Enhancing BPO Services Through Cloud-Based Solutions

While cloud-based solutions have been around for quite some time now, (especially for the digital-centered industries), their most recent applications do bring a fresh and innovative conversation to the table.

It was back in 2006 when Amazon launched the first commercial cloud: the Elastic Computer Cloud (EC2). Then Google followed up in 2008, introducing wild pricing models with free-entry-level plans and low-cost computing and storage services.

According to a SANS Institute report, 61% of the analyzed businesses use either one (34%) or two (27%) clouds in their organization. Industries such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, media, and manufacturing have already integrated cloud technology to some extent, and many success stories even come from outsourcing such solutions.

Nevertheless, there are still some old-fashioned sectors that prefer to go all in with the “do-it-yourself” formula. When it comes to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) development, it's usually tricky to find the perfect balance between in-house and outsourcing cloud-based solutions.

Although internal assets, such as founders, C-level decision-makers, and team leaders will always remain crucial for optimizing vital functions for both the company and its clients, they occasionally find themselves entangled in tasks outside their area of expertise.

Recognizing this need for balance, high-end Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies such as Helpware, are strategically integrating cloud-based solutions as a deliberate effort to assist enterprises in reaching new heights. Welcome to the cloud-based BPO era.

What is a Cloud-Based Solution?

A cloud-based solution integrates applications, storage, on-demand services, computer networks, and additional resources accessed via an internet connection, utilizing a shared cloud computing framework provided by an external service provider. 

This cutting-edge approach leverages the interconnected capabilities of cloud computing to deliver versatile and scalable solutions to users (both B2B and B2C, depending on the provided service), ultimately transforming the way resources are utilized and accessed in the digital arena.

In other words, cloud-based services are housed on servers external to your organization, owned by a third party. This means that, instead of managing a software application on a physical server within your data center, you opt to have it hosted by a cloud services provider, streamlining accessibility and minimizing the need for in-house infrastructure management.

There are three main types of cloud-based systems:

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): This allows companies to rent storage, networks, virtual machines, servers, and more from a cloud service provider. This model typically operates on a pay-as-you-go basis.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): In this alternative, the user is capable of deploying a rented tool for building, delivering, testing, and managing various applications; which is extremely helpful for software development.
• SaaS (Software as a Service): In this third scenario, the cloud provider not only hosts the application but also manages the associated infrastructure. Additionally, they shoulder the responsibility of software maintenance and upgrades, offering a hassle-free experience for users.

What are the Benefits of Cloud-Based Solutions?

IT infrastructure for SMEs can incur substantial costs, easily reaching tens of thousands of dollars. The expense varies based on factors such as required computing power, necessary software for servers, skilled human resources, and many other considerations.

Opting for cloud-based services alleviates the burden of managing a data center and ensures continuous operational efficiency. Additionally, companies can rest assured that they are collaborating with experts in their respective fields, resulting in top-tier solutions for their clients.

Some of the most relevant perks of outsourcing cloud-based services are:

• Efficient and adaptable data storage
• Simplified and cost-effective maintenance
• Enhanced security measures
• Guaranteed business continuity
• Reduced operational costs
• On-demand access to supplementary resources
• Fast-paced scalability

How can the BPO Industry take Advantage of Cloud-Based Solutions?

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) involves delegating specific business operations to external vendors or subcontractors, streamlining various facets of organizational functions. Generally, BPO practices encompass two primary domains: back-office and front-office operations.

Front-office BPO tasks typically take care of customer-centric services like tech support, sales, and marketing. On the other hand, back-office BPO involves outsourcing core business support operations such as accounting, payment processing, IT services, human resources, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance to external professionals, ensuring seamless business operations.

While the integration of cloud-based services can enhance efficiency in both these areas, it is particularly in the realm of IT and data processing where these outsourced digital services make a significant impact, offering substantial advantages for SMEs of a large list of industries.

A recent Clutch report states that the main reason why small businesses outsource tasks is to reduce expenses and bring industry experience onto the team. A different Deloitte research confirms that the primary drivers of managed services are the increasing pace of technology and digital transformation (62%), gaining access to new capabilities (56%), and the rising and more complex cybersecurity threats (54%)

At Helpware, our commitment to our clients and their customers is unwavering. We endeavor to cultivate specialists equipped with versatile expertise to tackle any situation. As pioneers in customer support services and software development, we are actively crafting an exceptional suite of cloud-based services. 

Our goal is to provide robust, easily accessible, and innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of the data-centric companies we collaborate with.

What is the Best Cloud Services Provider?

While it's not possible to determine what would be the perfect cloud-based solution provider, as each company has its own set of needs and demands, the following platforms have proved to be the three most formidable alternatives through the years.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

• AWS adopts a usage-based pricing model, offering flexibility that appeals particularly to smaller businesses seeking cost-effective solutions.
• Scalability is a hallmark of AWS, supporting nearly unlimited users.
• AWS stands out for its exceptional flexibility, extensive customization options, and robust support for third-party integrations.
• Amazon's proprietary tools, Kinesis Streams and Firehose, provide real-time analytics and robust big data solutions.
• AWS distinguishes itself through continuous updates and the introduction of new features, a testament to its commitment to addressing client needs and overcoming pain points in real time.

Microsoft Azure

• Azure presents an almost plug-and-play solution, ensuring a straightforward and hassle-free setup experience for users.
• Seamless integration is a standout feature of Azure, particularly for organizations utilizing Microsoft products, where the transition to Azure Virtual Machines is nearly effortless.
• Azure caters to diverse client needs by providing a range of pricing options tailored to individual requirements.
• A commitment to reliability is evident in Azure's guarantee of no more than 4.38 hours of downtime annually, emphasizing its dedication to maintaining a consistently operational environment.
• The unparalleled strength of Azure lies in its exceptional speed, underscoring its capacity to deliver swift and efficient solutions to meet the demands of modern business operations.

Google Cloud Platform

• Users find the appeal of data analytics and storage in Google's services compelling, with highly advanced Machine Learning (ML) offerings.
• Seamless integration characterizes Google Cloud, making it effortlessly compatible with all other Google services for a comprehensive user experience.
• While a limited free package is available, Google Cloud offers highly discounted prices for long-term contracts, providing cost-effective solutions for extended commitments.
• Google Cloud stands out for its flexibility, enabling users to easily negotiate and establish special arrangements that cater to their unique needs and requirements.

The Next Stage of Cloud-Based BPO Services

The ability to delegate activities that not only involve a meaningful investment in both software and hardware but also to trust such responsibilities to experts in the data-based environment will allow SMEs to focus on their specific business, while an external provider takes care of the most technical part of the product.

As we move forward, the synergies between BPO and cloud solutions will continue to redefine industry standards, opening new avenues for success and innovation for almost every industry out there. Are you ready to leap into the cloud-based BPO era? Everyone in Helpware is definitely in.