5 ways to boost your efforts with cloud connectors

You’re the boss of your own data. You should have access to it, know how it’s being used, and control its destiny. Yet, there are times when data is scattered and siloed, making it difficult to get your hands on the information you need.

The rise in cloud-based applications and services has made it easier for businesses to get data from various sources. But, extracting that data and getting it into a format where you can work with it is not always easy.

This is where cloud connectors come in. By utilizing cloud connectors, like those available within the Domo platform, you can access disparate data sources or simply extract subsets into a more convenient format.

There are many different types of cloud connectors, and each offers its own set of benefits. In this article, we will take a closer look at cloud connector technology and how it can help businesses access, integrate and transform data in the cloud.

What are cloud connectors?

Cloud connectors allow you to easily access cloud-based applications and services without a deep understanding of the technical aspects involved.

Cloud connectors are especially useful for accessing disparate data sources, automating data connections, or simply extracting subsets of that data into a more convenient format.

What types of cloud connectors are there?

There are many different types of cloud connectors available on the market today that can help you access various types of data stored in the cloud. The most popular connectors include:

Web service connectors

Web service connectors make it possible for businesses to access cloud-based web services and applications, allowing them to interact with SaaS data in a variety of ways. Domo offers both traditional and write-back connectors to get data to and from different systems.

Federated connectors

Federated connectors allow you to query data on-demand from the source of truth without transferring it. This model is especially relevant for users who would like to keep their data at rest within their infrastructure for security or logistical reasons.

Database connectors

Database connectors allow you to connect to cloud accessible databases like Amazon Redshift, Azure, and MySQL. With Domo’s database connectors, tables and views can be queried and the data transferred directly into the Domo cloud.

Businesses that offer their own public cloud apps or services can also use connectors to make it easier for their customers to access that data. Amazon, for example, provides several different connectors that can be used to interact with its cloud services. These include connectors for popular applications like Salesforce and QuickBooks.

How cloud connectors can help your business

Cloud connectors come in all shapes and sizes, and each offers its own set of benefits.

1. Accessing cloud data

Businesses are using more cloud-based applications and services to handle their day-to-day tasks, but that doesn’t mean they have access to all of their data in the cloud. Sometimes, it isn’t practical or even possible to use some cloud tools due to limitations on location or access.

Cloud connectors can help by giving you access to the scattered and siloed data in the cloud. They allow you to extract data from various sources, including SaaS applications, social media platforms, and other cloud-based services. This makes it possible for you to get your hands on the data you need without leaving your desk.

2. Integrating cloud data

Not all cloud data is created equal, and it can be difficult to get different types of data to work together cohesively. This is where cloud connectors come in. They help you connect data from various sources, including internal and external data sources.

This makes it possible for you to work with data that is stored in the cloud, giving you easy access for further analysis or manipulation.

3. Saving time and money

Cloud connectors can help businesses save time and money. By using cloud connector tools, businesses can avoid the need to hire expensive data integration specialists.

Cloud connectors also allow businesses to get more value from their cloud-based applications and services.

For example, if you use a CRM application in the cloud, you can use a cloud connector to integrate that data into your internal systems or other cloud-based services. This way, you don’t have to manage multiple platforms and applications as well as any additional costs associated with those platforms.

4. Cloud connectors for every need

There are lots of cloud connectors available to help you work with various types of data more easily. There are a few basic connector categories that you can use as a starting point:

• Data push or write-back connectors push data from one place to another, such as from a database or other type of system. Systems can use them for cloud-to-cloud moves or moves between on-premises and cloud systems.
• Data pull connectors can be used to access data stored in the cloud, including SaaS applications like Salesforce, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, social media services like Twitter, etc.
• System connector tools allow businesses to integrate data from various sources, including cloud-based services. They provide access to both internal and external data, which can be used for integration purposes, customized reporting, or even dashboarding.

Businesses might also need connectors that are designed to handle tasks like profiling or cleansing data. You can use these tools to gain more insight into your company’s most important data, helping you to make better business decisions.

Cloud connectors help businesses gain a competitive advantage

By using cloud connectors, companies can gain a competitive advantage by being able to quickly and easily access data from a variety of sources. This can help them make better decisions faster, which can lead to increased profits and improved customer satisfaction.

Cloud connectors also make it possible for businesses to get more value from their cloud-based applications and services. Domo not only has hundreds of pre-built cloud connectors, but it also includes a platform to make creating custom connectors easier.

If you are looking for a way to improve your business intelligence methods, using cloud connectors is a great way to get started. These tools can help you to access data more easily and efficiently, making it possible for you to get the most value from your cloud-based systems.