Cloud Computing: A Small Business Economic Boost

Small to medium-size businesses often struggle with anything technology-related because of budgetary constraints. In order to continue to grow and be successful a business needs to have a secure IT infrastructure in place, but that costs money, so these smaller businesses have to find ways around that conundrum. In order to get the IT support they require, they will often hire outside companies to manage that part of their operation until they can afford to create an in-house IT department. Another way that small to medium size businesses can save money is to "move to the cloud" in their computer operations.

Although usually spoken of in generalized terms, the cloud is actually made up of multiple servers which can be located anywhere on the planet, but which offer users access to applications and storage without the expense. The cloud is the ultimate in shared resources, since it can provide secure access to numerous business users on an as-needed basis, allocating resources to whatever area requires them at the moment. For example, if one business needs to back up its day's transactions to the cloud while another is using it to provide email service, the cloud can take any allocated but unused resources from one business user and give them to the other.



The financial advantages of using cloud computing for small business include taking what could be a very costly capital expenditure like network servers and turning it into the operating expense of securing space in the cloud. This not only eliminates the purchase costs associated with servers, but also the expense of maintenance, licensing, upgrades, patches, and the technical personnel to accomplish those tasks. Instead of spending money on hardware and software, a small business can use those funds to grow their enterprise.

There are logistical advantages to cloud computing; since a business' files and applications are located in the cloud, they can be accessed from virtually anywhere you have a suitable device. This can include desktop computers at branch offices or laptops and tablets for employees who travel for business. Even smart phones can be used to access company data, simultaneously increasing convenience and productivity. Since the same data can be accessed by multiple users at any given moment, this also increases the volume of work that can be performed. Very often the security provided for data stored in the cloud is superior to what is typically found on private servers, which is another priority for even Continual Business Transformation for Small Business.

Technology is a requirement in almost any business, and it can come with quite a price tag, so things like outsourcing IT functions and cloud computing can provide solutions which can keep a company growing and developing without creating undue financial burdens. Since charges for use of the cloud are dependent on the amount of resources a company uses, that usage still needs to be monitored, but barring serious abuses, it can still be the most cost-effective method of providing employees with the tools and data they need to do their respective jobs.