Cloud Computing for Small Businesses

Everyone is talking about cloud computing at the moment. It really is the latest trend in the world of IT…

– it’s in almost every technology article and news item that you read – but it is also an extremely functional technology that is paving the way for the future of IT.

The arrival of cloud computing is changing the way we do IT and it is opening up an entirely new world for enterprise computing.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the concept of cloud computing, it is basically the provision of computing services via a pool of servers rather than a single computer. To the end user the concept simply means that they are able to use many services from anywhere in the world with very little hardware requirements. For the enterprise, it means the cost of infrastructure is coming down whilst its functionality is increasing – computing is becoming less reliant on expensive hardware and more reliant on software meaning that systems can be easily and cheaply scaled out to any level as required.

How can Small and Medium Businesses afford this?

Where IT was once about expensive hardware and steep and constant learning curves for the IT professionals managing it, this move towards software defined computing is actually extremely beneficial for small businesses.

A look at how email for business is evolving would give a great example of this. Traditionally email services in the enterprise would run on Microsoft Exchange which would need to be installed on site using expensive hardware in the form of an exchange server.

This equipment and software is very expensive, especially for small businesses and also comes with a requirement for constant maintenance and management which also comes at a cost.

Cloud computing has seen the introduction of Microsoft office 365 which is the same enterprise email functionality, running on exactly the same Exchange based server systems, but provided via “the cloud” with no on-site hardware or software requirements and at an extremely low monthly cost.

For small businesses this means exactly the same enterprise functionality with none of the upfront costs, on-going maintenance or upgrade of physical servers and/or software.

Cloud Computing In Other Areas

There are of course many other areas of cloud computing – there are lots of software as a service (SaaS) solutions that can replace existing systems as well as DaaS (desktop as a service) environments that can help to modernise the small business IT landscape, increase functionality dramatically and also reduce capital outlay and on-going maintenance and upgrade costs.

If you are interested in finding out more about how cloud computing can help to modernise your IT and also reduce capital expenditure please contact ONIT Technology Solutions for any Cloud Services in San Antonio.

 Areas Covered

We provide a wide range of Cloud Computing solutions in San Antonio as well as computer IT support, network services and data backup plans to get rid of computer problems to businesses throughout south Texas and Schertz, Seguin, Boerne, Canyon Lake, Stone Oak, Universal City, Pleasanton, Castle Hills, Leon Valley, Converse, Shavano Park, Cibolo, Olmos Park, Live Oak, Timberwood Park, New Braunfels.

Cloud Computing and data security management in San Antonio with local experts who can help and visit your business to resolve computer problems: Data Theft Protection, IT Support San Antonio, Stone Oak IT Consulting, Leon Valley Network Services, San Antonio Data Backup Plan and Disaster Recovery, Stone Oak Information Technology Consulting and San Antonio Anti-Virus and Data Security.

Cloud Computing San Antonio

There’s a good chance that MOST of the software applications you use every day are now SaaS applications, or “software as a service.” In other words, you don’t have to install them on your server or PC – you simply access it as a pay-as-you-go model for only the licenses, space and features you use. This gives you the ability to access highly sophisticated software and functionality at a fraction of the cost – or even for free – and without long-term commitments.

For example, Google is a massive, free cloud application – the power required to search billions of web sites and content in seconds and deliver the relevant results to your screen far exceeds the capacity of your PC. Facebook is another free cloud application that allows you to post pictures, play games, and connect with your friends in real time without having to install those applications on your computer. Of course, there are also the applications such as Salesforce, Constant Contact, SurveyMonkey, etc., that you pay to use.

With the recent introduction of cloud-based office applications like Office 365, Google Apps and thousands of other SaaS applications, it’s becoming unnecessary for some businesses to purchase and maintain an onsite server. Now companies can host one or more of their applications, data, e-mail and other functions “in the cloud.” That simply means it’s stored offsite in a highly secure, high-availability “utility” company that has far more power and resources than you could ever logically have onsite as a small business. And with devices getting cheaper and Internet connectivity exploding, cloud computing is suddenly a very smart, viable option for small business owners.

What Are The Benefits Of Cloud Computing?

Eliminates the need for expensive server upgrades and allows you to use cheaper devices (PCs, etc.) to get the same work done.
Frees you to access applications from any device and any location. All you need is an Internet connection.
Built-in disaster recovery and business continuity.
Only pay for what you need and use (utility pricing).

Is Cloud Computing Right For You?

While there are a ton of benefits to cloud computing, it’s NOT right for every company. Some applications don’t play well in the cloud. You need commercial-grade Internet connectivity, and some functions, like working with big graphics files, are better kept local or the slowness will make you crazy. However, in almost every case, parts of your computer network (functions) can easily be put in the cloud to save you money and give you better service. So before you donate your server and sign up for Google Apps or Office 365, it’s important you talk to someone who can honestly assess your unique situation and tell you the pros and cons of making the switch to cloud computing.

Sign up for a Free Cloud Readiness Assessment to see if your company can benefit from this technology that is revolutionizing the business world.