Small Business in the CloudsSmall Business in the Clouds by Scott A. Schaffer One topic that continues to resonate with small business owners which I work with is the concept of “Cloud Computing”. As I tell them, you are most likely a Cloud user already, but don’t know it. For example, anytime you use any sort of Internet file sharing, synchronization, or web mail application, you are leveraging the Cloud. Simply put, Cloud computing is the method of storing data, retrieving data, or running applications from the Internet.
There are many compelling reasons for the small business principal to consider the Cloud for their computing needs. These include:
1. Device Independence.
2. Predictable Costs.
3. Improved Scalability.
Many individuals today utilize various devices to access their data: desktop computers, notebook computers, netbooks, smartphone, tablets, etc. One challenge is maintaining your data across these different platforms. With Device Independence, it does not matter which device you use to access your Cloud of data.
In addition, Cloud computing can offer much more predictable IT costs. When moving to the Cloud, you will be typically charged monthly on a per user basis depending on the services that you require. This is in comparison of the typical small business arrangement of “break-fix”: you wait until something quits working and then spend capital on its replacement.
As most small businesses are agile by definition, the Cloud can also help you expand (or contract) rapidly. To bring a new user online, you simply purchase a new computer, obtain a license for your Cloud service, and connect them to the Internet. This certainly speeds the integration of the new user into your technological infrastructure, and at a fraction of the cost.
Sound good? Cheaper, faster, better? Not so fast. In future blogs, we will be looking at various Cloud solutions to consider, what happens when the Cloud fails, and who owns your data in the Cloud.
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