Previously, the large organization predominantly used cloud computing, and it was not available for smaller companies. However, today the competition is brutal, and the cloud provides companies with the required edge. Today, any company has the ability and the money to invest in the cloud and store data at a remote datacentre instead of on-premise.
There is a growing pattern of companies migrating to cloud platforms. Since companies are expanding and growing with technologies, they opt for cloud platforms to improve their operations. The benefits of switching to cloud from on-premise are many. It helps businesses not to fall behind.
Firstly, what is cloud computing? It is storing and accessing information (data) and applications over the internet and not from the computer’s hard drive. Cloud computing can be done anywhere, anytime with just an online connection.
Secondly, what is the difference between cloud and on-premise? As the cloud’s description suggests, the cloud is over the internet, and on-premise is installed locally.
Lastly, why is the cloud better?
- Anywhere, anytime access to data via the internet from any device.
- No upfront costs; it is affordable and requires no annual contracts.
- It enables predictable costs and monthly payments that cover support, software licenses, upgrades, and routine back-ups.
- One need not worry about the maintenance of the software and hardware. The cloud service provider hosts the software and takes care of upgrades and compatibility.
- Data is safer on the cloud; the high levels of security employed by data centers are beyond most businesses’ reach cost-wise. 
- Cloud-based software is quickly deployed over the internet instead of on-premise applications that need to be installed on a physical server and every laptop or PC.
- With the cloud, companies can gain scalability and flexibility as they get what they pay for.
- Eliminate costs, moving to the cloud helps organizations lower their energy costs since they no longer have to pay for the on-premise servers’ power bill. The cost of maintaining them is eliminated. 
- Cloud decreases the risks of potential viruses, hackers, ransomware, and other security problems by backing up data offsite, which increases the security and reduces the risk of data loss.
- Cloud computing enables easy and increased collaboration between employees who are working in various locations globally. Cloud improves the employees’ efficiency by providing simultaneous sharing of documents, syncing records in real-time, etc.
- Less focus on IT and more focus on revenue generation. Cloud eliminates the worry for space considerations, power requirements, costly computer hardware, software updates, etc.
Moving from on-premise to cloud does not really have to be complicated. The thought process where companies believe data is safe when it is on-site does not exist anymore, and it is misguided. Cloud comes with a ton of benefits, most of all reduced costs and scalability. Irrespective of the few cons that cloud transition has, like costs for migration, support, and security, the benefits outweigh the cons.
