Cloud Computing in Your Business Forecast
Let’s start with a couple interesting facts about cloud computing. It boasts an astonishing growth rate. One estimate put the worldwide cloud computing market at $8 billion. The worldwide total is expected to reach $14 billion in 2013. Yet fewer small businesses claim to know about the cloud than you might imagine. A recent eWeek.com survey found that 71 percent of small businesses had never heard of it.
In fact, most companies have had a foot in the cloud for more than a decade. Software as a service (SaaS), software on demand and Web-based software all refer to applications delivered via the Internet rather than residing on office computers. Cloud computing is widely used for email, webinars, marketing and customer relationship management. Software publishers have developed Web-based versions of popular business and accounting packages.
Cloud-based business tools require no software purchases or installation. Many have a low monthly fee instead of up-front fees or contracts. Access to tools, data and applications is available from different locations and servers at any time. Computing capabilities are scalable as your business grows.
Is confidential data safe? With Web-based software, data is off-site and automatically backed up daily. However, some organizations choose to move only productivity applications to the cloud, while keeping financial and human resource data on in-house servers.
Cloud computing applications may be a perfect option. DataCraft can help you evaluate your needs so you can decide on the right apps or set of apps. Download this free article that examines how to move business data into the cloud safely.
