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Fly high in the cloud - a guide for small businesses

Now is a great time for your business to move beyond the basics

It's no secret many small to medium businesses have been digitally transforming their operations in recent years to become more agile and efficient. Today, a small business can leverage digital technologies that were once only accessible to large enterprises. This digital adoption has in some ways levelled the playing field and enabled small businesses to compete with larger ones. 

Cloud computing has been the power behind much of this change, and a recent study commissioned by nbn1 found that even among the smallest Australian businesses with the most basic tech needs, half of these are now using cloud applications. From Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools to solutions for project management and accounting software, small businesses are adopting cloud applications that are most suited to their needs. The biggest benefit is that businesses can subscribe to these applications hosted in the cloud instead of purchasing or maintaining on-premises software. 

Yet while many organisations are adopting cloud computing, there's still plenty of work to be done. So even if your business is only at the start of its cloud journey, the good news is that now is a great time to take the next step.

With the help of the right internet connectivity, you can leverage the power and capability of cloud systems to open up new possibilities and help your business punch above its weight. 

Getting more out of the cloud

Beyond business basics like email, file storage and now, video conferencing, cloud computing puts serious capability into the hands of SMBs in areas such as finance, marketing, customer support, design and development and more.

Yet while many businesses are forging ahead with the cloud in some areas, adoption is not uniform. Many businesses still run a mix of cloud and traditional "on-premises" technology and there are plenty of systems that still run on old infrastructure, even at the largest companies. 

That's creating an opportunity for agile SMBs to get more competitive, allowing them to take advantage of the cloud to create products and services that take the competition to larger businesses that struggle to move as fast. 

Mechanic showing customer something on a tablet

Transitioning to the cloud 

If your business is looking to ramp up cloud adoption, there are a few key planning tips that can help the process go more smoothly. 

The first step is make sure you're thinking about the things you want to do in the cloud based on your overall business goals. For example, take the opportunity to investigate whether every system you currently have should move to the cloud. 

Similarly, don't feel too bound to the technology you've already invested in. They may have been the right systems at the time, but technology doesn't stand still, and moving to the cloud may give you the opportunity to do things better. Once you've got a better idea of what applications need to be migrated, set some priorities and develop a plan about which ones need to be moved first. 

One approach worth considering is to make a phased migration to cloud, starting small with less critical applications to allow you to develop knowledge and gain confidence before you move on to the bigger, more complex systems.

Warehouse operator managing orders on computer and tablet

A successful migration to the cloud needs the right internet connectivity

Another crucial factor to consider before making the move to the cloud is the state of your internet connection. As businesses get more technologically sophisticated, their internet requirements change, too. Migrating to the cloud can mean adopting more applications, which in turn means you need more reliable, fit-for-business connectivity.  

Cloud-based applications perform best with a high-speed internet connection - for both upload and download - to function efficiently. The need for reliable fast data upload speeds is a key reason businesses should use a business nbn fibre plan (over FTTP)*. In contrast, using a connection with slower upload speeds, like those designed for home users, may create a bottleneck that compromises your cloud computing plans. The same goes with slow Wi-Fi and hard-wired networks within your business itself - you need to ensure you have the latest hardware to get the most out of your connection. 

business nbn fibre plans can help Australian SMBs take advantage of the opportunities that cloud computing offers, with solutions that offer high download and upload speeds^, reliable internet via a full fibre connection, along with dedicated business support  offered to service providers+. nbn's wholesale model also means a wide choice of service providers - so there's more options when it comes to choosing an internet plan to meet your needs and budget.

An nbn full fibre connection is just one of the ways nbn is helping to support Australia's vibrant SMBs. 

Have you checked if your business is eligible yet?

Find out if you can access our business nbn fibre plans with a full fibre upgrade.

SOURCES

  1. Business Internet White Paper, Ergo Strategy, February 2024

^ Your experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn network, depends on the nbn access network technology and configuration over which services are delivered to your premises, whether you are using the internet during the busy period, and some factors outside nbn's control (like your equipment quality, software, broadband plan, signal reception and how your service provider designs its network).

* business nbn fibre plans are available over a full fibre (FTTP) connection. Not all providers offer plans based on the full range of wholesale business nbn products, product features and services. Talk to your preferred provider for more information about availability (including eligibility for a full fibre upgrade, if required) and the right retail solution for your needs.

+ These wholesale service features are offered to service providers. The service options providers make available to their end customers depend on what they have productised and the retail solutions they offer.

This article provides general guidance for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for the guidance of a business or technology consultant or any other professional advice.