October 26, 2022
Why SMEs are migrating to the cloud in numbers
Small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are migrating to the cloud at a faster rate than ever before. Current trends indicate that investment in the cloud is set to grow. Over KSh 58.6 trillion will reportedly be spent on public cloud services globally this year, according to estimates.
Looking ahead, global cloud adoption is expected to expand rapidly. Digital environments that improve IT reliability and facilitate hybrid work models are in high demand. For SMEs, the cloud offers a scalable and flexible networking solution. According to current cloud trends, these technologies are here to stay.
While many companies have resumed regular operations, the pandemic has transformed the nature of the workplace and significantly reduced the stigma associated with remote work. Catering for remote teams allows many SMEs to access a much larger talent pool. Across many industries, Kenya faces a skills shortage, so having flexible contracts that allow for remote work has helped to remedy this to a certain extent.
What makes the cloud attractive to SMEs?
While large enterprises may have massive IT budgets, SMEs generally cannot afford to invest in on-premises data centres and servers. Additionally, storing and maintaining these systems involve a variety of costs.
It is very difficult to scale an on-premises data centre or server to handle surges in demand. Since SMEs typically lack the funds to invest in the necessary hardware and software, the cloud presents an attractive solution for meeting their networking and data storage needs.
Clouds are based on pooled resources in multi-tenant environments. By not having to host their own servers and networks, SMEs are exposed to less risk. Data centres are made to accommodate several users and virtualisation software separates the users to ensure the highest level of cyber security.
When SMEs use a public cloud solution, they can save money on maintenance and security in addition to the cost of the cloud itself. In addition to cyber security, physical security measures are used to protect data centres against criminal activity such as break-ins, arson and vandalism.
SMEs can save money on IT thanks to cloud computing
The advent of the cloud has rapidly reshaped business models. The deployment, maintenance and upgrade costs of on-site computing are significantly higher. With flexible pricing options that can be easily scaled up or down in response to variations in demand, businesses only pay for what they use. SMEs do not even need to manually upgrade their networking requirements thanks to auto-scaling.
The business must fully own and manage all on-premises hardware, which has a high operational cost. For businesses, cloud environments managed by a third-party provider are far more cost-effective and less risky. Since upgrades or maintenance are handled by the service provider rather than the business itself, pricing is more predictable.
Energy-intensive cooling and powering of hardware are needed for on-premises computing. Businesses may also need backup generators, which are expensive but necessary for them to work at all times. When businesses opt for the cloud, they can avoid this additional expense.
The fact that SMEs do not have to employ their own in-house tech teams is another significant benefit of using a third-party cloud provider. The necessary technical know-how and customer support are provided by reputable third-party cloud providers. To ensure that clients' business networks are always operational, SEACOM Business offers 24/7/365 support.
SMEs benefit from migrating to the cloud
Improved processing power, lower costs, rapid scalability, high security and on-demand accessibility are just a few benefits of cloud computing. SMEs become more agile and competitive as a result. Out-of-the-box solutions are the cheapest and easiest ways for SMEs to enjoy world-class cloud solutions.
Cloud computing is web-based. Data that is stored on the cloud can be accessed from any location. This allows remote teams to collaborate effectively. The cloud also makes file sharing quicker and easier, while providing teams with a centralised workspace, even for companies that encourage on-site working.
Employees can access all of their work from any location and continuous backups ensure that work is never lost. They can access all of their documents, spreadsheets, databases, and communications from one point thanks to cloud-based unified communication software like Microsoft Teams.
Things to consider before migrating to the cloud
There are a few factors to consider for SMEs who are planning to migrate to the cloud. First, a decision needs to be made on whether to handle the migration internally or through a third-party provider. The benefit of using a third-party provider is that they will oversee and manage the migration and provide support once it has been completed. This reduces costs for SMEs because they don't have to hire in-house tech teams to undertake the migration.
SME's with an existing legacy system will need to consider the best timeline and approach. It is crucial that daily operations aren't significantly disrupted by the migration to the cloud. The new cloud environment needs to integrate well with existing systems and third-party applications. SMEs should consider public cloud solutions, like Microsoft Azure, because they are highly compatible with other systems and can be customised according to business requirements.
SEACOM Business provides a wide range of cloud services to SMEs in Kenya. Our team of experts is available to support your business whether it is just starting its digital transformation journey or already has legacy systems in place. For more information or to get a quote for our cloud solutions, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.
SEACOM owns Africa’s largest network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including fibre optic networks and subsea cables. We offer a wide range of industry-leading scalable ICT solutions for large companies that operate throughout the region.
SEACOM is privately owned - making it adaptable to the needs of the client. We are the preferred ICT and internet connectivity supplier for African enterprises. We can guarantee fast, reliable and secure internet and networking services at affordable prices.
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