Cloud computing is great for the enterprise because it promotes collaboration.
With cloud data, multiple people can share, edit, and work together on documents and other files. This information is typically stored off premises and outside a company firewall in what’s called a public cloud.
Here are several ways cloud computing promotes collaboration among teams.
Put another way, cloud computing prevents file loss.
Workers used to have to create, maintain, and edit their own set of files. This was a problem for several reasons:
The cloud wipes away those challenges. Employees can access the most updated version of a file at any time. That file’s integrity stays in tact despite software and hardware crashes, so that the latest version is in one place at all times.
Cloud computing encourages collaboration in this way.
When people know where to look for information, they’re more likely to participate.
Organized cloud documents allow workers to see the exact same file at the same time. Often, a file may show a list of users who are looking at a particular file simultaneously.
Participants are also able to communicate with each other. Many cloud tools allow users to comment on certain parts of the file, and they also have chat functionality built in so that team members can keep their conversation within that file without spilling over to instant messenger or email.
It can be argued that we take for granted the technology we have available to us today. After all, we can edit a business proposal at our desk at work, from a car or bus during our commute to work, or while waiting in line at the grocery store.
Most likely, in these scenarios, we’re using at least a laptop and a smartphone to accomplish these tasks.
But, keep in mind that the computer that propelled NASA’s Apollo mission couldn’t even match the power that we have in our pockets today.
Being able to access and change the same file from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop is an incredible feat.
Another overlooked aspect of cloud computing is that changes are done in real time.
Chatting with other participants, leaving comments, and any file updates occurs instantaneously.
One audience that appreciates real-time updates is remote workers, who may not see or hear what is happening in an office, but still needs access to crucial files to get their work done.
Plus, if the real-time updates are throwing participants into a tailspin, they can generally go back and look at the revision history of a file to see what has changed since the last time they opened or modified it.
If collaboration is an issue within your organization, consider switching to cloud computing for organized files that are updated real-time and invite participation.
