Page 85 - Cloud Computing (Elective – III)

Streamlines organisation workflow

Cloud collaboration improves productivity by helping teams work faster and
more efficiently. It’s also perfect for flexible work scheduling since tasks can be
shared between collaborators with varying working hours and colleagues in
different time zones.

Using cloud storage means everyone has easy access to all the documents they
need, and they can share files from wherever they are, at any time. This reduces

the amount of time spent waiting for information and decisions. Plus, there’s no
need to send updated versions to the relevant co-workers.

Improved communication and participation

Communication is vital to successful projects, especially in a distributed
workforce. Cloud collaboration allows for a higher degree of employee
participation, as the 24/7 accessibility of files gives all team members an equal
opportunity to provide input.

Cloud-based collaboration tools also enable colleagues to communicate with one
another while working simultaneously. As well as seeing who else is viewing the
document, they can use real-time annotation, group chat and instant messaging
functions.

Accessibility to files

The big bonus of a cloud platform is its accessibility. File sharing and editing are
simple, whether a worker is in the office, at home or out on the road.

Cloud solutions also allow large files to be stored and shared with ease. Video
and audio files are increasingly used in business, yet most email servers cannot
handle documents larger than a few megabytes. This can cause delays and a
disrupted workflow.

Of course, the cloud also reduces worries about losing important documents and
data through mistakes or breaches. Files are automatically backed up and are

retrievable in the event of a disaster.

Real-time updates

When a document is edited or updated, the changes appear real-time and can be
accessed by everyone. There’s no such thing as the “latest version”; there’s just
one version, with all team members working on it.

Collaboration platforms have a system whereby an alert is sent to all participants
whenever the file is changed to make things even easier. This helps keep

everyone on top of new developments and ensures that colleagues are literally on
the same page.