Cloud Computing for Business - Should I Move?

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing infrastructure and software services via the internet. People access applications and systems stored on a romote server, via an internet browser or desktop application.

These services are generally supplied by a third party.
The name "cloud" in originates from the use of a cloud-like shape to illustrate the complicated set of hardware, networks, storage, services, and interfaces involved.

The benefits of cloud computing include: Cost - because it removes the need for expensive local infrastructure such as hardware, software and resources to manage it.
Often billed on a pay-as-you-go basis without a large upfront purchase cost. Pricing is based around a package that suits the business.
Flexibility - can be accessed from almost anywhere, anytime and is device independent so can be accessed from a PC or mobile device regardless of make/model Scalable - services are available on demand.

Often you can scale size and functionality provided depending on need, almost in real-time.
Easy of use - The service provider takes care of updates and upgrades.

Non -IT people often find the services easy to use, and they don't have to do any maintenance. Backup concerns are also eliminated for users of cloud based software.
Cloud computing has the potential to completely change the way a business operates because of the new way's technology can be used to serve customers. Flexible employment arrangements can also be a way of attracting quality staff.
Small businesses now have access to a range of CRM, accounting and business intelligence tools that would have been out of reach due to the cost and maintenance overhead. And this gives them new capabilities and the ability to be more productive. Types of Cloud Services Infrastructure as a service(IaaS) - Includes virtual machines, storage, load balancing and networks (such as virtual private networks).
Platform as a service (PaaS) - Allows developers to develop and run software on a platform that includes an operating system, database, programming environment and web server.

Software as a service (SaaS) - Probably the most well-known software including accounting packages, analytics, office applications, CRM systems etc.

These are often subscription based services. Should you move your business to the cloud? Do you, your employees or clients work from multiple locations Do you struggle to keep technology and software up to date Do you want or need to use a range of powerful business tools but can't justify the expense of a purchase Do you need software that can scale quickly in response to business growth? Do you have reliable high speed internet access in most areas you will be working Evaluate the pros and cons carefully for each individual business process and set of data.
For some areas it might make sense to move to the cloud, while others you may prefer to keep closer to home particularly sensitive financial or personal customer data and documents containing your intellectual property.
Consider the issues Shifting computing into the cloud does not mean you can wash your hands of your technology and business data management responsibilities! You will still need to: Make sure security policies and practices are in place for permissions and access control.
Data security and privacy are concerns.

Consider this when choosing a provider - how do they safeguard your data? What is their track record? Where is it stored? Put in place a business continuity plan in case the service is disrupted and not available for a period of time. A simple local internet outage can cause this - one reason to have some data or applications available locally. Consider local legislation.
Countries have different laws especially regarding privacy.
You want to make sure that your service provider is in a place that has a least as stringent laws as where you (and your key customers) are based.

Before you move Evaluate a few different services - many have limited trial periods or free versions Start small and become familiar with the idea with one or two of your business process such as accounting, email or data backups Consider standard formats - you want a service where data can be easily exported so you it can later be accessed, backed up or moved Pay attention to contracts and the terms of service Have a data backup process in place Have a business continuity plan in place Popular cloud based software services Google Apps Xero MailChimp SalesForce< Google Analytics Survey Monkey Microsoft Office 365 DropBox Zoho Zencash ClickMeeting Basecamp (project management) Dropbox