Growing together virtually

Behind heavy vault doors, immersed in green laser light and surrounded by watchful cameras. This is where Coca-Cola's secret, guarded for almost 130 years, is said to be located: the ingredient formula. Even if the steel gates conceal more of a myth than a formula, the example clearly shows that it is not only the product but also the data written down for it that gives the company its value. Concepts, strategies, formulas, key figures, product descriptions or development plans - documents and data such as these are probably the most valuable assets of many companies and therefore particularly worthy of protection.

Growing data volumes

Even today, some SMEs store their data on computers or external hard drives, while others operate their own server in the storeroom. Large companies maintain entire server landscapes. Servers are always more secure than local storage on the computer, but they also have weaknesses. Servers are expensive to purchase, and both financial and human resources must be available to maintain and operate them. In addition, capacity is limited - this is particularly disruptive as data volumes grow incessantly and the digitization of the business world advances relentlessly. Much of customer and business correspondence has shifted to the Internet in recent years. Traditional IT landscapes are groaning under the growing volume of data.

Major ICT providers recognized early on that alternative storage solutions were needed. One development in particular has stood out, enabling companies to store their data securely and sustainably - the cloud.

Backups in the cloud

Cloud solutions are not dreams of the future, but are setting the tone today. In Switzerland, for example, the cloud market is growing rapidly, from a current volume of 400 million to around 1.3 billion Swiss francs by 2018, according to Experton Group predicts. Cloud-based storage solutions are available in different variants and combinations. However, not all of them are geared to the needs of companies - especially those whose requirements must meet security. Because business documents are sensitive data, care should be taken when choosing a cloud provider to ensure that its servers are located in Switzerland. Only then will Swiss legislation apply, for example with regard to data protection. The providers operate highly professional data centers for their cloud - in which the company data is better protected against failure or fire and against unauthorized access than on a local server. On the one hand, physical measures are taken in the centers, and on the other, the data is stored multiple times and in different locations so that any backups can be made quickly. If the data volume increases dramatically, additional storage capacity can be booked flexibly.

Virtual collaboration

Cloud solutions bring the necessary agility to the business. While the cloud provider takes care of operation and maintenance, the company uses its own resources for its core business. But instead of simply storing data in virtual storage, companies should instead consider how they can create additional efficiency in the handling of documents with cloud-based solutions. Once the data is in the cloud, i.e. online, new opportunities for collaboration arise. In the future, employees will be able to work away from their workstations and computers. With any Internet-enabled device - whether laptop, tablet or smartphone - data can be accessed online, edited and even shared across company boundaries. And because not all documents are intended for everyone, online solutions offer appropriate authorization management, with which selected users can be authorized to access documents.

Cloud-based solutions enable the secure and sustainable storage of data. On the other hand, they promote mobile forms of working. Employees can process documents regardless of time, place and end device and thus organize their working day more flexibly. In this way, companies contribute to a sustainable work and lifestyle for their employees.

Advantages of cloud-based work tools