Clouds for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

The use of cloud solutions in companies is increasing. Small and medium-sized enterprises also benefit from the advantages of a cloud application. However, certain rules apply to the IT infrastructure based on a cloud solution to ensure that working with the cloud in SMEs is secure.

Cloud solutions for SMEs

The abbreviation SME stands for small and medium-sized enterprise. Characteristic for such companies is that they employ up to 250 employees and do not exceed a maximum turnover of 50 million euros. In many companies in this sector, cloud solutions are already integrated into everyday life. There is a good reason for this: IT applications such as Microsoft Office or programs for e-mails can be linked to a cloud solution. SMEs do not have to deploy their own server. Instead, users can access cloud storage flexibly and at any time thanks to decentralized and location-independent cloud computing.

Benefits of a cloud for small or medium-sized enterprises

Cloud applications are suitable for all businesses regardless of their size. Clouds simplify the management of large amounts of data and offer many options within an IT system for processing files as well as information. A cloud as a solution for SMEs brings advantages. The advantages of cloud computing in small and medium-sized companies are obvious:

Saving costs through flexible working

A cloud relieves the burden on an internal IT department. When a small company integrates cloud storage, there is an initial investment. In the longer term, SMEs reduce their costs with a cloud. Cloud providers like TeamDrive provide a solution for businesses that has many useful features. Two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption are representative of why TeamDrive is among the best cloud storage for SMBs.

Application depending on need

Using a cloud also opens up the possibility of scaling the technical infrastructure in the company. Based on the demand for capacity, for example for unlimited storage space or server loads, solutions can be put together that are adapted to requirements. This orientation promotes efficient cost deployment because the cloud is geared to the actual management of data. In general, it is possible to expand or customize cloud services.

Location-independent working

Cloud services enable team collaboration, even if employees work partially remotely. Members of the team are granted access as users and can access stored data in the cloud from anywhere. By assigning user rights, only those people who are authorized to do so are granted access.

Faster work

Compared to in-house servers and often outdated hardware, cloud services have technical advantages for companies. They are usually faster and provide computing power to process many files in a short time or to allow many employees or customers to access files at the same time. This allows data to be transferred in real time to customers who access shared content in the cloud via a link.

Small businesses in the midmarket are already using the service of a cloud provider and thus remain competitive. In addition, clouds facilitate joint work in a company and open up new working models in times of New Work concepts.

Areas of application of a cloud for smaller companies

All the advantages that cloud solutions bring to small and medium-sized enterprises can be seen in the variety of specific areas of application.

Office systems based on a cloud: In the meantime, very many companies use cloud-based office programs for collaboration. These include Office 365 or Google’s G Suite. These platforms promote efficient work because several users can access and edit a document. Changes can be quickly communicated to colleagues on the team. Productivity increases because some work steps and tasks are eliminated.

Backup: All local data that is generated in the work processes in a company is immediately backed up to the cloud storage. There is no need to back up data manually. The risk of data loss is therefore low, because cloud storage can be easily restored. The data is backed up there in an unchangeable way. The cloud’s software automatically creates backups. Clouds operate in a decentralized manner, so all stored data is kept securely in the memory. The use of an end-to-end encrypted cloud increases IT security because data is protected from unauthorized access, misuse and loss.

Functions and prerequisites of cloud services

The use of clouds in small and medium-sized enterprises requires prerequisites that public clouds often do not offer. Providers such as Onedrive, Google Drive, Nextcloud, Owncloud or Dropbox are out of the question for companies. Such services either do not meet the necessary compliance requirements or have deficiencies in data protection. However, the protection of confidential data is an indispensable basis for a business cloud. Public clouds basically offer functions to store data and work collaboratively. However, there are increased obligations for companies when they use online storage for confidential or personal data.

In the commercial sector, strict rules apply to data protection and audit-proof archiving. The basis for these obligations are the GDPR and the GoBD. Compared to cloud solutions such as TeamDrive, the cloud providers mentioned above do not comply with these rules. Their servers may be located outside the European Union and are therefore not subject to European data protection. When choosing the right cloud solution for small and medium-sized enterprises, it is therefore important to pay attention to the following aspects and features:

TeamDrive as a secure business cloud

However, the differences in encryption between cloud providers lie in the details. Encryption is relevant for both storing and transferring data. It is also crucial who has access to the keys and the unencrypted data. Complete end-to-end encryption meets the highest requirements. Companies are therefore well advised to use this most secure encryption method.

TeamDrive offers all services with end-to-end encryption as standard. It is therefore possible to generate a password-protected link for downloads. This guarantees confidential collaboration across network boundaries with customers or partners. In addition, digital mailboxes are available that are also end-to-end encrypted. This eliminates the need to install a VPN network to send confidential information to colleagues and customers. With these features, TeamDrive is ideal for enabling all employees in a company to work securely in remote mode.

TeamDrive’s Zero Knowledge principle also enables user rights to be configured as required. This architecture also ensures that unauthorized persons and TeamDrive as the provider cannot access stored data. With any configuration selected, data protection and data security are at the highest level.

TeamDrive as cloud storage for SMEs

Clouds have become indispensable for smaller businesses, which include startups, in the digital age. Concerns usually still exist about data protection and security, but with modern and secure cloud services, this fear is unfounded. Companies that consciously choose a provider like TeamDrive receive an optimal solution that reduces risks to a minimum. The modular nature of TeamDrive Enterprise offers flexibility and security for any business, regardless of size.

Are you a small medium-sized business or a larger company with more than 50 employees? Does your company work at different locations? Then TeamDrive is the right provider to meet needs and requirements for efficient collaboration.

Advantages of TeamDrive for use in small companies

Due to the development of the TeamDrive software according to Privacy and Security by Design, a sustainable and long-term use according to the most modern security standards is guaranteed.

Cost: only 5.66 euro per month & user (with 150 user licenses)

The price includes all user and server licenses as well as updates, maintenance and support.