal latency.

Reduced downtime caused by security issues

Done right, the cloud can be more secure than on-premise systems. Having the right security controls in place is something that we help you with, however, as a ‘shared responsibility’ system, the cloud hosting provider also does their part to keep your information safe. Reliable cloud providers have built their offering with security as top priority, regularly update their services to comply with industry standards, and undertake measures to reduce the risk of breaches. Because all your information is stored online, no matter what happens to your physical assets (theft, damage, loss), your data within those applications will remain safe and accessible.

Resourcing is easier

Because it’s easier to share information and collaborate on files, cloud technology also makes it more convenient to tap into remote or outsourced talent as you need it. Most cloud platforms will allow you to control permissions, giving contractors access only to the information they need. Access to talent also isn’t limited by geography; cloud computing lets your remote team access applications from anywhere with greater flexibility. Outsourcing your IT support also becomes easier, allowing your IT services provider to offer remote assistance. And as there’s no need to manage on-premise servers, software licenses, data storage and network equipment, it’s less likely you’ll experience disruption and downtime in the workplace.

Choosing the right partner

A successful cloud migration comes down to good planning, and takes a balance of both strategy and technical execution. That starts by understanding your business needs and objectives, and then aligning them with the right applications and cloud infrastructure. Risk management and protection of data is crucial, as well as ensuring minimal disruption to operations, so it’s important to choose a partner with robust and proven methodology.

If you’re wondering how to get the best out of your people with the help of cloud technology, we can help. Get in touch to chat to us and find out whether a move to the cloud is right for you.