Thanks to cloud computing small and medium sized businesses are able to access computing power that would have normally only been reserved for the big companies with deep pockets.
In many cases it makes it possible for these small businesses to operate at all. So how do they do it?
Flexibility and Reliability
For somebody who is starting out in business or in fact even if it’s a large company having made the switch to the cloud, it facilitates the reallocation of resources in to a more profitable model of operation.
You’re probably using a cloud based service already without realizing it. Most companies have their own email servers, but free email such as Hotmail and Gmail are cloud based and are reputed for their flexibility and more importantly their reliability.
Mobility and Compatibility
The wonderful thing about the cloud is that you can access your company information from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
More and more commuter services have Wi-Fi meaning that if you have to commute long distances, in theory you can add an extra couple of hours of work to your day and boost overall productivity.
Applications that are based on the cloud don’t suffer the problem of compatibility, so whether you are using a PC or a Mac you can work unhindered.
Saving Money
Cloud computing it has meant that through online applications and programs businesses no longer have the necessity to purchase hardware and software licenses which can add up to be unnecessarily expensive if they’re not using them to their full potential.
It allows is for businesses to pay only for services they require such as cloud accounting, payroll systems, and invoicing, essentially managing their data over the internet without having to buy software.
The cloud makes is much cheaper and less financially risky than having to make large one-off payments, which as a small business can have a devastating effect on profit margins.
Larger companies which have decided to change to cloud hosting from in-house IT are saving up to $100,000 in costs by subscribing to software services instead of buying and installing it.
Cloud computing tears down barriers that would have previously blocked smaller companies from entering some business sectors, and ultimately offering a broader choice for the consumer. In small and medium sized businesses it can reduce costs by up to 20%.
Backing-Up Your Work
We’ve all had that horrible moment when we lose important work because of a hardware failure. While is always prudent to save important work in a couple of locations, it will be much safer if you save it both in your own system as well as the cloud.
If you’re worried about the safety of your documents cloud hosting typically has a much higher level of security than you could have at your business.
Sharing and Editing
Especially in large companies, there will be several teams and individuals working in a one department of the business but won’t necessarily be based at the same location.
Google Drive (previously Google Docs) puts data in one accessible place where it can be easily edited, which can save time by avoiding unnecessary and time wasting communications to have the information updated at several static locations.
This will be particularly obvious for companies who work with data and contacts which might have to change on a regular basis.
The essence of cloud computing is that it can offer flexibility but more importantly is offers affordable power to smaller businesses that want the strength to compete in the larger market.
Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to http://www.freeagent.com/.