Three years ago, I opened an e-commerce store with a few products. I gradually expanded it, and last year, I hired five people to work for me. And, even though I had planned everything, I couldn’t decide on what sort of business tools to opt for.

I had to choose between creating in-house tools or using cloud software. And, I chose the latter. Frankly speaking, it was a leap of faith, but I’m glad that I made the right choice.

Here, I’ll explain why small businesses like mine should opt for cloud tools and how they’re much better and effective than in-house software.

No Need For Maintenance Or Upgradation

I believe it is a major factor that makes cloud tools an obvious and likely choice for small businesses. When you buy a cloud tool’s subscription, you get the rights to use it. But, in no way do you get its ownership, and that is why you’re not responsible for maintaining or upgrading it.

The creators of such cloud tools are responsible for maintaining and upgrading them from time to time. Having said that, you need to ensure that your systems can easily run the cloud tools. 

Furthermore, you also need to ensure top connectivity so that cloud tools work efficiently. Speaking of connectivity, my internet once failed miserably to support my cloud tools. However, after switching to a more reliable and fiber connection, Verizon Internet, I could simultaneously run as many tools as I wanted without worrying about my connection.

So, in short, with no maintenance or upgradation required, I believe small businesses should switch to cloud tools for seamless operations.

Eliminates the Need for In-House Software

Creating business-specific tools is no easy task. Besides funds, this process also requires brainpower, and not to mention the time it can take to develop in-house tools. Keeping these factors in mind, I believe it’s a big ask from a small business perspective.

On the other hand, cloud tools are based on a subscription model. It means that small businesses do not have to allocate resources or time to use their services. 

Instead, they can simply choose the cloud software they want, buy its subscription, and start using it. In short, cloud tools effectively eliminate all the fuss that comes with creating in-house software.

Access To Newer Technology

As a small business owner, it was quite difficult for me to spare resources, funds, and manpower to develop new tools, let alone cutting-edge technologies. However, cloud tools enable small businesses like mine to access advanced technologies.

Developers for these tools actively research to find loopholes in existing business products and effectively cater to them.

This way, even small businesses can use such software to optimize their business operations. Also, as most cloud tools offer a free trial period, I can always determine if it is suitable for my business or not. 

Scalable With Your Business

One of the biggest problems with in-house tools is that you need to redesign them in case your business grows. And for that purpose, again, you’ll need to spend resources and time.

On the other hand, it won’t be a problem for you when your business is equipped with cloud tools. Simply because, as your business grows, you can switch to a better cloud plan to effectively cater to your business’s needs.

Also, you can easily get rid of any cloud tool you want simply by unsubscribing to its plan. All in all, cloud tools bring in the much-needed convenience that small business owners want.

Cloud Tools Are Secure

Be it a small business or a large enterprise, data security holds utmost importance. Now, cloud tools are generally secure and offer you complete control over data security.

For instance, my team cannot access sensitive data until I authorize their access. Just like that, I can share crucial information with the relevant person. And as the data is not stored on physical hardware like drives, I don’t have to worry about a virus infecting my system.

Other than this, cloud developers regularly update the security patches of tools to fill in the existing security and safety loopholes. 

So, I’d say that cloud tools are a much better option than going for in-house software. 

Also, before I wind up, I’ve got a little suggestion. Before you choose any cloud tool, ensure that it offers the best customer support.

As you’re not in charge of cloud tools, a responsive support would be your point of contact in case the software starts malfunctioning. So, you must ensure that the tool you’re subscribing to offers top-notch customer support and can readily resolve your issues.