Between 2010 and 2012, the number of businesses implementing and using cloud communications doubled. The commercial embrace of the cloud has only continued that upward trend in the years since, to the point where cloud communications are starting to become an essential component for businesses rather than a cutting edge luxury.

But why is a cloud communications platform such an important thing for a modern office-based business to have? And why should your organization adopt cloud communications, if you haven’t done so already? Here are just a few of the ways the cloud can change your business for the better.

1. It improves collaboration

Promoting cross-organizational collaboration is tough when the best way of sending project files and in-progress documents back and forth is via email. The cloud provides a centralized hub where everyone can access and edit relevant documents—helping to make sure that everyone is on the same page at every stage of the project pipeline.

Extra features including document versioning, access permissions, and locked files (to ensure that two people aren’t editing the same file at the same time) only clarify the value of cloud collaboration even further.

2. It encompasses a wide variety of services

Cloud communications providers such as Masergy and Twilio offer a range of different services, from business analytics to CaaS (communications as a service). CaaS itself is an umbrella term that encompasses services including VoIP (voice over internet protocol, which is also referred to in some circles as internet telephony), instant messaging, videoconferencing, VPNs (virtual private networks), private business telephone systems, and more.

Not every business will necessarily have a use for all of these services, but virtually every company can benefit from more than one cloud communications staple.

3. It makes telecommuting a feasible possibility

One area in which an average business might benefit from cloud communications broadly (and CaaS specifically) is in the concept of telecommuting. In 2014, Forbes declared that “telecommuting is the future of work,” and the growing number of people working from home is proof positive of that prediction. Between office spaces becoming more expensive and the ability to communicate with anyone and access any file over the internet, the traditional concept of an office work environment truly is becoming obsolete.

Companies looking to buff of their remote workforces can use features such as teleconferencing, VoIP, cloud-based document management platforms, and more to make telecommuting an option that isn’t just viable, but also convenient.

4. It saves money

Some 80% of the companies that adopt cloud communications later report that making the switch helped them to save money. The reasons behind these savings could be any number of factors.

Perhaps businesses are able to cut down on the office space they are renting by allowing more telecommuting among their employees. Perhaps the savings come from using cloud services to take filing systems digital and “go paperless.” Or maybe businesses are just saving money by not having to purchase or maintain bulky servers, finicky phone lines, or other hardware. Whatever the reason, cloud communications typically help organizations become more efficient, slash costs, and boost revenues—three things to which business owners would never say no.

Takeaway

It isn’t just the large corporations and big businesses reaping the advantages of cloud communications, either. On the contrary, a small business can benefit from adopting the cloud as well. CaaS platforms allow you to outsource IT costs and responsibilities to an outside firm, and businesses of any size can enhance staff morale by allowing employees to work from home.

Bottom line, the cloud looks distinctly like it will play a big role in the future of business—from the smallest startups to the biggest corporate heavyweights. Why not put your business ahead of the curve by adopting a unified cloud communications plan today? Click here to learn whether or not your business is ready for the move to cloud computing!