Cloud computing is a new wave of computer technology that is paving new grounds for the way we operate computers. Cloud computing is just old enough that big business have already invested in it but still so new that many small business and many more consumers are unaware of its existence.
Cloud computing does something that the computer industry has been literally starving for; it makes it easy. Cloud computing is a technological leap that many companies are now diving right into. Companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and many others are now offering cloud computing solutions for businesses and consumers.
Cloud computing technology offers both time and money-saving benefits, which makes it a great fit for small business. As cloud computing benefits become more tangible, more small businesses are moving to the cloud. Still, as with any technology, people don’t want to jump in without proper preparation.
There are several fundamentally different approaches to cloud computing, including:
- Public cloud: The cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or to a large industry group and is owned by an organization selling cloud services.
- Private cloud: The cloud infrastructure is operated solely for one organization. It may be managed by the organization itself or by a third party, and it may exist on premises or off-premises.
Cloud computing has a lot to offer, and for small businesses with limited resources, public cloud services offer especially attractive benefits. For example, using applications in the public cloud can help address networking issues without requiring small businesses to invest in their own servers or expand their IT staff. With public cloud services, businesses pay only for the seats or capacity they use at any given time, which is ideal for small business IT budgets. However, before making the move, small businesses need to be sure that they have a clear picture of all that the cloud entails, and then determine whether it is the right solution for them.
Despite small and medium businesses are said to be slow adopters of cloud computing compared to personal users, things are about to change. One thing for sure: For small and medium businesses, it’s to jump into the cloud trend or fall immaturely from competitors – eventually. It seems that the future of the cloud is bright; as cloud vendors are working hard to improve their solutions to handle cloud issues, like security, data loss, vendor lock-in, etc..
Storage is a key concept for cloud computing as it gives businesses the ability to store all of their files and data into a virtual hard drive or cloud storage. Many companies offer a small amount of storage space free of charge and then offer more space at a tiered level for a monthly fee. Many businesses will enjoy this as it is a secure and easy way of storing their data. Businesses won't have to be concerned about losing their hard drive not do they have to worry about the hard drive becoming corrupted. Everything is kept on a secure online server that is backed up by the company that they are using.
Cloud computing eliminates the need to have a mess of cables running around since it allows for computers to be able to sync with each other wirelessly. There are times when a bundle of cable spaghetti lying around in the office. Offices had more cables than they knew what to do with and all of them were being used to sync their equipment together in one way or another. Now, businesses don’t really have to worry about that since cloud computing software can give them a great ability to have all of their data synced over to their computers without having to use a million different cables.
Most of the tasks which a business can carry out using the cloud technology, more-or-less resembles the tasks that they can do by having their own dedicated hardware. But the only difference is that with a cloud things can be accessible easily to server the requirements of their business.
Some benefits that can be taken from cloud computing are improvement in business processes, reduction in IT costs, and a radical expansion of partners to help people run their business. Applications in the cloud cost less than 10% of an on-premises application. That means double-digit-percentage cost savings, and, more importantly, a boost to the value stream.
Reasons to Switch to Cloud Computing
- Saves time. Businesses that utilize software programs for their management needs are disadvantaged, because of the time needed to get new programs to operate at functional levels. By turning to cloud computing, you avoid these hassles. You simply need access to a computer with Internet to view the information you need.
- Less problems. Applications serviced through cloud computing require fewer versions. Upgrades are needed less frequently and are typically managed by data centers. Often, businesses experience problems with software because they are not designed to be used with similar applications. Cloud computing enables users to integrate various types of applications including management systems, word processors, and email. Cloud computing also require less hardwares for the company and problems that usually came with it reduces significantly. The fewer the problems, the more productivity expected from employees.
- Going green. On average, individual personal computers are only used at approximately 10 to 20 percent of their capacity. Similarly, computers are left idle for hours at a times soaking up energy. Pooling resources into a cloud consolidates energy use. Essentially, you save on costs by paying for what you use and extending the life of your PC.
- New technology. Cloud computing offers customers more access to power. This power is not ordinarily accessible through a standard PC. Applications now use virtual power. Users can even build virtual assistants, which automate tasks such as ordering, managing dates, and offering reminders for upcoming meetings.
- Response time. Cloud computing accomplishes a better response time in most cases than a standard server and hardware.
- Mobilization. From just about anywhere in the world, services that you need are available. Sales are conducted over the phone and leads are tracked by using a cellphone. Cloud computing opens users up to a whole new world of wireless devices, all of which can be used to access any applications. Companies are taking sales productivity to a whole new level, while at the same time, providing their sales representatives with high quality, professional devices to motivate them to do their jobs well.
- Consumer trends. Business practices that are most successful are the ones that reflect consumer trends. Currently, many people with internet access use a source of cloud computing. Whether it is Web email, data storage, or software, this number continues to grow. Consumers are looking to conduct business with a modern approach.
- Social media. Social networking is all the wave of the future among entrepreneurs. Companies are using social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to heighten their productivity levels. Blogs are used to communicate with customers about improvements that need to be made within companies. New advertising techniques are also being used on these sites, and businesses are seeing the advantages of assimilating to a more modern world.
- Customization. Companies may purchase the latest software in hopes that it will improve their sales. Sometimes, programs do not quite meet the needs of a company. Some businesses require a personalized touch, that ordinary software cannot provide. Cloud computing gives the user the opportunity to build custom applications on a user-friendly interface. In a competitive world, your business needs to stand out from the rest. Customization is the solution for this problem.
- Operational efficiency. When all the services a company need are maintained by experts outside the business, there is no need to hire new ones.