Have you ever looked down at your phone or tablet to see a prompt asking you to back up your data to the cloud? Are you unsure of what, exactly, the cloud is or why you need to use it? We want to help you understand what the cloud is, how you’re already using it, and how continued (and increased) use of cloud services could help you and your business.

First, what is the cloud? Basically “cloud” is just a metaphor for the internet. Cloud computing can refer to anything that isn’t performed or stored on a local device but instead can be accessed anywhere and from any device because the functions happen, and data is stored, online.

So then, we know what the cloud is, but are you currently using it? If you’ve ever used email or social media, then you’ve used a cloud service. Additionally, file management services like Office Online or Box are cloud services that are probably essential to the everyday function of your business.

There are many advantages to using cloud services instead of, or in addition to, local applications. Among these are cost, ease of access, scalability, environmentalism, and disaster recovery. Let’s give a brief overview of each of these benefits, and then cover some of the disadvantages as well.

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