Cloud Computing ... Welcome to the 21st Century!

Certainly you’ve heard the term “in the cloud” meaning your application resides on an Internet based server and is accessed through a standard Web browser. Simple enough but have you considered the benefits compared to typical desktop or client/server business applications? Let’s explore a few:

• Backup Responsibilities Eliminated: You know the hassle of recurring backups, rotating backup sets, off-site storage, and all that. No more! Regular backups are handle by the application provider.
  
• No More Application Updates: You’re well aware of how frequently the typical application changes and the nuisance of upgrading it on every one of your computers. No more! Your cloud based applications are updated behind the scenes by the application provider. Your entire staff is always on the latest version and you actually look forward to updates.
  

• Enhanced Collaboration: Your team members no longer have to be in the same room to effectively collaborate on many tasks. Collaborative support of your clients or customers is also enhanced.
  
• Better Task Monitoring: The management dashboard function built into many cloud based applications often provide enhanced transparency. Know with certainty where projects stand and which team members are carrying the bulk of the load.
  
• Reduced Hardware Costs: Since your only local requirement is an Internet connection and a Web browser, your cloud based application will run fine on simple (cheap) computers. Eliminated too are the need for servers, backup devices, UPS units, etc.
  
• Reduced Capital Outlays: There’s no longer a need to spend “big money” on hardware, software or annual licensing fees with cloud computing’s simple “pay as you go” pricing.
  
• Economies of Scale: The typical cloud based application provider is serving tens or hundreds of thousand of users via massive IT infrastructure. Just as you could buy your own generator, you don’t because it’s cheaper and easier to buy the power you need from the electric company.
  
• Unlimited Capacity: Never run out of memory, storage space, processing power or anything else again.
  
• Easy and Seamless Growth: Most cloud based applications are priced by the user. As you add staff you can grow seamlessly from one to any number of “seats”. If your business is seasonal or shrinking, you can scale back just as easily.
  
• Near 100% Uptime: Most cloud based application providers employ redundant systems meaning outages are true rarities. How often have you found Google or Amazon “down”?
  
• Disaster Resistant: You’d like to think it could never happen but equipment and data housed in your facility can “disappear” in an instant due to fire, wind, flood or theft. When your mission critical applications reside in the cloud, you’ve got true peace-of-mind.
  
• Data Security: Most cloud based application providers employ sophisticated routers, monitors and firewalls that the typical small business could never afford. Cloud based data breaches are rare.
  
  
• Anywhere Access: No more returning to the office to get “one more thing done”. If you have Internet access, your cloud based applications are at your finger tips: at home, in a hotel room, on a cruise ship, at an Internet cafe in Istanbul&nbsp…
  
• Mobile Device Support: Most cloud based applications are “mobile device responsive”; they adapt to your cell phone or tablet’s smaller screen sizes for true “anywhere” access.
  
• Improved Flexibility: Most cloud based applications require no long-term commitment. Change directions on a dime.
  
• Quick Deployment: Cloud based computing gives you the advantage of quick deployment. Nothing to order, nothing to be shipped, nothing to be installed. Typically your cloud based application can be fully functional in a matter of a few minutes.
  

You’re likely thinking, “Okay, sounds good but where can I find the cloud based applications I need? Will I have to deal with multiple providers? How do I get started?”