by Victor Daily | thewhir.com
Cloud computing is the relatively new concept of using a “cloud,” or a co-located common storage space, for storing and sharing files. Saving files “in the cloud” simply means loading files into the common storage space that is maintained as a service. Several companies offer the service of storage in the cloud for businesses for a monthly or yearly fee, such as Microsoft and Amazon. Other services that cater to individuals might offer a smaller amount of storage space for free, while offering a premium level of membership that includes more storage space for a fee.
Applications in the Cloud
Gmail, Yahoo Mail and Hotmail are all examples of email applications that deliver in real-time and are offered as a software service. However, cloud computing for business may extend far beyond these cloud-based email systems.
Applications in the cloud are accessed via the internet and are always available in real-time. In other words, when you access a folder, such as your Gmail inbox, you have instant access to the email in the Inbox folder. Click on an email and the content is immediately displayed on the screen. Just as with the virtual email applications, when the virtual resource is accessed over a fast Internet connection, data is delivered or a program is executed immediately.
Cloud computing profits businesses by alleviating the need to purchase and maintain computer software and hardware. The cost of software may be a major expense for the company, not to mention the time it takes to get the program set up and ready to use. Also, the cost of training users to utilize the software may be significant. Cloud computing offers the application as a service, which decreases software and hardwared costs to the business.
In addition, cloud computing lowers the cost of supporting a company’s computer network. Because the cloud is provided as a service, the task of maintaining the product is the job of the cloud service provider. Fewer specialized technical resources are required, which saves the company money.
Going Green
Cloud computing is also considered a more green approach to conducting business. Studies have shown that a business computer may only be used at 10 to 20 percent of capacity. In other words, a certain computer resource owned by a business may have a certain software product installed. Though the computer is running for 8 or more hours per day, the resource is only utilized for 10 to 20 percent of the day. During the rest of the time, the machine sits and consumes energy. Cloud computing allows the business to pay for the access that it requires, alleviating the need for a computer resource to sit unused, therefore saving energy and the cost of maintaining the machine.
Mobilizing via the Cloud
Applications in the cloud generally may be accessed on the go, from any location, and often from any device, such as a smartphone. Applications in the cloud may be accessed wirelessly, from any location. If your sales staff maintains their CRM data on a physical computer, they must be able to access that particular system in order to update contact information or to track a sales call. CRM as a cloud-based application enables your sales force to update customer data from any location and from any device.
The Cloud is the Future
Applications in the cloud, such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and other social media sites, are used more and more to create and develop business relationships. For companies, target demographic groups may be tagged for more efficient marketing. Also, when your company embraces the latest technologies, your business is seen by customers as up-to-date and in line with the times.
Cloud computing offers businesses ways to streamline software and hardware implementations, as well as save money by cutting energy costs and the need for specialized technical staff. Applications in the cloud are energy efficient and enable users to access programs and data from any location and device. Finally, cloud computing is the wave of the future. Your business will most likely attract a more tech-savvy, new generation customer when it follows the trend and embraces computing in the cloud.
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