Small Business and Cloud Computing 

First of all, what exactly is cloud computing? Cloud computing is the next stage in the Internet’s evolution, providing the means through which everything, from computing power to computing infrastructure, applications, business processes to personal collaboration can be delivered to you as a service over the web and through a browser, with no servers or client software to install. Cloud computing tools are available any time, anywhere, from any device connecting to the Internet. Whether sending email, having a blog, posting photos online or searching for information on the internet, then you’ve been actively participating in cloud computing.

 

The actual “cloud” can be defined as the series of hardware, networks, services, and interfaces which combine to deliver aspects of computing. Cloud services include the delivery of software, infrastructure, and storage and access over the Internet, either as separate components or as part of a complete platform, which are based on user demand. All these services are hosted by a third party which means all the difficulties associated with maintaining on-premise systems are gone. These are all now maintained and serviced by your provider.

 

New technologies are making staff increasingly more mobile and easier to manage, however, it’s also more important than ever for small businesses in cloud computing to be able to stay connected at all times, no matter where they are. Small business with cloud computing capabilities now allows them to do just that, saving time and money all while improving productivity, and more importantly, to remain competitive. Small businesses need to be available and have the flexibility to respond and work together whether in the field, in the office or even on the way to work. A small business using cloud computing enables them regardless of size to seamlessly stay connected, work remotely and collaborate across different geographies and even time zones as well.

 

Cloud computing sets employees free from being tethered to a desk and enables managers to work alongside their teams while they’re on the road or working remotely. No more emailing attachments back and forth between users, no more multiple edits, no more having to carry around USB drives with the latest version of documents to access at home and no need to actually go to your office to access a document. Also, if your computer crashes, you don’t need to lose all your data and information, simply log in from another computer. Because you can access your email from the airport or from your smart phone while on the train commuting, you can easily send and receive your faxes too. All this means a lot when you’re working at the kind of pace required to make a small business grow.

 

As a small business manager, cloud computing tools can make life easier for you and your staff by enabling your workforce to be more mobile, seamlessly connected and flexible. Small business using cloud computing allows them to multi-tasking by transferring IT maintenance to Cloud providers and allows them to focus on the areas where their true expertise lies; making their business more profitable and their lives more enjoyable.

 

Small business using cloud computing can completely transform the way they use technology to service customers, partners, and suppliers. Some businesses, like Google and Amazon, already have most of their IT resources in the cloud. They have found that it can eliminate many of the complex constraints from the traditional computing environment, including space, time, power, and cost.Besides, what business, regardless of size or type, wouldn’t want to save time and resources on those aspects of business?

 

As we charge forward in this new age of computing, what’s clear is that our lives as consumers, as business people, and as citizens are already changing. The cloud makes it inexpensive and easy to collaborate and share information, wherever you and your employees are.Small Business and Cloud Computing, a match made in heaven.