Cloud management services are now more critical than ever amid the COVID-19 crisis. While there has always been a compelling case for using cloud services, it’s now more important than ever. You see, the coronavirus has made many enterprises rethink their strategies concerning their long-term sustainability. This has seen a spike in the uptake of the public cloud.
This unprecedented global pandemic has forced a huge chunk of IT enterprises to adopt a work-from-home model. Consequently, there has been an increased demand for cloud communication and collaboration services the world over.
So, do you need cloud management services amid the COVID-19 pandemic? The answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why:
WHY CLOUD MANAGEMENT SERVICES ARE IMPORTANT
1. SERVICE INDUSTRY
The benefits of the cloud can vary widely from one business to another. For example, some enterprises find the ability to work from home during the pandemic a great boon. But there are some types of work you cannot do from home. The cloud provides significant improvements in productivity for telecommuting jobs.
Organizations that offer services, such as engineering, web design, writing, online marketing, editing, and consultancy, are the biggest beneficiaries. Freelancing websites, such as Guru, Upwork, and Freelancer, use the cloud to enable users to access their services from wherever they are.
With cloud management services, you can create a digital workplace that allows employees to work in an agile, collaborative, and secure way. And that’s not all – they can also access specialized support mechanisms to address any workplace issues that may arise.
The cloud facilitates remote work in the following ways:
- Workplace Virtualization
Employees can work remotely by accessing services and resources on any device. They can chat, have video meetings, and even share documents without ever leaving their homes.
- Remote Collaboration
With cloud management services, employees can securely share and access files that are only available at corporate locations. They can even transfer large files quickly and reliably.
- Remote Contact Center
Organizations can still operate their contact centers. The agents work from remote locations while still retaining access to the basic tools required at a contact center.
2. ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
Physical distancing is important during this trying time. But let’s face it – it’s hard staying away from the things and people you love. Isolation can take its toll on your mental health. Luckily, managed cloud services enable companies, such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, and Amazon Prime, to provide you with unlimited entertainment. And, as a result, you can keep boredom at bay.
COVID-19 has inspired a spike in the consumption of entertainment and gaming. Companies providing entertainment services can benefit in the following ways:
- Global Broadcasting
The cloud allows them to continue broadcasting and delivering their content uninterrupted.
- Deliver Fast, Reliable Streams
Because of the scalability of the cloud, organizations can stream their content reliably without worrying about spikes in demand.
3. MANUFACTURING
There has been a sharp decline in manufacturing since the outbreak of COVID-19. This is because of factory shutdowns around the world and the inability to access raw materials. Nonetheless, manufacturers can still benefit from using the cloud. Here’s how:
- Safety Compliance Inspection Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Managed cloud service providers, such as Google and Amazon, provide the tools necessary to enable manufacturers to conduct real-time safety audits using AI. They can check for adherence to rules on social distancing, eyewear, and hard hats.
- Facilitate Remote Collaborations
They can leverage cloud-based collaboration tools to conduct training, onboard customers, and hold meetings.
- Visual Inspection of the Production Process
Manufacturers can inspect the accuracy of the manufacturing process using AI and machine learning.
- Remote Monitoring of Machines
Manufacturers can remotely monitor their machinery from anywhere in the world using cloud computing.
4. EDUCATION
Kids can no longer go to school, but they haven’t stopped learning. Educators can take advantage of the cloud to do the following:
- Distance Learning
The cloud provides educational institutions with the tools to provide distance learning facilities for their students. Students, teachers, and parents can access training tools, tips, and resources from wherever they are.
- Use Data Analytics and Metric for Decision Making
Educational institutions can use robust data processing tools to get insights on student enrollment, engagement, and staff recruitment.
5. RETAIL
Retailers have witnessed an unprecedented change in buying behavior since COVID-19 started. Cloud management services can help retailers gain operational agility and accelerate cost reduction. Here’s how retailers can take advantage of the cloud:
- Remote workforce
Since sales are happening online, a huge chunk of the staff can work from home using the collaborative and communication tools made available by cloud computing.
- Capacity Management
With the influx of orders resulting from the pandemic, retailers can take advantage of the scalability and speed of the cloud to deliver uninterrupted services to customers.
- Inventory Management and Demand Forecasting
Using AI and machine learning, retailers can get the insights they need to keep their businesses afloat.