Forbes. Cloud computing isn’t holding back your business – you are

I wrote a piece for Forbes on cloud computing, describing how lack of imagination is what’s holding back many enterprises looking to move forward. I decided to write a version for my blog because digital transformation is crucial for small businesses to progress, particularly in the age of AI.

What I heard from business owners during Covid was that the pandemic was impacting their operations. It's understandable, especially for industries like airlines and hotels that rely on in-person customer interactions. But it's important to remember that while the pandemic has thrown us a curveball, it's not the only factor in play. The ability to adapt and innovate also plays a significant role in a company's success or failure.

Don’t dwell on digital transformation challenges – leverage the cloud now

Too many business owners get bogged down by what they perceive as digital obstacles. But adaptation is the key to survival here. Let's focus on how to adapt to the current landscape. As the CEO of a company specializing in cloud solutions and services, I firmly believe that digital transformation, particularly through cloud computing, can be a game-changer. It allows you to test new products, manage data efficiently, streamline team workflows, and explore fresh marketing approaches.

And this isn't just for the big players. According to KPMG, 56% of executives at enterprises with over $1 billion in revenue have realized that "cloud migration is a must because of Covid-19." Small businesses are on board too, with 76% recognizing that "cloud services were critical for survival" during the pandemic, as per the SBE Council.

But remember, cloud-based services are a tool, not the entire toolbox. Your business strategy and creativity should lead the way, with technology playing a supporting role.

How to put cloud computing to work for your business

Get nimble with product development: In the past, setting up IT infrastructure was a time-consuming process. Today, you can secure server and storage resources with just an email, without any upfront investment. This agility allows you to develop and test new products rapidly. Case in point: a healthcare company recently used cloud technology to swiftly create a Covid-19 test site finder and integrate it with their existing search products. A decade ago, that level of speed was unheard of.

Embrace automation: Cloud computing, combined with machine learning and the Internet of Things (IoT), empowers you to deploy autonomous machines for various tasks. For instance, think about using robots to efficiently clean facilities. The data from these machines can be instantly collected and analyzed, making management and performance assessment a breeze.

Revamp your marketing strategy in the cloud: Cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) marketing platforms offer a wide range of capabilities. Surprisingly, many marketing leaders aren't making full use of their martech stack's potential. Instead of slashing marketing budgets during economic downturns, invest in your marketing teams and martech. Align your tech and marketing teams to pick the right cloud-based services, and you'll supercharge your marketing efforts.

555 vCTO can help your company digitally transform

Digital transformation isn’t easy. But just because it’s daunting, doesn’t mean it should die on the table. When you consider adopting cloud-based solutions, think about what your business truly needs. Ask yourself questions like, "Do we need to scale up quickly for upcoming events that will increase our data processing demands?" Cloud-based services can provide the flexibility you need. At 555vCTO.com, our fractional CTO services can help scale your business with digital tools specific to your needs.

For example, if you're a small construction company with a network of contractors, look for ways to streamline your operations, perhaps through SaaS project management software. Or if you’re a lawyer’s office, perhaps digital dictation software could streamline your services. Keep in mind that the cloud isn't just a remote computer; it represents a different way of thinking that can help your business thrive. If your business is ready for digital transformation, then 555vCTO.com is ready to help you start transforming.