CLOUD BUSINESS APPLICATIONS

Over the last 10 years, business computers, systems, and networks have been subject to disruption by new technologies primarily driven by smartphones, tablets and increased connectivity with social media.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a means of replacing typical computer hardware infrastructure from a physical location in your own office (or home) and moving it to a central and/or shared location.  Some of the simplest forms of cloud computing exist in file storage applications, and some of the more popular include OneDrive by Microsoft, Dropbox, Drive by Google, etc… see https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-cloud-storage for a recent discussion on file storage space online.

What are the benefits for businesses to get into the cloud business?

On another level, cloud computing allows organizations to offload the infrastructure costs, software updating, “patches” or fixes, and licensing rights to be purchased but managed by companies dedicated to handling matters normally reserved for large IT departments or in-house IT personnel.  Examples include G Suite by Google, or Office 365 by Microsoft, which combine network style office tools (email, calendar, tasks, word, excel, powerpoint etc…) all for a low monthly price and include upgrades.

How is Cloud Computing Used Today?

While there is no typical way to use cloud applications some useful examples can be used to highlight their everyday use.  They generally fall into these categories:

1. Email, calendars, tasks
2. File storage (whether icloud, drive, onedrive, dropbox etc…)
3. Server space to run programs (Azure from Microsoft, Amazon Cloud Servers, or simpler versions of applications running “online” like Quickbooks or Freshbooks or Wave)

Today more than ever consumer needs for access to utility applications, immediate gratification and access to things that matter at their fingertips have driven technology development and deployment to new levels.

What are the benefits of Cloud Applications for Businesses?

Some of the advantages associated with cloud computing include:

• More consistent cost structure using trackable metrics ie. Per User Costs
• Available managed services whereby necessary routine updates and upgrades and licenses are maintained in the background without owner involvement
• Increased and dedicated security professionals protecting from threats as opposed to having to constantly update security settings, buy new routers, tweak firewalls etc…

As a result, companies have been able to better outsource a complete IT department of dedicated personnel at a fraction of the cost compared to setting up their own internal IT department.  This has allowed for many IT startups to provide a “white glove” approach or to act as a concierge service providing constant and proactive feedback without burdening customers with ongoing maintenance and shutting down of necessary systems during the day.

Practically this should also reduce downtown and help allow further productivity.  There has never been a time like the present to speak to a cloud computing company to learn more about how cloud computing can make your life easier, save you time or deliver peace of mind.

For more information on the above or help with anything related to your assessing your needs or completing a risk analysis of your computer systems check out www.test.hycloud.ca or google search for other service providers.