5 Types of Cloud-Based Software a Business Should Have in 2023

Cloud-based software has become a norm in 2023. Since most of our work is online, it feels natural to turn to a cloud-based platform for the job. They’re scalable, reliable, and great for remote work, but most importantly, they’re efficient and convenient.

Now, cloud-based is just a descriptive term that envelops several platforms and software. Still, what are your business’s most important types of cloud-based platforms? Here are our top five.

1. Storage

While data storage can exist in many forms, cloud storage is superior to its traditional alternatives. First of all, it’s easily accessible. In the age where each individual works through multiple devices, much work takes place remotely; this is a necessity.

Second, it’s more cost-efficient. You see, you usually get a large free package that you can use. However, when you spend this storage, you can always buy more. The integration of this new storage is simple. You don’t have to attach or format anything. You just click and buy more.

The most important thing to understand is that this is a scalable solution. Eventually, you’ll run out of slots for your HDD/SDDs. Keeping massive data centers of your own is incredibly expensive, and 99% of the business world can’t afford it. So, cloud-based storage is your only option.

Lastly, cloud storage security is probably superior to your business’s cybersecurity. Also, it has an automated backup system, which reduces the risk of losing data.

2. Communication tools

It is impossible to imagine a modern business world without cloud-based communication. It allows you to envelop all the methods of communication your business already uses and centralize them. It also makes remote work possible, which is incredibly important.

The majority of cloud-based communication services work on a SaaS principle. This means that you get to pay monthly. Even better, you usually get a couple of plans to choose from. From here, you can determine which method is the most cost-effective. In other words, cloud-based communication is flexible and scalable.

The resilience of your communication network is higher with cloud-based software. A power outage on the premises could leave you in the dark and impossible to reach. With a cloud-based solution, all the hardware is in a secure location with suitable backups.

The bottom line is that it’s easier for your IT team to manage it all once you go through with multi-platform unification. Regardless of your company’s size, this will eventually be a problem. Resolving it sooner is always better.

3. Project management

When managing a large project in 2023, you need to understand that this will entail remote work and flexible work hours. In other words, it greatly helps with workflow management in your enterprise. Some people check in on projects when they get home. Others work from home full-time. You must ensure that scheduling, data sharing, and collaboration in this work environment are possible.

Continuity is important, and updates on cloud-based platforms are automatic. This means that your involvement in the maintenance and IT service of the platform will be minimal. This alone is a compelling reason to consider using cloud-based project management tools. For example, an online-based employee annual leave tracker can really help with your task management.

Scalability is also a huge issue. If we were talking about hardware, you would have to purchase a new device for every new person on the project. It’s either that or allowing them to use their personal devices, which is not always the safest option. However, with a cloud-based platform, you’ll have no such concerns.

Finally, most of the time, these SaaS cloud-based tools give you a free monthly trial. This means you can try them out before committing to one or the other.

4. Vendor management

Vendor management is the key to ensuring the longevity and profitability of your enterprise. Your relationship with vendors helps you reduce the total costs, which makes it easier to remain profitable.

Just keeping track of all the vendors in question is a difficult task. So, how to do vendor management efficiently? The simplest answer is with the right tool. If different people in your enterprise need access to vendor-related information, a cloud-based tool can provide this on demand.  

Since these business dealings contain legal obligations and ramifications, it’s essential that you are transparent and that all the compliances are honored. You need a paper trail to back it all up, but you must also access any of these documents at any point. You’ll have all this information on demand with the right vendor management system.

Finally, cloud-based vendor management saves everyone’s time. By using the right system, you’ll save much time for both you and your vendors.

5. CRM

Customer relationship management is the key to maintaining a healthy customer base. You see, 80% of your profit comes from just 20% of your regular customers. It’s your job to study this demographic to personalize your approach. This way, you’ll give them a reason to come back repeatedly.

Your business process usually involves a triangle between your sales, support, and marketing team. Your CRM helps centralize these tasks and strengthen the dependency between these three departments.

When it comes to data analytics, the effectiveness of your message usually depends on your ability to pinpoint your target audience. To do so, you need to understand them. The best way to get this insight is through analytics since the deductive process can sometimes be misleading.

Remember that your audience usually wants preferential treatment. When you send them a special offer, this needs to be an item from a category they’re interested in (that they’ve previously browsed). Also, addressing them by their name is a nice touch. This way, you get both analytics and outreach methods in one tool.  

Wrap up

In the end, there are a few things that all these cloud-based tools have in common. First, they’re easily accessible. This is important in the business world, where office work, remote work, and hybrid work are present at the same time. Second, they’re highly scalable. Third, you’re not making a long-term commitment (purchase) since most platforms operate on a SaaS principle. In other words, cloud-based solutions offer numerous benefits with very few (if any disadvantages).