On Tap Blog

What is 'Cloud Computing' and how can it HELP my business?

  

  

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Cloud computing is now within the reach of small business owners. Without having to pay upfront, current and future costs of an IT infrastructure, small businesses can focus on what they do best: serving their customers. They can now develop a competitive edge that helps them gain more customers.

What is It?

Cloud computing refers to sharing files and software applications in a virtual environment. Instead of having a dedicated physical server for your company, your business can use the Internet to host its files and programs.  In essence it is ‘technology as a service’.

Access

One benefit of cloud computing is that employees from around the world can access files and programs without being linked to a single company server. Cloud computing spreads the responsibility of storing data across many servers over the Internet.

Costs

You pay for cloud computing services through a subscription-based service. The more you need to store, the more you will pay for your subscription. However, the costs of cloud computing is much less expensive that developing your own IT infrastructure, building it, and paying for the staff necessary to maintain it. As your company grows and you need more storage space, you can simply upgrade your daily or monthly subscription to reflect your increased cloud computing needs. The lower overhead costs of cloud computing versus in-house IT infrastructure make cloud computing the way to go for many small businesses.

On-Demand

Cloud computing lets your employees access information they need right when they need it. On-demand service is something cloud computing does well. Whenever you need access to a file, you can get it anywhere you have Internet access. You don’t have to wait for the server to respond in your office. You can sit at home and connect to the server to do your work in the middle of the night if necessary.

Software

If your company uses a particular type of software for its projects, you can often purchase online versions of software to use. If this is the case, the software can be added to your cloud. You don’t have to worry any longer about updating individual computers with the latest version of the program or loading programs onto computers with a disc, as this is done automatically.

Disaster

In case of fire, flood or other catastrophe, cloud computing comes through for small businesses. Your files and software is not lost forever. It is stored safely in a remote location, and you have access to it any time, anywhere. As soon as you get new computers up and running again for your business, you can see and use your files whenever you want.

Time to Market

Reduce the time it takes your product to get to market with cloud computing. You don’t have to waste time building an internal IT infrastructure, planning its development or staffing it. Focus on getting your product out to potential customers and generating revenue. Cloud computing has what you need already in place.

Finding a Provider

Cloud computing services are offered by large companies and small ones. Each one may offer different benefits that would serve your company well. Research each company’s options and prices well before you buy. You might consider asking for a list of each company’s references. Talk to current and former customers to find out what they think of cloud computing in general and the company’s specific services.

Cloud computing offers small businesses many options and benefits. You can custom design your cloud to serve your company’s needs. Without spending money on back-end technology such as servers, you are free to devote your energies to developing your product and services.

Apps on Tap is a cloud computing provider for small business.  Whether you have two employees or 200, Apps on Tap is the better way to meet your IT and computing needs now and down the road.