If you have read anything about technology in the last couple of years chances are you have heard of “cloud computing”. All of the big names have ventured into the model and are rapidly pushing out solutions that make use of cloud computing.
What is Cloud Computing?
The cloud is a very broad topic that includes many different items just depending on who you are listening to. The basics of the technology is utilizing computing services on the Internet (cloud is metaphor for the Internet). Even though the idea (more info: What cloud computing really means) can be kind of wide ranging and a little bit vague, I think that there are some big advantages for businesses.
Here are the 2 big options that almost any small business can benefit from.
1. Online Services (Software as a Service)
There are quite a few names that are utilized for online services or applications. You may hear online applications, SaaS (Software as a Service), ASP (Application Service Provider), cloud applications, Internet applications, hosted applications, etc. Even though there are multiple names for the idea, the concept is really the same. Vendors are providing software functionality from the Internet. There really are some great advantages to this model and they include:
- Access from Anywhere
- Easy to allow virtual office
- Vendor maintained software and infrastructure
- Smaller recurring costs (monthly,quarterly, yearly) instead of up front purchase cost
- etc.
Don’t want to sound too pie in the sky so there are also a few draw backs:
- Data is housed with vendor
- Lack of control over data processes (backup, security, etc.)
- Dependency on outside vendor
- Dependent on Internet connectivity
Even though there are some drawbacks, with the proper due-diligence and the right vendor it can be huge time and money saver for many businesses. Most of the time the pros will outweigh the cons.
For many small businesses utilizing online email services (such as Google Apps, Microsoft Office Live, etc.) is a great option for them to save money. You can also use services like Zoho.com, Google Apps, Quickbooks Online, etc. for business applications. There hundreds of applications that exist out there as SaaS applications and will be one of the benefits of the cloud technology. The other option that you may want to consider would be the concept of virtual hosting.
2. Virtual Hosting
Typically businesses are required to invest significant money in creating a networking in their buildings. They usually will need email solutions, database solutions, file solutions, etc. By utilizing the combination of SaaS programs (described above) and use of virtual hosting setups you can get around those needs.
By using virtual hosting, you can move the maintenance and support of your network on to an offsite location. Most vendors who offer this type of service have all of the necessary pieces in place to be able to provide a very high degree of up-time. They typically can provide capacities that are not economically feasible to small or even many large businesses.
They usually will provide:
- Multiple very high speed connections to the Internet (this allows for a backup if one carrier has issues)
- Battery backup with generator support (many can run for months without power from the grid)
- Environmental controls (cooling, air filtration, etc.)
- Fire supression
- Support
- etc.
By moving your server structure or leasing from a hosting provider you can limit the costs to your company of having to support your information services.
Get off your cloud!
Cloud computing is a technology that is emerging and will probably completely revolutionize the market over the coming years. It has many very strong positives and only a few negatives. The impact for small business could be enormous in terms of flexibility and efficiency. By allowing you to access enterprise level solutions on a small business budget this is a technology that you should seriously consider.
Interested in cloud surfing? Do you already have your head in the cloud? Let me know!
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