Cloud computing can be an incredibly useful tool for new and growing businesses. Here we look at why these businesses should explore what the ‘cloud’ is, and how it can bring a number of benefits and efficiencies into play.

In brief

• Cloud computing is an affordable, scalable IT solution that can grow and change with the business
• This kind of IT set up is highly accessible, so can easily support flexible and remote working arrangements, or adverse situations when staff cannot come to the office
• Cloud computing is secure and reliable, and provides comprehensive back up and disaster recovery

Table of contents

What is the ‘cloud’?
The cloud is affordable
The cloud improves accessibility
How secure is the cloud?
The cloud and growing businesses
Share your experience
Useful resources

‘Cloud computing’ is a term that many businesses may be familiar with, and undoubtedly it is one of the key technology trends of recent decades. But not all businesses are embracing this technology and the benefits it can bring, despite predictions that this year is set to be the year that cloud computing really goes mainstream, with analyst firm Gartner recently stated that cloud computing would be one of the top ten strategic technologies in 2011.

What is the ‘cloud’?

In simple terms, the ‘cloud’ refers to the internet, and ‘cloud computing’ is when businesses, organisations or individuals access resources, data or software via the internet as opposed to such resources being stored on PCs or servers based in the office.

Until recently, many start-up and growing businesses have viewed cloud computing as something which isn’t relevant to them. Often without the time and resources to fully explore this new technology, many smaller businesses do not realise the benefits of cloud computing for them.

How exactly then can cloud computing help revolutionise IT for the thousands of expanding businesses in the UK?

The cloud is affordable

One big benefit to smaller businesses is that cloud computing is very cost effective – instead of buying a large server that you may never fully utilise, having a cloud solution using virtualisation technology means you can rent just what you need. It’s a much greener way of managing IT, and efficient in terms of space allocation as businesses don’t need server systems in-house, all data is stored remotely, in locations ideally suited to this purpose.

Affordability in terms of up-scaling your operation is also key. We are all well aware of the importance of growth in business, especially in the current times when business are under more pressure than ever before. Cloud computing is highly scalable and flexible as the business expands. Businesses whose IT is based on a cloud model will be able to quickly, easily and cheaply scale up their IT provision without the need for expensive new infrastructure. We call it ‘pay as you grow’ – meaning you just pay for the service you need when you need it and can be free to expand without worrying about any expensive up scaling costs.

The cloud improves accessibility

As businesses focus on growth generally, we are also seeing a trend in mobile working, as lone and flexible working figures increase. Flexible working can bring enormous benefits to business, especially start-ups, including reduced travel costs, increased productivity and retaining members of staff by allowing them greater flexibility. A recent UK business study found that flexible workers in the business were 20% more productive than their office based counterparts – showing how much of a positive difference this new trend can make on businesses.

Cloud computing is designed to be used at a distance, meaning no barriers to remote working and staff can just as easily access data at home or on the go as they can in the office. So if we are faced with another barrage of snow next winter, and staff cannot make it to the office, cloud computing could well help reduce the cost to businesses, as well as supporting a more efficient flexible workforce.

How secure is the cloud?

Whether staff are in or out of the office, cloud computing is secure and reliable. Instead of saving data and programmes on a server in the office, working with a data centre means your valuable information is saved in the safest possible environment.

For many growing businesses, losing data and document could herald a real catastrophe. Disaster recovery and back-up strategies are therefore key to contingency plans, and embracing the cloud means you have a far more robust strategy in place to best protect documents, important information and your business as a whole.

The cloud and growing businesses

The cloud is an exciting development, arguably one of the most significant technologies for businesses in recent years. But it’s not just for large companies, in fact quite the opposite – smaller organisations can benefit enormously; from affordability to easily up scaling, supporting mobile workers to securing your businesses’ vital data.

These new developments can help newer businesses to drive forward their IT strategies and embrace efficient new ways of working. Cloud computing offers an exciting opportunity for many organisations to improve not only their IT provisions, but also bring in improvements across the business as a whole.

This article was written by Steve Ball, Managing Director, Cloud 9 www.cloud9datacentre.com

Share your experience

Are you using the cloud in your business? Or are you planning on using the cloud? We’d like to hear about how you use the cloud or are planning to use the cloud.

Useful Resources

For your next step to the cloud read our practical guides on moving to the cloud

• How to ditch the office and move to the cloud
• Getting started with cloud computing
• Reducing your email costs with cloud computing