In an age where innovation dictates success, cloud technology is enabling companies to expand and compete more effectively, as JUSTICE OKAMGBA explains.
A long time ago, companies were required to allocate significant funds towards purchasing costly servers, building extensive IT infrastructures, and covering ongoing maintenance expenses in order to house their data and operate various applications.
However, with cloud technology, many businesses can now easily access these resources on demand without the burden of owning or managing physical infrastructure.
This suggests that it enables companies to expand their activities effectively by paying solely for the computational resources and storage they utilize—which is known as cloud technology or cloud computing.
A practical example of how cloud technology can help businesses is in the retail industry, where e-commerce companies rely on cloud platforms to manage inventory, process transactions, and enhance customer experiences.
For example, an expanding Nigerian e-commerce platform focused on fashion could face challenges such as overseeing stock levels at various outlets, streamlining order processing for customers, and interpreting sales statistics effectively.
By adopting a cloud-based enterprise resource planning system, the retailer can automate inventory tracking, synchronise stock levels across different warehouses, and reduce the risk of overselling or stock shortages.
According to Kehinde Ogundare, the Country Head of Zoho Nigeria, who stated this via an email to The PUNCH, for Nigerian enterprises, achieving enduring expansion hinges on digital advancement, where cloud-centric solutions act as vital catalysts,
The commercial environment in Nigeria is dynamic, featuring a burgeoning middle class alongside a populace that is becoming more technologically adept. Nonetheless, numerous enterprises continue to depend on manual procedures which impede their growth potential and operational effectiveness.
Ogundare suggests that conventional growth strategies fall short when it comes to the flexibility needed for modern markets that change rapidly.
He observed, “Manual procedures result in inefficiencies, inadequate data analytics hamper well-informed decisions, and constrained IT assets impede creativity.”
“To overcome these hurdles, businesses must adopt digital tools that streamline operations, automate workflows, and provide actionable insights.”
Digitizing your business isn’t just about implementing advanced tech; it’s about boosting efficiency at every level. Given today’s intense rivalry, companies that do not utilize digital resources may struggle to keep up.
Google distinguishes itself through its pioneering methods in machine learning, analytics, big data, and containerization,” states Rahul Panchal, founder of Rlogucal Techsoft. “The Google Cloud platform utilizes the same infrastructure as YouTube, Google Search, and Gmail, guaranteeing both velocity and dependability.
He highlighted a major disadvantage: “A notable constraint with Google Cloud is that it offers less functionality than several rivals. Furthermore, it boasts a smaller number of global data centers when contrasted with other top-tier cloud service providers.”
A major benefit of cloud technology lies in its capability to merge different business applications into a cohesive environment. This enables firms to simplify processes, cut expenses, and reach informed choices more swiftly.
Financial analyst Sarah Ward highlighted the significance of managing costs when adopting cloud solutions.
She noted on Quora that implementing a multi-cloud strategy, such as using Google Cloud, enables organizations to better control their costs. Tools like Binadox offer insights into cloud expenditures, assisting firms in producing comprehensive reports that aid in making more informed economic choices.
Moreover, artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing cloud-based solutions, improving both customer engagements and operational effectiveness. With AI-driven analytics, companies can customize their offerings, forecast industry shifts, and fortify client connections.
Ogundare pointed out that AI-powered contextual intelligence could substantially enhance business performance.
He stated that AI not only streamlines repetitive jobs but also offers businesses predictive analysis tools that aid in making strategic decisions.
The Systems and DevOps Engineer, Makarov Vladimir, emphasized particular AI-powered capabilities of Google Cloud that render it attractive for companies.
If you’re passionate about data science and analytics, Google Cloud provides all the tools necessary for effective completion of your tasks,” he stated. “Their range of database services, including products like Dataproc and Data Studio, are exceptionally robust.
Nevertheless, he highlighted issues related to Google Cloud’s monitoring and logging capabilities.
He pointed out that although Google bought Stackdriver for its monitoring capabilities, it continues to function independently, making smooth integration with other services challenging.
Each attempt to track a resource leads you to a new window, causing significant frustration.
Although cloud technology provides significant advantages, its success relies heavily on how effectively companies incorporate it into their processes. An integrated strategy guarantees that various digital resources function cohesively for optimal efficiency.
Ogundare stressed the importance of companies fine-tuning their complete technological infrastructure.
“Putting money into cloud technology goes beyond employing a couple of digital tools; it’s about making sure all systems—from customer relationship management to financial tracking—are integrated for optimal efficiency,” he stated.
As an increasing number of Nigerian enterprises adopt cloud technology, the advantages are growing clearer.
Cloud computing goes beyond mere cost reductions; it acts as a driving force for expanding your business, enhancing customer interactions, and ensuring lasting viability.
Experts in the field concur that the direction of commerce is heading towards cloud-based solutions.
Ogundare remarked, “Adopting cloud technology is now crucial—not just an option—for enterprises aiming to expand and stay competitive internationally. Through the use of cloud services, companies in Nigeria have the opportunity to reach their complete potential and contribute significantly to the nation’s digital progress.”
Despite ongoing obstacles like inadequate infrastructure and integration problems, specialists believe the future of cloud adoption in Nigeria looks promising.
As companies increasingly delve into cloud-based options, the transition towards a predominantly digital and data-centric economic landscape becomes unavoidable.
Over the next few years, businesses that effectively incorporate cloud technology into their processes will secure a competitive advantage, fostering sustained development and robustness in our progressively digitized environment.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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