subject: Is Cloud Computing Right For Your Business? [print this page] New technologies are coming down the pike almost every day. It seems that no sooner than you buy one system, install it, and train your employees on it, a newer, faster, more robust system is introduced. No wonder everyone from CIOs to Finance Directors stress over the cost of information technology these days.
This may help to explain why cloud computing is gaining popularity. Using the internet and the cloud of data it provides, the savings and functionality businesses can gain from cloud computing is immeasurable.
Because cloud computing is, in essence, an on-demand computing service, it can be used by almost all businesses. Cloud computing allows businesses to perform simple functions like data storage, to more complicated ones like full-service ecommerce solutions. Many businesses even use cloud computing to replace functions previously handled by in-house systems.
How to Best Use Cloud Computing Technology
Planning: As with any software, planning is key. The first step is to determine what your organizations needs are. Once this is determined, then you can then assess which cloud platforms will best meet those needs.
Compatibility: To illustrate this, lets say your organization currently uses an internet-based data storage system. But, youre looking to upgrade to one thats more secure. As your firm already uses a web-based data storage system, then clearly cloud computing is already a comparable fit. Its simply a matter of finding one that is more secure.
Cloud Computing and Wireless Technology: A Marriage Made in IT Heaven
Many businesses could not function today without wireless technology. The global economy has spawned the mobile worker, and cloud computing is a natural fit for this type of workforce. Why? Because it decentralizes critical business processes like data storage and application services.
Via cloud-based services, your employees can access data and perform functions on the go. This allows them to respond to customers in real time, while at the same time not taxing on your in-house servers.
Another reason cloud computing is growing in popularity is that a lot of companies are already poised to use it without investing more capital. To explain, many companies have some level of experience in using and developing internet-based products and services. Hence, developing new applications to take advantage of cloud computing is not a stretch developmentally or financially.
As the information here demonstrates, cloud computing can saves companies money on several fronts, e.g., research and development. It also offers immediate functional benefits. Hence, its popularity is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.
