Cloud-based applications are now commonplace in the business world.
Most companies are now using the cloud for their business needs.
But do they unfold the full cloud-app potential?
And what’s that potential in the first place?
Let’s get straight to it.
Cloud Apps benefits
The main reason to use a cloud app is for the convenience of being able to access your files from anywhere.
There are several reasons why businesses might want to use cloud computing. Some of these reason could be that it is more cost effective than other methods, it is more flexible and provides a higher level of security. Businesses are increasingly turning to cloud computing for the security benefits it provides.
A large majority of enterprises use cloud computing to store and manage sensitive data, according to Vormetric. This happens because the data is hosted on a remote server. If your PC becomes broken or compromised, your business information will be safe.
Cloud apps offer high-level encryption and multi-layer security, including two-factor authentication.
Cloud computing gives users the power to access applications from any location on any device. You can access the cloud from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
CRM Cloud Apps
Before installing any CRM apps, you should first determine if your business would benefit more from a CRM or an ERP system.
Regarding CRMs, they are the backbone of many businesses. Not only do customer management systems help keep track of customer information, but they can also help manage projects and teams.
A cloud-based system can improve your CRM strategies.
Cloud CRM software can improve productivity in your organization by making installation and automation easier, streamlining workflows, and integrating with other apps.
Let’s look at some of our favorite CRM solutions that are based in the cloud.
1. Zoho
Zoho’s CRM solution is more affordable than many other options.
Key Features:
- Zoho offers an extensive range of CRM services including, automation, process management, predictive sales, and team collaboration.
- Reach your customers across every communication channel and get real-time notifications when customers interact with your business.
Zoho is a versatile cloud app that can be used by businesses of any size and in any industry.
2. Salesforce
With over 150,000 businesses and companies using Salesforce today, it is one of the most prominent CRMs.
They offer users a platform with various tools to manage customer data, automate processes, and promote customer engagement. Salesforce is a CRM platform that offers users various tools to manage customer data, automate processes, and promote customer engagement. Nonetheless, it covers more fields, too. The CRM app provides you with tools to increase your revenue with top-rated B2C and B2B eCommerce solutions.
Salesforce is a great choice for companies that have a sales team and want to provide them with learning tools and opportunities for certification.
If you want a more in-depth comparison of Zoho and Salesforce, Piesync has a comparison guide that can help you find the best cloud CRM platform for your business.
3. Pipedrive
Pipedrive is another software that would be great for any type of business.
Key Features:
- Offering sales CRM and pipeline management, Pipeline features users’ communication tracking, lead management, automation, and app integration.
- Pipedrive is a great tool to manage leads and deals, track communications, automate repetitive administrative tasks, and measure company performance through valuable insights.
Cloud-based Payment Systems
If you want your retail store to succeed, you need to have a system in place that can help it grow. Cloud-based payment systems are a great option for businesses because they are convenient and easy to use.
Most businesses today use cloud-based solutions, even if they are not aware of it.
Thousands of businesses are benefitting from these solutions in the form of improved management systems, increased payment security, and better data integration.
Although there are many cloud payment methods, we prefer and trust these methods the most.
4. PayPal
We couldn’t start this list with anything other than PayPal. PayPal has changed the way we deal with money by making it easier and more convenient to do so electronically.
By using PayPal, businesses can accept online payments, pay vendors, manage risk, analyze data, and plan for expansion.
You can now use their card reader for offline payments, which connects directly to your PayPal account.
5. Stripe
An American company that raised $600 million more this April has been causing a stir in the tech world over the last decade.
The company helps merchant websites accept and process payments from their customers. Stripe describes its services as “online payment processing for internet businesses.” The company helps merchant websites accept and process payments from their customers.
Stripe has a number of features including payments, billing, fraud protection, analytics, and reporting. It also has an offline terminal that can be used for in-person payments.
6. Square POS
square is an offline POS system that enables users to take and sell payments online.
Not only does Square have many features, but it also integrates with eCommerce solutions like WooCommerce.
Not only is it easy to use, it is also highly customizable.
The Square app is available for free from Google Play and AppStore.
Cloud Collaboration & Communication Platforms
In today’s business world, it is essential for companies to collaborate and communicate in order to expand their operations, boost productivity, and achieve greater efficiency.
Cloud-based remote working tools are the best option for teams that are based in different locations and need to be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously while having access to real-time updates.
7. GSuite
There are many cloud service providers, with Google being one of the biggest. Google’s email, productivity, and communication tools are trusted by many businesses and are easy to use.
GSuite is a good fit for teams that need to work together on multiple projects and need good communication tools.
The Gsuite productivity applications include Gmail, Google Meet, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. Google’s suite of products is used by companies of all sizes, from small businesses to the Fortune 500.
8. Slack
Slack is a communication tool that is often called an alternative to Skype. Slack is much more than just a communication tool.
Slack is a platform of channels created to replace the use of email.
Slack can be used by professionals to communicate with people outside of their immediate team by creating project channels.
Slack can be used as a hub for other tools and apps, making work more centralized.
9. Monday
Monday offers many features including communication, collaboration, and event management. It integrates with many other platforms and has many customization options.
Businesses can use automation to streamline workflows, assign tasks, and keep track of time to boost productivity and improve efficiency within their organization.
More than 10 000 organizations around the world use Monday to communicate and collaborate more effectively.
10. Google Workspace
You can port files from one device to another using Google Workspace. The standard package comes with 30 GB of online storage per user, with an option to upgrade to an unlimited storage package. It allows you to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, and more.
