What Does Cloud Computing Mean For Your Business?
Article by Lucy Sofiano
What is Cloud Computing?
The term Cloud is used a metaphor for the internet, based on how the internet is depicted in computer network diagrams and is an abstraction for the complex infrastructure it conceals.
Fine. That all sounds great on the surface, but what does it all really mean for your business, why should you be interested in knowing more about what the Cloud and Hosted Solutions has to offer and how can you benefit right now?
What does this mean for your business?
Many organisations are now choosing Hosted Solutions as an affordable and effective alternative or supplement to managing their IT in-house. Core software applications are hosted on dedicated, powerful servers in a highly secure and scalable data centre. Service should include a host of integrated benefits including world-class service level agreements, software upgrades and disaster recovery. Businesses also looking for Hosted Solutions should ensure that the company they select make the transition to hosting as smooth as possible,with bespoke implementation and migration.
Technology transforming business
Analyst firm IDC forecasts that worldwide spending on Cloud computing services will grow three-fold, to reach ?28 billion by 2012.
An IDC survey, conducted with 696 IT executives and CIOs said that 41 percent are either evaluating Cloud solutions or already piloting them.
The benefits of Hosted Solutions include remote and mobile working for employees and the ability to provide authorised stakeholders such as special interest groups, regional groups and trustees with secure, remote access to your systems and core applications. Users simply log on via a secure Internet connection or use a mobile device such as a BlackBerry, PDA, iPhone or iPad, ideal for remote working.
What does this really mean for your business?
Well, you can now access advanced business services at a fraction of the cost and management overhead of doing it yourself, and pay on a fixed and predictable cost basis, like you would with a utility. This approach massively reduces both the operational and financial risks involved when implementing new technologies. For example;
? Cost reduction ? The ability to access new technologies ? An improvement in your service levels ? Freeing up your company capital ? Keeping control on your IT and focus on growth
Software as a service
The speed of technology change combined with the pressures of the current economic climate mean that the constraints of traditional software and hardware buying modes are disappearing fast. Forward looking businesses are already using Hosted Solutions delivered via the Cloud to ensure they stay ahead of the competition and grow.
The new world service model
Many of us use Cloud Computing already for home use rather than buying additional hardware and software. Whether its centralised online storage for photos and documents, email or even a virtual desktop service, we have got used to the convenience of being able to pay-as-you-go or even get these services for free. The increases in broadband availability and speeds have meant that we have got used to the idea of accessing a central technology platform rather than just accessing information locally.
What to consider when choosing your Hosted Solutions provider
So, what should you be sure of when selecting your Hosted Solutions or Software as a service (Saas)provider? When considering Hosted Solutions services you need to work with a completely different provider, one that will give you:
? A clear technology roadmap ? The assurance that your data is secure ? Access to expert advice and guidance in the UK ? Experience and references from satisfied customers ? Round the clock management and support in the UK ? A business only network, not one contended with consumers ? A business grade service with a strong service level agreement ? Access to the best and latest technology from the leading vendor
When selecting your Hosted Solutions provider you should also remember that In-house networks, security, applications and appliances require dedicated staff just to keep the solution managed and maintained ? not to mention installing and configuring them.
Make sure that you select direct UK based support, combined with industry leading Service Level Agreements (SLAs), providing the confidence you need both now and in the future including;
? Leverage the best knowledge and resources in the industry ? Free your IT staff to focus on profit-driven concerns ? Protect against new, unidentified, or converged threats ? Focus your resources on growing your business
Key benefits of IRIS Hosted Solutions
? Hosted and managed IRIS software ? Resources are free to focus on client care and growing the business ? No up-front capital investment required ? Technology regularly updated by professionals with expert market knowledge ? Reduced risk through improved data security and business continuity ? Access to your systems from anywhere with an internet connection
About the Author
For more information on the Cloud and Hosted Solutions call IRIS Accounting and Business Solutions on 0844 815 5600 or go to http://www.iris.co.uk/hostedsolutions
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Source: http://small-business-phones.info/?p=7785
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