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Benefits of cloud computing

Cloud computing is a big shift from the way businesses traditionally think about IT resources. Here are some reasons organizations are turning to future-ready cloud computing.

Why organizations are choosing the cloud

Learn how cloud computing can help you reduce costs, create a simpler and more flexible work environment, and scale as your business grows.

Faster innovation

Create, collaborate, and innovate, while guarding against cyberthreats.

Cost savings

Stop paying for expensive on-site datacenters and save on ongoing maintenance and upkeep.

Simplicity and flexibility

Simplify capacity planning with self-service and on-demand computing resources.

Peace of mind

Cloud-centric tools with built-in security features are more reliable than traditional methods.

Other advantages of cloud computing

Cloud computing gives businesses the ability to scale seamlessly and enjoy greater efficiency, flexibility, and security.

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Reduce administrative overhead

Racks of servers and round-the-clock power adds up fast. Cloud computing eliminates this expense and makes resource management truly simple.

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Safeguard your organization against cyberthreats

Most cloud providers offer integrated policies, technologies, and controls to protect your data, apps, and infrastructure against cyberattacks.

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Save time with automatic updates

Cloud-based applications are automatically refreshed, which frees your IT department from manually performing organization-wide updates.

A person leaning over a kitchen table to type on a laptop that is running Outlook.

Prevent data loss

Despite your best efforts, computers can malfunction. Storing your data in the cloud ensures it’s always available, even in the event of an emergency.

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Get the power you need when you need it

Cloud computing provides unparalleled freedom and flexibility. If you need extra bandwidth, a cloud-based service can meet that demand instantly.

A person sitting at a table with a laptop and having a conversation.

Reduce administrative overhead

Racks of servers and round-the-clock power adds up fast. Cloud computing eliminates this expense and makes resource management truly simple.

A person typing on a laptop that is displaying Microsoft 365.

Safeguard your organization against cyberthreats

Most cloud providers offer integrated policies, technologies, and controls to protect your data, apps, and infrastructure against cyberattacks.

A person lounging on a couch looking at an image being displayed on a tablet.

Save time with automatic updates

Cloud-based applications are automatically refreshed, which frees your IT department from manually performing organization-wide updates.

A person leaning over a kitchen table to type on a laptop that is running Outlook.

Prevent data loss

Despite your best efforts, computers can malfunction. Storing your data in the cloud ensures it’s always available, even in the event of an emergency.

A person typing on a laptop displaying Teams chats.

Get the power you need when you need it

Cloud computing provides unparalleled freedom and flexibility. If you need extra bandwidth, a cloud-based service can meet that demand instantly.

Types of cloud computing

Not all clouds are the same and not one type of cloud computing is right for everyone. Learn more about the models, types, and services available to you.

Ready to try cloud computing?

Securely stream everything you need from the cloud to any device with Windows 365 Cloud PC.

Read the cloud computing beginner’s guide

Explore a new era of hybrid personal computing

Learn common cloud-computing terms

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Cloud computing (or “the cloud”) is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet to achieve faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.

Cloud computing allows consumers and businesses alike to store all their applications and data online, rather than locally on a computer or mobile device.

 

Businesses may use cloud computing for collaboration and communication, productivity and project management, file backup, data analysis, tools for developing software, and more. It’s cost effective because the organization only pays for what it uses.

 

Organizations are also turning to hybrid personal computing solutions like Windows 365 to enable virtual processes and remote collaboration. As businesses all over the world embrace hybrid work, it becomes even more clear that cloud computing is the safest, most flexible, and most affordable way forward.

Cloud storage is one way that businesses and consumers alike use cloud computing. By making data and resources accessible from any location through the Internet, cloud storage empowers users to use, share, and collaborate on documents without any risk of data loss.

 

Cloud-based technologies like Windows 365 make cloud computing accessible to all consumers by enabling users to stream all their personalized applications, tools, data, and settings from the cloud across any device.

Before choosing a cloud service provider, it’s vital to assess whether the vendor can handle your organization’s applications and data. You will want to consider the provider’s financial health, reputation, technical know-how, and track record on aspects like organization, governance, planning, and risk management.