Cloud computing is an integral part of our everyday lives. We frequently use the cloud to store photos and videos, stream our favorite TV programs, and bank online across our various devices¹. However, beyond these personal uses, the cloud also plays a pivotal role in business computing¹. It is common for businesses to move their email exchange servers to the cloud, along with communication-focused applications like CRMs and video conferencing¹.
While it is easy to make the switch to cloud-based applications for email and business communication platforms, that is not the case for moving work files¹. Indeed, many organizations are still reluctant to abandon their file servers in favor of shifting exclusively to cloud-based apps¹. They express concerns about security, compliance, and access¹. However, replacing your on-premises file servers with Microsoft 365 cloud storage is easy, secure, and user-friendly¹. In this article, we will highlight the benefits of replacing your file servers with MS 365 for you and your business.
One key benefit of moving your file storage to MS 365 is that you no longer need to monitor any physical servers¹. If you still use an on-premises server, you must make sure it is regularly monitored, backed up, and serviced¹. You can elect to have your IT team service the unit or delegate the responsibility to a managed service provider¹. Either way, you waste valuable time and resources better spent serving customers. Keep in mind that the overall costs of using Microsoft’s cloud storage solutions are less than the amount you would spend for on-premises storage, plus related costs like floor space, cooling, and electricity². In short, using MS 365 for file storage helps you save time, money, and frustration.
Another advantage of replacing your file server with MS 365 is that the cloud-based platform helps you find documents more easily³. Unlike old-fashioned servers with limited filtering options and general difficulty finding specific files, MS 365 provides you with ways to quickly locate the documents you need³. For instance, there are specific places to look if you know a document is stored in your business OneDrive or a time site library³. Other times, you may prefer to search for a document by name or a term used therein³. In this case, you can use OneDrive’s Query Box to search for documents in your business OneDrive, along with shared documents and those stored on sites you follow³. All these features considered, MS 365 leaves traditional file servers in its dust.
While MS 365’s cloud solutions help you cut costs and find documents more easily, they also provide you with enhanced security⁴. According to a recent Gartner study, public cloud workloads suffered at least 60 percent fewer security incidents in 2020 than those in traditional data centers⁵. MS 365’s cloud storage also provides you with advanced, multi-layer security features². These include but are not limited to access control systems, data encryption, continuous threat monitoring, application security, suspicious activity monitoring, and protection from mass file deletions both accidental and intentional². This shows that MS 365’s cloud storage solutions are the safe choice for storing your company’s files.
However, the greatest advantage of replacing your files with MS 365 cloud storage is that it allows greater access for remote users⁴. Chances are you have had to work from home the past two years due to current events. If you live in northwestern New Jersey like me, you may also be forced to do likewise if inclement weather makes travel – and thus access to your on-premises file servers – impossible. With MS 365, your files are no longer limited to a single storage site. Rather, you can access files stored on OneDrive, Teams, or SharePoint from anywhere, whether you are in Byram, Brasilia, Budapest, or Bangkok⁴. MS 365 cloud storage solutions also make file sharing and real-time collaboration easier, without having to continually email documents to yourself and others². In short, no matter whether you are working from home, in the office, or on the road – MS 365’s cloud storage is right for you.
Navitend can help you. Call 973.448.0070 or setup an appointment today.
Sources:
¹SymQuest. “Why It’s Time to Replace Your On-Prem File Server with Cloud-Based Collaboration” by Mark Jennings. Retrieved from https://blog.symquest.com/why-its-time-to-replace-your-on-prem-file-server-with-cloud-based-collaboration#:~:text=Replacing%20On-Prem%20File%20Servers%20with%20Office%20365%20Microsoft,you%2C%20and%20others%20on%20your%20team%2C%20from%20anywhere.
²Microsoft. “Cloud storage vs. on-premises servers: 9 things to keep in mind” by Paul Diamond. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business-insights-ideas/resources/cloud-storage-vs-on-premises-servers.
³Microsoft. “Organize documents and sites in Microsoft 365”. Retrieved from https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/organize-documents-and-sites-in-microsoft-365-1a36030f-3e54-4c43-8401-b7bcd0d1c16b#bkmk_storeodb.
⁴Visionary IT. “Benefits of Moving Shared Company Files to Microsoft 365” by Travis Lugo. Retrieved from https://www.visionaryaz.com/2022/05/benefits-of-moving-shared-company-files-to-microsoft-365/.
⁵Gartner. “Cloud Strategy Leadership” by David Mitchell Smith. Retrieved from https://www.gartner.com/imagesrv/books/cloud/cloud_strategy_leadership.pdf.
Contact us at 973.448.0070