What is the cloud?

When they talk to you about the cloud you don’t know exactly what they’re referring to? Don’t worry. Most people talk about the cloud without knowing what it really means. In this guide we tell you what it is and how it can help your small business.

What exactly is the cloud?

The cloud is a place where you store your data, files and programs. Thanks to the Internet you can access all this information from any computer or device, wherever you are and at any time.

Although it seems like something new, you’ve been using the cloud for years and it’s already changing your way of working, communicating and shopping. Let’s see how:

Traditional banking vs Online banking

Before you could only access your banking data by physically going to your bank’s office. With online banking, you have your financial data available in the cloud. You can access it anytime, anywhere and from any device.

Traditional mail vs Online mail

Traditionally mail was only available at the post office. Online mail has meant that your mail is available whenever you’re online. You can send an email whenever you want, from anywhere and from any device.

Traditional files vs Cloud storage

You’ve always had your files only accessible from your office. With cloud storage, your files are available to you whenever you’re online, from anywhere.

Traditional shopping vs Online shopping

When only physical stores existed, you had limited hours and a specific place to go shopping. Now, with online shopping, you can buy from anywhere, anytime, and from any device.

Traditional invoicing program vs Online invoicing program

With a traditional program, your data lives on your computer, which means it’s only available at limited hours, on limited devices and generally accessible from only one physical location.

With a cloud invoicing program, your data is online, so it’s always accessible, anytime and from anywhere. A good invoicing program will also allow you to have multiple users working at the same time.

Although it seems like something new, you’ve been using the cloud for years and it’s already changing your way of working, communicating and shopping.

Cloud myths

In this block we answer the difficult questions about the cloud. We’ll break the myths so you can move your small business to the cloud without any doubt.

Is the cloud the same as the internet?

You use the internet to connect your device to the cloud, but the internet is just the connection. The cloud is the place where your data is.

Can I lose my data in the cloud?

Your data is safer in the cloud than on your computer. Your computer can be stolen, infected with a virus or have a bucket of water fall on it during office cleaning, but companies dedicated to the cloud are specialists in guaranteeing the security of your data.

Is the cloud an Apple product?

Apple has a product called iCloud that uses cloud technology, but many other companies provide cloud products like Google, Dropbox or FacturaDirecta.

Can you get stuck if the internet goes down?

Nowadays the Internet is like electricity. It’s rare for it to cut out and in case it does, you just have to wait a few minutes for it to be available again. While this happens, your data is safe in the cloud.

Is the cloud just a fad?

The cloud has existed for many years and is getting bigger. Internet banking (in the cloud) started 15 years ago. Now technology is so fast and accessible that it can be used for anything.

Is cloud technology expensive?

It’s much cheaper because you only pay for what you use. You don’t pay for maintenance, updates, new versions, support, or additional devices to make a backup of information, for example.

Will I lose control over my data?

You’ll have much more control over your data, because you can access, share and work with your information anytime, anywhere and from any device. You also control who has access and who has performed a certain action. Permissions you can revoke at any time.

Is the cloud only for technical people?

The cloud is easy for everyone, you just have to go to the application’s website and it works. Imagine: not having to install anything on your computer, not having to worry about versions or updating your program. Just working, nothing more.

Let the cloud make you free

As you’ve seen, the great advantage of the cloud is that it allows you to work and access your data anytime and anywhere. The cloud breaks the chain between your office computer and your business information.

Do you need to make a quote or invoice when you’re out of the office? No problem thanks to the cloud. Do you want to enter an expense while you’re on the train? It’s easy, now you can.

With the cloud, you have no need to have all your data and files on one computer. You don’t have to worry about backups, theft, lost data, updates… There are teams of professionals who take care of that. You’ll never have to worry about what happens behind the scenes again.

In the cloud you can use computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones and other devices to access all your business information. Without problems, securely and in real time. You just have to log in and out, anytime and anywhere.