Key Features:
- Offers a popular set of intelligent business apps
- Stops the need to use different apps for basic business functions
- Provides professional and ad-free business email experience.
The price for this service starts at $6 per user per month.
Cloud Accounting Apps
More and more businesses are using online accounting software to do their own accounts and tax returns, instead of using a middle man.
The cloud apps that are dedicated to accounting offer businesses better security than most traditional alternatives. The also offer the possibility for automation and improved maintenance through automatic updates. Finally, they allow you to access your accounts from anywhere.
11. Wave
If you want an accounting tool with easy-to-use basic accounting features, Wave is a good option.
Wave is best for freelancers and small businesses because it offers many free features, including accounting, invoicing, and receipts.
The most important thing about Wave is that it is free. Wave does not charge for its app subscription like other businesses.
12. QuickBooks
QuickBooks is a well-known program that is at the top of the market.
If you have a small business, you should definitely consider using Quickbooks as your cloud accounting app. It’s one of the best ones out there!
This product is on the high end of the price range, but it is still a good value for the money.
QuickBooks provides many features that are great solutions for most small to medium businesses, including payroll, customizable reports, and access to a live bookkeeper.
13. SOS Online Backup
SOS Online Backup will save your files online and encrypt them using military-grade security.
Key Features:
- Offers secure online backup
- Stops loss of files
- Provides 100%privacy
Price: Starting at $4.99/month
Cloud applications are the future for secure access to information for your team.
14. Quickbooks
Quickbooks allows you to connect your business bank account, PayPal, and Square to help you monitor your company’s financial health in real-time. This accounting app can be used to track expenses and upload pictures of receipts from your phone, which is very helpful when tax season comes around.
Key Features:
- View profit and loss reports
- Track unpaid invoices
- Pay employees
Price: Starts at $7.50/month for freelancer plan
15. Expensify
Although there are many expense trackers, Expensify is one of the most straightforward to use. It can track expenses and mileage across multiple platforms. Receipts can be scanned and uploaded. You can submit your expenses to your employer with the click of a button. It can also read in expenses from a linked bank account or credit card.
Key Features:
- Offers top-notch integrations
- Stops confusion at tax time
- Provides help with expense tracking across several industries
Price: Contact Expensify for more information
Travel Apps
16. TripIt
TripIt is an app that consolidates all of your travel information in one place. You can input your flight times, meeting times, and other details so that you have everything in one place and can easily reference it. It also corrals weather forecasts, maps, and directions.
Key Features:
- Offers a master itinerary for every trip
- Stops travel hiccups
- Provides access plans from anywhere on any device
Price: Freemium
17. Inigo
No more carrying stacks of business cards. Inigo is a networking app that allows you to create and share a virtual business card by tapping your smartphone with someone else’s. With Inigo, you can quickly and easily share your contact information with others, and keep track of your contacts by storing their information on your phone.
Key Features:
- Offers easy sharing of business cards
- Stops business cards from getting lost
- Provides a real-time networking solution
Price: Freemium
If you want to be successful with business travel and networking, you should download these apps. We know which option we’d prefer.
Operations Apps
Do you need help with your business’s daily operations? There are several apps that can help you to automate your processes and stay organized.
18. Upward
Upward is designed to make the hiring process less painful for small business owners. This app makes it quick and easy to post job listings and to sort through applicants. You can also save and search resumes.
Key Features:
- Post your listings on 100+ job platforms with a single click
- Communicate directly with applicants via Upward’s messaging platform
- Manage and rate candidates all in one place
Price: Starts at $50/job listing
19. Vivial
Vivial is a business marketing app. With Vivial, users can create an online presence for their business through social media, websites, local directories, and email newsletters. This allows them to build their brand and reach more customers. The service will also update the Google Places listings automatically for business users that have a physical location.
Key Features:
- Offers easy website optimization
- Provides local search optimization
Price: Contact Vivial for more information
20. Asana
Asana is a project management software that is easier to use than the standard software. The app provides a single interface for users to manage both work and personal projects.
Key Features:
- Offers easy collaboration
- Stops miscommunication on task due dates
- Provides project management tools
Price: Freemium
21. Square
Instead, it charges a fee of 2.75 percent per transaction. With Square, businesses can take credit card payments through mobile devices with a fee of 2.75 percent per transaction and no start-up or monthly fees. Instead, it simply takes a percentage of each transaction.
Key Features:
- Offers credit card processing from anywhere
- Stops the need for cash-only
- Provides free card reader
Price: Starts at 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
22. LogMeIn Pro
LogMeIn Pro for Android lets you remotely access and manage other PCs from your Android device. There’s also a Mac version: LogMeIn for iOS.
Key Features:
- Offers 1 TB file storage
- Stops loss of administrative functions
- Provides remote printing
Price: $30/month for two computers
Cloud Apps – How do you choose?
There are a lot of cloud apps available on the market. Therefore, narrowing down your selections can be tough.
While there are various reasons that you might decide to invest in any one particular app, choosing the right cloud app for your business can be broken down to three criteria:
- What you need
- What you can afford
- And what others say about their experience with the app
One way to decide which app is best for your business is to consider what features your business needs, what infrastructure you already have, and how an app needs to support your existing infrastructure.
The budget is a big factor in decision-making, especially if you don’t have much money.
What others say about the app you’re thinking of using can give you an idea of what you can expect and how they’ve found the app to work for them.
Please let us know what your favorite cloud apps are in the comments section below!
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