Cloud computing describes a way that companies and people access and manage digital information. Remote hardware and software components are accessed by users so seamlessly that they don’t even realize these components are not on their local device. These components are said to reside ‘in a ‘cloud.’
Small- and mid-sized companies flocked to cloud computing in 2009 and this trend is expected to continue in 2010. What’s all the hubbub? It turns out that housing business tools in the cloud and accessing them via the internet is freeing companies from IT headaches and helping them gain competitive advantages. So what does the “cloud” have to offer your organization?
Work from Anywhere Appeal
Applications and data housed in the cloud can be accessed from any location, which means team members can remain productive anytime, anywhere. Employees can access information from home or on the road. Team members working in different states or countries can work together efficiently and proprietary software can be easily shared with remote workers.
Increased Scalability and Flexibility
Cloud solutions are great for companies with fluid staffing because adding new users and bandwidth in the cloud is much easier than accommodating new workers on an in-house system. Internally, every new user adds weight to the network and servers. Cloud computing allows resources to be delivered where they’re needed, when they’re needed.
Streamlined Software and License Maintenance
No more worries about keeping in-house computers updated with the latest software versions. With a cloud solution, your team can always have access to the newest tools without the need for an IT staff member to oversee the process. This reduces IT man hours and staff downtime caused by an internal upgrade process. With maintenance happening off-site, your IT team and employees stay focused on projects that deliver a business value.
A Happy IT Team
In a recent survey by Rackspace Hosting, IT teams revealed that they spend 60 percent of their time managing technology and only 27 percent of their time on strategic issues. IT managers reported feeling pressure to be available 24×7 to troubleshoot – because, after all, if the technology stops working, the staff does too. Cloud computing alleviates these stresses. Tech teams can manage cloud solutions from any location and control the flow of resources based on what’s needed at any given time.
An Even Happier CFO
IT staff members aren’t the only ones smiling. Finance teams are drawn to cloud computing’s pay-as-you-go business model. No more over-buying of technology that sits idle, or under-buying that results in expensive last-minute IT purchases. Expenses are reduced through shared resources that previously had to be replicated and maintained in multiple locations. And gone are the days when companies had to commit to long-term capital investments only to be left with dated technology two years later.
Find out specific ways that your company can benefit from cloud computing by contacting Data Balance.
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