Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing

The IT challenges faced by many small to medium-sized companies tend to revolve around trying to keep up with growing needs while keeping costs down. Needs for increased storage, accessibility and processing needs; upgrades and licensing costs as well as matching their housing needs.

Yet, thanks to the ubiquitous presence of the World Wide Web, times have been changing. No market is unreachable for the entrepreneur – no matter how small. Cloud computing, which has been in the works for the last 15 years, is setting the new pace.

Types of Cloud Services

  • Infrastructure (or Hardware) as a Service: The support facilities include storage, hardware, virtual servers to host a variety of mission-critical or non- mission-critical needs; networking and communications components.
  • Platform as a Service: This makes available development platforms with which vendors build applications.
  • Software as a Service: This applies to operations applications that most businesses such as Exchange, SharePoint, Office Communications Server – Lync, Office LiveMeeting, Microsoft CRM Live.

How Cloud Computing benefits you?

Cloud computing is a game changer that has many advantages to boot. Among others, it is:

  • ü  a form of IT self-service that is flexible i.e. you just need a web-enabled device
  • scalable — you buy and use as little or as much as you need
  • cost-effective because there are no upfront capital costs, only service charges are involved
  • hosted off-site and managed by third party specialists
  • always updated and upgraded to the latest technology
  • secured with state-of-the-art security, which an ordinary business would ill-afford
  • always full of available capacity
  • there to take care of the IT network, backup, storage, and processing while you focus on your business

What you need to do to move in that direction?

  1. Take stock of your current and future IT circumstances, budgets and needs
  2. Understand and clarify your business processes and operational workflows
  3. Research into what options are available and relevant to your strategies
  4. Consult with experienced professionals in the cloud computing business to reach a best fit solution