subject: High-speed broadband heralds the cloud-computing revolution [print this page] High-speed broadband heralds the cloud-computing revolution
So you've taken the plunge and decided to set up your own business that's great. It's important to stress, however, that having a clear vision with well defined goals is pivotal to the company's success.
This begins with drawing up a business plan that clearly outlines these aims and objectives, both short-term and long-term, and this will place your enterprise in a far stronger position to succeed given that you've already identified the metrics for measuring success long before you achieve them.
But once a business has been launched and is at least part of the way towards achieving the set targets, knowing how to change tact to optimise performance levels in accordance with shifting marketing conditions is never easy.
Of course, it is often the little things that make the real difference. In the 21st century, the internet and web-based tools and technologies are vital, and by tapping into the best systems and applications available, this can significantly enhance the operational side of an organisation. Get the basics right, and everything else falls into place just that little more easily.
It's easy to rely on all the usual industry-standard software, such as the Microsoft Office suite. And as fantastic as they are, there are actually alternatives that may work out cheaper and more effective for your business.
Cloud computing is one of the biggest technological buzzwords in recent times and it's clear that businesses are looking for better ways to share and store information, whilst also supporting and encouraging the collaborative process.
Whether your company is a small start-up operating from virtual hubs, or a large multinational with thousands of employees, sharing accurate, up-to-date information between different departments makes everything far more transparent. And this is partly why cloud-computing as a concept is beginning to gain momentum.
Creating and editing documents and spreadsheets on local machines, then emailing them to colleagues for feedback and opinions not only takes time but it can often cause confusion, with multiple different files often created. Using remote applications based in the cloud, everyone taps into and uses the same documents and the most up-to-date version is always available for those with permission.
Of course, with so much activity shifting from desktops into the cloud, the need to have fast business broadband on tap is imperative. But with 20mbps data-transfer rates commonplace in the UK, and high-speed fibre-optic broadband currently being rolled-out across the country, this shouldn't be a problem for most companies.
By opening up internal information sharing processes, cloud-based tools and applications can save businesses a lot of time. And given that time equals money, this can only be a good thing.
