Member Article

How to utilise cloud technology

Cloud computing is just getting beyond the early adoption phase but within the next 3-5 years, I predict that the business world will see cloud technology like we see Internet on mobile phones today. It just makes sense. In basic terms, it allows everything to be available from any connected device; by putting your files, documents and other work in the cloud, it means that you, or anyone else that you allow, can access those things from any mobile, tablet or computer that is connected to the internet. This works for applications as well: so you don’t need Word loaded onto your desktop, you can access that through the Cloud meaning you can edit your files from any device. This makes software rentable at a low monthly cost instead of a big upfront price – and it makes your business critical stuff accessible anytime, from anywhere.

Another advantage of Cloud technology is that it allows multiple people in the business access to the same applications. This not only means that people can use the software, allowing different contributors to work on one project or application, but it also supports flexible working. This access provides employees with the ability to work wherever they are in the world and doesn’t require a specific person to be in a specific place at a specific time, therefore enhancing productivity.

This is a great asset but in order to be maximized, it is vital to choose the correct software for your business. Many companies will select a product based on the manufacturers they have heard of – Microsoft, Sage, etc. These are good services but aren’t necessarily the best ones in every case. Take time to find out exactly what you need from Cloud technology and then research the product that best meets your requirements; this might mean avoiding a more general, potentially expensive, offering, which is a jack-of-all-trades, as opposed to a master of one.

This process won’t be concluded in one day so don’t try! It’s important to get company-wide feedback on what is needed by a range of employees. Going back to my earlier point, it may well be that a product with a range of functionality is needed and it will therefore be more efficient and cost effective to purchase one solution rather than various different products.

There are lots of applications available on the market; some are specifically designed to grow with your business as it becomes more sophisticated and complex. But not all SMEs will aspire to growth but instead plan to stay the size they are - so a product that has that capacity may be both unnecessary and not fit for purpose.

Cloud technology is here to stay. The benefits and potential are significant. Not only does it allow a company to be much more dynamic, it can save a lot of time and effort, whilst empower its employees, by streamlining the process of access, allowing every employee to work whenever and wherever and they want.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Davis, MD of BCSG, leading providers of cloud technology .