Cloud-Based Analytics for Small Businesses

 Transforming your Small Business with Cloud-Based Analytics

According to cloudzero more than 90% of organisations use the cloud and in this blog I'm going to cover cloud-based analytics, specifically I will talk about what it is, what it does, the benefits it can bring to your small business and a few places to look to choose the right cloud-based analytics for you and your business. 

What Is It & What Does It Do?

Cloud-based analytics provides a platform that allows you to gather, store and analyze data using servers online known as the cloud. Rather than having to install hardware/software yourself or hire someone to do it for you, you can now instead access it easily online. Meaning that you don't have to buy expensive hardware, manage, fix it and update it etc. Instead all of these headaches are managed by whoever is providing the service, while you get to just enjoy the benefits. 

Different cloud-based analytics platforms offer different features but common features of these platforms are:

• Data Visualization -  These platforms give you the tools you need to make it easier to visualize the data. Giving you tools to make charts, graphs etc from the data it collects and analyzses. This can help you understand your data and potentially predict outcomes 
• Storage - They store your data securely in the cloud making it easy for you and people in your business to access.
• Data Processing - There is lots of data that has to be processed when its collected. These platforms give you applications for processing that data quickly, offering fast insights allowing you to make decisions quicker.

Why the cloud?

So what are the benefits of going with cloud-based for your small business?

• Cost - You can save a lot of money from using the cloud opposed to having your hardware/software on-premises due to set-up, maintenance costs etc.

• Ease of set-up - You never have to manage and figure out any of the technical aspects of having data analytics. It's easy to sign up and get going.

• Scalability - The cloud makes it easy to handle the changes in your business. As your business grows so too will the amount of data. Luckily these platforms handle your increased needs with no issues.

• Ease of access - Cloud-based platforms are easy to access. They can be accessed 24/7 from any device or location, so that you can access your info for whatever you need. Many of these platforms are also user-friendly so getting used to them won't take too long!

 Which one to choose?

Before you choose the right platform for you, you must know that there are different types available. A public cloud is one that allows multiple organisations to use the same resources like data storage (it doesn't share your data) and can be accessed with any internet connection. A private cloud is your own private network that makes it so no outside networks can have access, meaning only your businesses computers can connect. A hybrid cloud is a hybrid of both of these, for example you may keep more sensitive data in your private cloud so someone must be on site to access it.

Here are some useful articles to learn more about which one to choose: 

• https://www.comparitech.com/net-admin/best-cloud-analytics-tools/

• https://www.techradar.com/best/best-cloud-analytics