Small and medium businesses have many similar needs as large companies. They interact with clients, order stock, manage finances, collaborate on projects, and chase payments.

Many of these tasks are manual and time-consuming, not to mention inefficient. Large companies enhance them with business software, but that requires expensive licences and computer hardware. SMBs and SMEs know they can use modern software to stay competitive, but it often costs too much.

How do they get the advantages of the best business software without ruining their bottom lines? The answer is to use affordable cloud services.

Cloud in your business

Your business already relies on cloud software. You are using cloud software if you rely on Gmail, Dropbox, ChatGPT, or social media marketing. If you access software through your web browser or an app, chances are, that's cloud software.

Cloud software is much more affordable than traditional business software. As the user, you never need to buy the software or own special hardware to run it. You can pay monthly and, in some cases, only for what you use. When the software is updated, you get the new features immediately—no hidden fees for patches. You can access the software anywhere through an internet connection and on most devices, even smartphones.

The cloud is generally also more secure. You must remain diligent and look after your data—that is still your responsibility. However, cloud providers do a lot to keep their software safe, and SMBs benefit from those investments without needing a massive security budget.

Use the cloud on your terms

The cloud powers all types of software: email, calendar, planning, payroll, human resources, collaboration, and even cyber security. Vodacom Business provides a wide range of affordable cloud products designed specifically for small and medium businesses.

Here are some useful options to start with:

Business Suites: Get all the standard business tools in one package: email, calendar, file share, and chat/video features for one set monthly price. Google Workspace and Office365 offer all-in-one business suites you can start using in minutes.

File Share: Share and store your business documents securely with a cloud drive, such as OneDrive for Business, Microsoft SharePoint, Amazon WorkDocs, and Google Drive. These services are helpful as a basic optional backup and great for enabling different people to collaborate on the same document.

Chat/Video Comms: You and your employees are more productive when you can communicate online and host virtual meetings. Use the cloud and bring the collaborative power of Microsoft Teams, Amazon Chime, and Google Meet into your business. If you need an affordable unified comms service that incorporates your fixed line and mobile phones, consider the OneNet Business service.

Hosting: Businesses and products need websites to help promote them and serve their customers. You can have your website ready quickly through Google Sites—create high-quality, unique, customised websites without knowing how to code. For more advanced hosting jobs, AWS Virtual Server is the perfect solution.

Finances: Don't spend a lot of money on elaborate invoicing software that quickly becomes outdated. Fiskl, offered by Vodacom, makes small business invoicing easy: capture expenses, track hours and invoice clients on the go.

Backup: Keep your files secure with the Keepit SaaS backup, which copies your Office365 and Dynamics365-CRM Cloud data. It requires no hardware or installation, and recovering files is quick.

Security: Cybercrime is a real threat that can cripple your business. Keep yourself and your employees safe with TrendMicro's cloud-based solution to stop phishing, ransomware, Business Email Compromise scams, spam and more.

Not sure where to start? Begin with a business suite and move your email into the cloud. Talk to your staff: they will have ideas on where software can improve your operations. And when you are ready to power your business with cloud technologies, contact Vodacom and explore your options for a faster, smarter and more efficient company.