Even if you aren't familiar with it, there's a high probability you have recently utilized some kind of cloud computing. Tried Gmail? How about Skype? Both of these are instances of cloud computing. Simply put , a cloud computing solution is whenever you use hardware that is stored somewhere apart from your physical location, or software that's not stored on your computer. This means you won't need to deal with servers (or the associated repair, maintenance and replacement), or downloading software on each computer (maintaining updates and licensing requirements). All of that's managed and updated automatically by your cloud provider. So the cloud is convenient and can save a little trouble, but is that all?
5 Big Reasons Each and Every Small Business Should Explore the Cloud...
1). To Save Cash. In this economy, saving money and cutting costs are critical to small business survival. Many small businesses have found those cost savings in the cloud. For young businesses, initial costs can be noticeably reduced. There is not a massive initial cost for high-priced computer hardware or software. With the cloud, new businesses can open their doors efficiently with two PCs and an internet connection. Companies can pay for what they need, when they need it, on a monthly basis. When it's time to grow or upgrade - again no enormous investment. In addition, because hardware and applications are running remotely, there's regularly a serious saving in utility costs. And, because all services and software are outsourced to external servers, hardware upkeep is noticeably reduced because hard drives are unburdened. This also enables quicker processing speeds.
2). To Increase Productivity. With all of your business information and applications in the cloud, you can get access to your business anywhere there is a browser and an Internet connection. You can update a customer's record at the beach, take a look at your numbers at the restaurant, or review client data on the go. Cloud computing often achieves more rapid response time than the standard small business server and hardware, reducing processing time and increasing productivity. In addition, because small businesses can now employ the same tools as the fortune 500 firms, the field has been somewhat leveled letting them compete better than ever before.
3). To Enable Team Partnership. Because data is stored remotely, it can be accessed and updated by multiple users from more than one locations at the very same time, or maybe work collaboratively seeing each other's changes right away. Small business people, partners and clients can access or update company information wherever they find themselves rather than having to run back to the office. There are no longer complications with employees using multiple versions when documents and company data are kept in a central net-based location. Many small business owners use an off-site bookkeeper or CPA. The cloud permits the accountant to view up to date financial information at the same time the owner is entering a new invoice.
4). To Scale Up as Business Grows. You are able to add applications, software users, and data storage as your company expands and your needs change - no expensive programs, licenses or hardware. If there's a temporary need for a specific application, further storage or number of users for a season, that can be accommodated on the cloud. And it can all just as easily be reduced back down when that season is over. The best part is that you, the small business owner pay for precisely what you need at the moment.
5). To Take Advantage of the Newest Software. You can forget ever having to upgrade your software ever again. With solutions in the cloud, software companies can add extra features and upgrade applications at anytime so your business always has the latest version available.
The main concern from most small business owners concerning cloud computing is the safety and security of their data and applications. That's truly reason #6 for small companies to use cloud services - To Protect Data and Ensure Continuity of Business. Information on cloud based applications is generally more safe and secure than when running on a desktop PC or internal network. Cloud companies invest more heavily in network and physical security than your average small business owner. They also keep everything more current - have you installed all of the latest system software upgrades on all your computers? Also, cloud vendors make sure that information is backed up in multiple data centers, to be certain that your business operations cannot be interrupted in the event of a tragedy or equipment failure. If you lose power at your business location, you can be back to work, as fast as you've got an Internet connection.
So, you can get even more productive, work together better, keep pace with the competition, have the newest computer applications, integrated and coordinated with the everybody at your company better and more safely than ever before, all while saving money. Sounds a bit like a little piece of small-business-heaven right here on earth. Maybe that is why they call it the cloud.
5 Big Reasons Each and Every Small Business Should Explore the Cloud...
1). To Save Cash. In this economy, saving money and cutting costs are critical to small business survival. Many small businesses have found those cost savings in the cloud. For young businesses, initial costs can be noticeably reduced. There is not a massive initial cost for high-priced computer hardware or software. With the cloud, new businesses can open their doors efficiently with two PCs and an internet connection. Companies can pay for what they need, when they need it, on a monthly basis. When it's time to grow or upgrade - again no enormous investment. In addition, because hardware and applications are running remotely, there's regularly a serious saving in utility costs. And, because all services and software are outsourced to external servers, hardware upkeep is noticeably reduced because hard drives are unburdened. This also enables quicker processing speeds.
2). To Increase Productivity. With all of your business information and applications in the cloud, you can get access to your business anywhere there is a browser and an Internet connection. You can update a customer's record at the beach, take a look at your numbers at the restaurant, or review client data on the go. Cloud computing often achieves more rapid response time than the standard small business server and hardware, reducing processing time and increasing productivity. In addition, because small businesses can now employ the same tools as the fortune 500 firms, the field has been somewhat leveled letting them compete better than ever before.
3). To Enable Team Partnership. Because data is stored remotely, it can be accessed and updated by multiple users from more than one locations at the very same time, or maybe work collaboratively seeing each other's changes right away. Small business people, partners and clients can access or update company information wherever they find themselves rather than having to run back to the office. There are no longer complications with employees using multiple versions when documents and company data are kept in a central net-based location. Many small business owners use an off-site bookkeeper or CPA. The cloud permits the accountant to view up to date financial information at the same time the owner is entering a new invoice.
4). To Scale Up as Business Grows. You are able to add applications, software users, and data storage as your company expands and your needs change - no expensive programs, licenses or hardware. If there's a temporary need for a specific application, further storage or number of users for a season, that can be accommodated on the cloud. And it can all just as easily be reduced back down when that season is over. The best part is that you, the small business owner pay for precisely what you need at the moment.
5). To Take Advantage of the Newest Software. You can forget ever having to upgrade your software ever again. With solutions in the cloud, software companies can add extra features and upgrade applications at anytime so your business always has the latest version available.
The main concern from most small business owners concerning cloud computing is the safety and security of their data and applications. That's truly reason #6 for small companies to use cloud services - To Protect Data and Ensure Continuity of Business. Information on cloud based applications is generally more safe and secure than when running on a desktop PC or internal network. Cloud companies invest more heavily in network and physical security than your average small business owner. They also keep everything more current - have you installed all of the latest system software upgrades on all your computers? Also, cloud vendors make sure that information is backed up in multiple data centers, to be certain that your business operations cannot be interrupted in the event of a tragedy or equipment failure. If you lose power at your business location, you can be back to work, as fast as you've got an Internet connection.
So, you can get even more productive, work together better, keep pace with the competition, have the newest computer applications, integrated and coordinated with the everybody at your company better and more safely than ever before, all while saving money. Sounds a bit like a little piece of small-business-heaven right here on earth. Maybe that is why they call it the cloud.
About the Author:
Michael Ritsema, Owner/Manager of i3 Business Solutions, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Providing managed IT solutions for businesses in Western Michigan.
Providing managed IT solutions for businesses in Western Michigan.
No comments:
Post a Comment