How a Cloud Management Solution Can Help Your Hybrid Workforce

While cloud management solutions have been around for a while, they have only become subject to widespread use and conversation in recent years. Since the pandemic, these cloud-based software solutions have proven to be a lifeline for many of us. Yet, with the stay-at-home orders starting to ease up and organizations planning to reopen, the new hybrid workforce demands more. However, before discussing how hybrid employment and cloud solutions intersect, we need to understand each individually.

Hybrid Workforce

A hybrid workforce combines remote work with in-person collaboration. Some hybrid models have team members permanently working from home while others operate from the office. Other variants have employees working partially from home and partially from the office. Organizations like Google, Facebook, Twitter have already implemented versions of this model granting permanent, temporary, or indefinite work from home to their employees. Enterprises, to varying extents depending on their policies, will have to develop strategies to manage their hybrid workforce effectively.

Cloud Management Solutions

Cloud management is a service in which a third party governs your various cloud storage and computing technologies. Cloud applications enable businesses to serve remote workers no matter where they are in the world. For example, real-time communication systems like Microsoft Teams are essential for enabling real-time collaboration. However, each additional cloud-based data source complicates governance strategies as it is yet another system that needs to be managed compliantly and securely. The allure of a cloud management solution is that it allows organizations to reap the benefits of new tools and technologies without having to do the tedious work themselves.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Organizations can use a cloud management platform to maximize their public cloud use, save money, automate tedious operations, and improve security and compliance measures. When considering a cloud management solution, here are some key benefits to consider:

Accessibility

Cloud services provide remote workers with access to information they need to conduct their tasks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cloud management solutions further ensure the defensibility of this increased access, as administrators can create secure identities and access policies to ensure that workers have permission for what they can and cannot do. These settings may be changed remotely, ensuring that new or existing remote workers access the information they require while away from the office.

Collaboration

With the cloud, there is a lot more room for collaboration. Multiple people can simultaneously work on the same document using cloud-based tools to read, write, edit, comment, and update as required from anywhere. The main problems of remote work will be solved by enabling real-time and uninterrupted collaboration. However, as all conversations move to the digital space, they are recorded and require security and compliance management measures to ensure they are governed defensibly.

Security

One of the most significant advantages of the cloud is that it is built with security in mind. Cloud services work on a shared responsibility model, ensuring the cloud's overall security while allowing customers and users to use various security measures to safeguard their account's data. Users can specify particular security measures, such as setting up user permissions, encrypting data, and imposing other steps to avoid security risks on public cloud platforms like Azure. Cloud management solutions enhance this security process because professionals assist you as you deploy your cloud, ensuring that your settings are optimized for security and accessibility.

Compliance

Organizations in highly regulated areas, such as healthcare, manufacturing, financial institutions, and government, must verify that adequate security steps have been implemented to protect their data. Managed cloud service providers are used to this and are adept at ensuring regulatory satisfaction for cloud solutions, making it easier for businesses in regulated sectors to manage sensitive data—which is of extra value when managing staff across various locations.

IT Support for cloud management solutions

With designated IT support teams provided by the cloud service providers, it's simple to update and maintain programs, software, and security updates. The in-house IT teams can provide a smooth service while using real-time video, chat, and screen sharing tools. Most cloud management solutions additionally offer around-the-clock service to assist whenever an issue arises.

Moving Forward with Cloud Management Solutions

While not every profession or industry will be completely remote, businesses may use cloud apps and services to enable employees at home and work. However, hybrid work styles may be a win-win for employees and employers alike if they have a good grasp of how to adopt and maintain a hybrid workforce—as well as the obstacles that come with it.

Azure Cloud collaboration compliance hybrid security

Bivek Minj graduated from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication with a degree in English Journalism. He serves as a Content Writer at ZL Tech India's Marketing department. He comes to the industry with a desire to learn and grow.