Why cloud computing? Because it’s so easy, simple and cost effective, that it’s the best thing for small business since the creation of the laminator.

Do you want to be able to access your business files, data and applications from anywhere at any time? The solution is cloud computing. It’s even more impressive because you can gain access from any mobile device at a price that is value for money.

The cloud gives small businesses access to technologies that previously were out of their reach and lets them compete with both small and larger businesses, alike.

 

 

 

 

• 1. You don’t have to worry about a thing.

You no longer have to install and update software, install and manage email servers and/or file servers, run backups – the beauty of cloud computing is that all of the business of maintaining the service or application is the responsibility of the cloud vendor or managed service provider, not yours.  And, you no longer have to buy software and install it on your own servers/computers, which means that using cloud applications can be cheaper and simpler.

 

• 2. Everything is all in one place.

You can consolidate your separate application needs into one multi-application cloud computing service.  As a Microsoft Cloud Partner, we know that Microsoft’s traditional office application suite, which used to be only available in desktop versions can cost hundreds. However we are excited to now use and endorse the cloud-based version known as Office 365. It is sold by annual subscription and starts from as little as £6.50. It also includes online video conferencing, Skype and instant messaging connectivity, and many other features.  More expensive plans include the desktop applications. Office 365 is now outselling the desktop office suite.

 

• 3. No more excess system hardware needed

File storage, data backup and software programs all take up a lot of space on servers/computers. With cloud computing, you use someone else’s servers to store all this data instead, freeing up your in-house computer equipment for other purposes or even letting you get rid of some of it.

 

• 4. Easier Application Integration

Because many cloud computing applications include an Application Programming Interface (API) you may be able to find “compatible” applications rather than having to pay to have the applications you want to be integrated customised for you.

 

• 5. Regular Updates and Patching

Cloud computing applications are regularly updated, so you don’t have to spend time and money doing it – and giving you the advantage of always having access to an application’s latest features and functions.

6. Cloud computing allows you and your employees easy access to applications and data from different computers and devices.

Since cloud applications are browser-based they are accessible from mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. For example, cloud-based accounting applications come with Android or Apple compatible mobile applications that allow you to access your accounting data from any mobile device and send invoices, track expenses, etc. on the run.

Note that accessing office applications via a browser on a mobile device can be a less than ideal user experience, so (for example) Microsoft offers mobile versions of office applications, such as Office for iPad.

7. A better option for start-up businesses

Cloud computing lets you start up or grow your small business quickly. It’s a lot easier and faster to sign up for a cloud computing application than to buy a server, get it up and running and install software on it. And because you don’t need to buy hardware and software, your start up or expansion is cheaper, too.

 

So why aren’t you cloud computing already? Well, if you look closely, you probably are. Outlook Online (formerly known as Hotmail), Gmail, DropBox and Google Maps are all examples of cloud computing applications that you’ve probably used at some point or even use regularly.