Scaling business operations: How the right cloud storage and broadband solutions support growth

If you clicked on this article, you're probably reminiscing about the "good old days", where file sharing with your client meant passing physical media like a DVD around; you could email a colleague a copy of your Word document and call it a day. Now, everything needs to be collaborative. Everyone needs to be able to access the same file, folder or entire project workflows to edit, annotate and update in real-time. Teams are expected to contribute remotely and clients expect to review changes instantly. 

From handling large files to supporting distributed teams, robust network connectivity and dependable cloud storage have become essential building blocks for successful business collaboration. Whether it’s enabling seamless operations across multiple offices or safeguarding data, only when connectivity and storage work in tandem can companies concentrate on their core competencies and remain agile.

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Distributed teams, global collaboration and more data than ever

As modern businesses adopt more technology-driven workflows, the pressure on IT infrastructure will only increase, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that may not have dedicated IT personnel or local infrastructure in place.

Consider an animation studio or video production house where media files routinely reach tens of gigabytes in size. Exporting, sharing, and storing these massive, high-resolution assets is a daily norm. You may have a powerful PC, but without sufficient storage capacity or reliable connectivity, even simple workflows can grind to a halt, impacting productivity and jeopardising tight project timelines.

Large files aren’t a niche problem, but a wide-ranging issue that’s reshaping workflows across multiple industries. For SMBs, this challenge is especially pronounced. Some additional examples include:

• Research consultancy: The process of digitising decades of paper records hinges on secure, scalable cloud access to modernise operations and keep sensitive data both accessible and protected across departments.
• Architecture firm: Sharing detailed 3D models across teams and partners requires fast, reliable networks to support real-time collaboration and avoid delays in the design and review process.
• Marketing agency: Juggling multiple clients and rich media assets necessitates cloud-based workflows that streamline approvals, reduce delays, and keep campaigns moving swiftly toward launch.

According to this Statista report from November 2024, “The total amount of data created, captured, copied, and consumed globally is forecast to increase rapidly, reaching 149 zettabytes in 2024. Over the next five years up to 2028, global data creation is projected to grow to more than 394 zettabytes.” If you need a scale of comparison, 1 zettabyte is roughly 1 trillion gigabytes, or 1,099,511,627,776 GB to be more exact. Of course, this is an exaggerated example of all the data in the world, but that’s just how much the internet is expected to handle.

That's why even SMBs must plan ahead to ensure they have the infrastructure to match their growing needs. And as noted above, storage isn't just about capacity. The right broadband service can make all the difference here. With symmetrical fibre connectivity such as Singtel’s Business Broadband, businesses benefit from equal upload and download speeds, keeping media transfers and video calls running smoothly without bottlenecks. 

Maintaining business momentum

In a digital-first world, even minor hiccups can snowball into costly disruptions. For instance, a junior staffer might accidentally delete a crucial folder, a freelancer could upload the wrong version of a product video to a live campaign site, or a minor cyber incident might let ransomware in to encrypt a critical database. Each misstep or system fault has the potential to bring business operations to a standstill. 

How can organisations ensure that such disruptions don't derail daily activity, and that teams can recover quickly when things go wrong? This is where regular data backups can serve as a vital safeguard. Everyone understands the importance of backups. But what often goes unnoticed is the complexity behind them. Today, business data lives across laptops, cloud drives, SaaS tools and on-premises servers. 

Recovery isn’t just about getting files back. It’s about restoring full access to systems, tools and settings so work can pick up right where it left off. From the Point of Sales (POS) terminals of a retail chain to the CRM database of a consulting firm, a well-planned recovery strategy helps preserve business momentum, minimise downtime and ensure operations stay on track when the unexpected happens. 

In that sense, advanced backup solutions such as Singtel Cloud Backup are not just about recovery but preserving business momentum by minimising downtime. With the ability to create centralised, unified backups that pull from multiple endpoints and clouds, businesses can swiftly recover and reinstate applications and data after unforeseen data issues or cyber threats.

Protecting what matters most

The shift to digital opens new frontiers for growth, but also new avenues for risk. As businesses go increasingly digital, they also widen their attack surface. Stronger cybersecurity measures are needed to accelerate digital transformation, and SMBs are now prime targets because they lack robust defences.

Without enterprise-grade protection, even a minor breach can have outsized consequences – ranging from data loss to reputational damage. That’s why robust, layered security measures are no longer optional. 

Here are some key areas to consider.

• Endpoint security: Safeguard every device with tools like antivirus software, encryption and remote wipe capabilities to reduce exposure and prevent unauthorised access.
• Managed security: For companies without in-house IT teams, managed services provide round-the-clock protection, monitoring and threat response.
• Cyber insurance: Acts as a financial safety net, helping businesses recover from legal, financial and reputational fallout after a breach.

On this front, Singtel’s Cybersecurity Protection & Solutions for Business helps to identify, protect, detect and respond to the most sophisticated cyberattacks. With it, SMBs can punch above their weight when it comes to digital security. You can also check out our Business Network and Managed Services Guide here for more information.

By bringing together fast, reliable connectivity, smart storage, resilient backup strategies and robust cybersecurity, SMBs can do more than stay online – they can focus on growing. When the foundations are strong, businesses can take bold steps forward.

(In partnership with Singtel)

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