Cloud computing is taking the tech world by storm, and while it’s existed in some form or another for a while now, it’s picking up steam faster than ever. So what exactly is this new tech phenomenon? Cloud computing refers to the practice of hosting services, applications, and software remotely and using the internet to deliver them. This contrasts with more traditional modes of computing, in which software must be purchased and installed for every individual computer.
You’re Already Using Cloud Computing, Whether You Know It Or Not
As Jonathan Strickland of How Stuff Works helpfully points out, an example of cloud computing in our daily lives is the use of email sites such as Gmail or Yahoo. Instead of installing email software on your computer, you simply use the internet to access an email program, which is available to you from any location. Your computer doesn’t have to waste its precious hard drive space and memory on running unnecessary programs, letting the cloud do the heavy lifting instead.
Cloud Computing And Small Business
How do the principles behind cloud computing apply to small business? The same way that using email sites allows us to be free from the constraints of computer-specific email programs, the cloud can be used to host the software you need to run your small business. Rather than installing expensive, unwieldy programs on every new computer you bring on board, you can use the cloud to give your employees access to the software they need.
Cloud Sourcing
Part of the broader trend of cloud computing is the increasingly popular practice of cloud sourcing. It entails using the proverbial cloud to fulfill IT needs, essentially outsourcing the IT department to a third party service provider who connects to your business via the internet. Cloud sourcing can reduce the load on your computer network and help you get the tech support you need without having to hire an entire IT department.
How The Cloud Can Save You Money
As you undoubtedly know, running a business isn’t easy, and it can be a constant struggle to keep overhead costs down. The cloud is a beacon of hope in this regard—if utilized correctly, it can save your business lots and lots of money. As previously mentioned, one of the ways cloud computing can save you money is by reducing the need for new software and licenses, which can be very expensive. Cloud sourcing allows you to hire third party services on a contract or short-term basis to fulfill your needs for as long as necessary—and no longer. This means you’re only paying for the labor you need, rather than investing in a full-time employee who requires paid time off, benefits, costly training and other associated expenses.
The Cloud Is The Future
. In fact, people such as Ryan Nichols (as posted on Computer World) argue that the way we conceive of electricity these days will be how people think of cloud computing in the future. Electricity was once an abstract concept that had little to no impact on everyday life; now it’s funneled into every home and has become an essential part of modern existence, to the point where we take it for granted. Cloud technology will be similarly adopted.
If you want to be ahead of the curve and save some money in the process, cloud sourcing and other cloud technologies could be right for your business. For example, some companies specialize in small business ecommerce solutions, and you can hire them to help you get your company’s website situated—all via the cloud.
Madeline Marshall is a proficient and prolific Internet writer living in Santa Cruz, CA.