The benefits of cloud computing for remote work

The benefits of cloud computing for remote work

The pandemic forced many businesses around the world to switch to remote work setups. And thanks to cloud computing technologies such as email, video conferencing applications, and cloud storage, it’s possible for employees to collaborate remotely with each other.

Eventually, many small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have increased their usage of cloud computing resources. Some large companies have even allowed their employees to work from home forever.

If you’re also thinking about embracing the cloud, here are some of its benefits that might convince you:

1. Better accessibility

The cloud allows remote employees to have 24/7 access to information they need to do their jobs. All they need to do is to log in to their work account on any internet-connected device to gain access to company data and applications.

The cloud also makes setting data access privileges easier. For example, IT administrators can create identity and access control policies to ensure that employees can only access files and applications necessary to do their job. Users used to be able to roam entire networks freely, which is something that hackers took advantage of when they were able to take over someone's company account. By limiting access, accidental data breaches by insiders and intentional ones by hackers are minimized.

2. Seamless collaboration

Employees need to work together to be successful. And thanks to the cloud, collaboration between remote workers is easier than ever.

For instance, cloud applications such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 allow teams to collaborate on the same document simultaneously. Video conferencing apps such as Zoom and Cisco Webex, meanwhile, make it easy for remote teams to hold meetings as if they were in the office together.

3. Better scalability

You can scale your cloud environment to accommodate the increase of remote workers. The elasticity of the cloud can also help businesses scale computing power up or down at any time ─ a more cost-effective solution for SMBs who can’t afford to add more servers in their data centers.

4. Improved security

Remote employees often use multiple devices, access files on the cloud, and share them with colleagues. While these practices make it easier to accomplish tasks, they can also cause data breaches and malware infestations.

Fortunately, cloud service providers (CSPs) such as Netquest go to great lengths to ensure data security. They will protect data from unauthorized access using robust encryption solutions. Top-tier CSPs will also monitor a business’s cloud environment 24/7 to catch any potential issues before these can do significant damage to businesses.

It can also be difficult for SMBs to keep their software updated without causing operational disruptions. CSPs automatically install security patches for their clients, allowing employees to keep using cloud applications and accessing files without any downtime. Not only does this help improve productivity and efficiency, but it also protects businesses from cyberattacks.

5. Better compliance

Businesses in highly regulated industries like finance, telecommunications, education, and healthcare need to ensure that they have taken the appropriate measures to secure their data. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, for instance, requires covered entities to apply appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the privacy of protected health information in any form.

Cloud services include various compliance configurations, making it easier for organizations in certain industries to manage their data. This ensures that companies can stay compliant with industry regulations even if their employees are working remotely.

6. Lower costs

Switching from an in-house infrastructure to remote servers provided by CSPs allows businesses to make significant cost savings. CSPs charge a fixed monthly fee, which includes the costs of upgrades and new hardware and software. This eliminates the cost of investing in new infrastructure, licensing new software, and training new employees.

According to a study by the Ponemon Institute and IBM Security, the average cost of a security breach is $3.92 million. But because files in the cloud are encrypted, it becomes difficult for cybercriminals to use the data for their own gain. This saves businesses from incurring the usual costs involved in recovering from a data breach, such as fines, lost revenue, and even reputational damage.

Looking to adopt the cloud to optimize your company’s remote work system? Netquest can help! Our cloud services are scalable, tailor-fit, affordable, and available on-demand, so you can maximize your team’s productivity and efficiency. To learn more about the cloud and why it’s important for your business’s success, download our FREE eBook today.


Improve your overall cybersecurity posture by empowering your workforce to recognize and prevent social engineering attacks. Our FREE eBook will teach you how to design and implement a cybersecurity awareness training program that works.Learn more here
+ +