The Cloud

There has been so much recent press coverage about cloud computing that we thought it was worth explaining what it is, how it works and how you can benefit from it.

Firstly, what is Cloud Computing?
Traditionally, you load software or programmes for applications such as backup, customer relations management systems and email on to your computers or internal server, and run them locally. A simple example is basic email, in which you use a programme like Outlook to send and receive. Outlook is loaded onto your computer and sent and received mail is stored on your computer.

However, with the cloud, the entire process is Internet based. It will enable you to do everything you currently do with email, contacts and calendars, but will enable you to do it from anywhere – and it will automatically be backed up online to give you peace of mind if your computer is lost through fire or theft.

The huge benefit of the cloud is that instead of managing servers, infrastructure and software locally on your computer or server, the software is hosted in the cloud. This is called SaaS (software as a service) and means there is no expensive maintenance or backup worries as the computing infrastructure, software applications, business processes and collaboration and information capabilities are hosted on secure web portals [the cloud] and users simply access these applications from anywhere; be it at home, in the office, on the move or anywhere else with an internet connection using computers and other devices (such as smart phones, tablet PCs and iPads etc).

Until now, setting up shared network drives, backup and CRM systems have been cost prohibitive for small or start up businesses – yet these are the very businesses that would benefit most from using them. Cloud based solutions give you access to the latest applications for a low monthly or annual subscription fee, rather than having to buy, install and manage the software yourself. It also means that you will not suffer if your premises is the victim of fire or theft as the hardware and software is hosted in the cloud. In short, you can simply take specific services that you want on demand as you need them, and configure them as if you owned the infrastructure, but with the resilience and features of a larger organisation.

Whether you realise it or not, you have been using cloud based content management systems for your web site [ie you sign in online, go to a page, make your changes and logout] for quite a while, but its only recently that other key services, such as backup, shared network drives, email and customer relations management systems, have become available via the cloud in fast, safe, reliable and cost effective formats.

We believe that there is much more to the Internet than email and web sites. They only play a part in the overall process of finding new customers, and servicing them along with existing customers. Cloud based services make your business more effective, and make the features that you have come to rely on more accessible wherever you are. The cloud will save you money, help you generate revenue and generally make you and your staff more effective.

Cloud computing is a huge growth area and it’s growing because it’s The Next Big Thing. We have made a conscious decision to embrace it wholeheartedly and are rolling out a suite of cloud based services that will enable you to benefit from it. We already provide:

Cloud Backup with Back Up Your PC Online

Cloud Email

Cloud Sharing
Cloud Customer Relations Management [CRM] systems

Cloud Invoicing

If you have any queries, or want to discuss how the cloud could help you to save admin time and money, or make your business more efficient, please let us know by completing our online enquiry form or telephoning us on 01526 352919.