What are the Benefits of Cloud Collaboration?

Cloud computing is a rapidly growing solution for issues related to data storage and collaboration. The "cloud" itself is simply a virtualization of resources — such as data storage, applications, servers and networks all working in unison to allow access to information on-demand.

What Is Cloud Collaboration? 

Cloud collaboration is a method of collaboration where multiple individuals may access, review and edit a document in real time. With the document housed in the cloud, it is always versioning, so everyone with access sees changes as they are made. 

With cloud collaboration, the days of combining multiple documents and wrestling with outdated versions becomes a thing of the past. 

While it can be especially beneficial to businesses with multiple locations or remote employees, cloud collaboration is also an excellent way to work with others in close proximity. Whether they're working on meeting notes or a proposal document, cloud collaboration allows all team members to work together in real time.  

The Benefits of Cloud Collaboration

This advancement in the way we store and share data has led to a number of benefits that allow us to connect and work collectively as a team – and in an efficient and productive manner. Here are five benefits of cloud collaboration.

1. Improved Organization

With documents kept in a central, cloud-accessible location, employees can work on a document without having to send an updated version (not to mention trying to keep track of the latest version) to all the necessary team members.

2. Higher Participation Levels

Allowing access to projects can lead to higher levels of employee participation. With cloud collaboration, all team members have an equal opportunity to provide input, and it can be done from wherever they are, at any time.

3. Improved Access to Large Files

Most email servers cannot handle documents larger than a few MB. When dealing with large audio or video files that email servers can’t accommodate, cloud computing solutions have the answer. Because you can provide access to the cloud, where the large files are stored, there is no need to send files. Through the cloud, there is no delay in receipt or distribution dilemmas.

4. Real-Time Updates

Teams can work on projects without having to be in the same room, or even country. Edits and updates appear in real time and can be accessed by everyone. Any confusion over which version is the latest is eliminated with cloud collaboration.

5. Better Brainstorming

The cloud can become a brainstorming forum, allowing ideas to be shared and productive conversations to take place. The cloud is an ideal medium to facilitate better communication between staff and project managers, various team members and other collaborators.

Cloud Collaboration Services

Dropbox

While most well-known as a free consumer service, Dropbox for Business allows employees to sync files from various devices and work from anywhere — as long as they have an internet connection. With enhanced security features, Dropbox helps ensure data is protected at all times. 

M-Files

M-Files enables teams to collaborate efficiently and securely. Whether you're looking to collaborate with coworkers, suppliers, partners or another group, M-Files allows you do do it in a unified, managed way. With built-in collaboration tools, M-Files makes co-authoring simple. 

Microsoft OneDrive

OneDrive is designed for businesses, enabling them to access, share and collaborate on all their files, from anywhere. With features that connect all your files across Microsoft 365, Microsoft OneDrive enhances collaboration while maintaining visibility and security controls. 

Tips for Successful Cloud Collaboration

Cloud technology is very beneficial for businesses, especially where collaboration is concerned. The ability to communicate and share via cloud computing can enhance the quality of work produced and decrease the amount of time it takes to complete projects. Here are a few helpful hints that make collaboration successful – with or without the cloud (the cloud just enhances their functionality):

• Keep Your Team Organized
  It’s important to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Organization is an integral part of cloud collaboration. Without it, not even the cloud can improve the success of your project.

• Delegate Tasks
  Don’t try to handle everything as a group. Delegate tasks to individuals and ensure everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing and the expectations and deadlines.

• Centralize Communication
  Having a single application and process for cloud computing communication management is extremely helpful. You can then track discussions, invite participants and document project progress.

Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a large corporation, cloud technology is definitely worth considering. According to a survey conducted by Frost & Sullivan, companies investing in the cloud generally experience a 400 percent ROI. In addition to the benefits listed above, this statistic makes the cloud worth researching, at the very least. Learn more about cloud computing with our free Cloud Capabilities eBook.

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