Why Use The Cloud?

First of all, what is ‘the cloud’?

The cloud is essentially technology that allows the delivery of computing services over the Internet in real time.The cloud is accessible from any location with an Internet connection, and increasingly, from our ever-smarter mobile devices. The convenience and flexibility of running your software through Internet-based applications rather than from your Mac or PC makes it an attractive option that more and more businesses are using.

Why should you consider using the cloud?

Personally, I switched to Gmail a few years ago and found it very convenient that I could get my email no matter where I was in the world as long as I had an Internet connection.  A lot of my business is email based so that led to great flexibility for me. I liked not being tethered to my computer.  In addition to anywhere access, the cloud often means improved reliability and security of data. Those who are housing the content for millions must ensure they have these tools in place otherwise utter chaos would result if there was a massive crash with no backup.  Using cloud programs means I’m working with the latest version. I don’t have to order and install upgrades all the time, freeing me up to think about other areas of my business.  And let’s face it, I’m not in the technology business so it makes sense for someone else to be managing that infrastructure.

Here are a few other benefits to using the cloud:

Reduced costs - of hardware, software, network management time

Scalability - pay only for what you need as you need it

Skilled Vendors - the companies offering these services are experts in their field. Perhaps more so than your in-house IT guy (or you!)

Even Playing Field - small business can compete with bigger companies utilizing the same tools but only paying for what they need

Although many businesses are making use of the cloud, the vast majority are employing some level of both methods. For example, they maintain their accounting program on their local PC while their email and management software are in the cloud and accessible by any computer via the Internet.  It’s worth evaluating your business structure to see how the cloud might best serve your needs.

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