What is cloud computing?
Everyone has been talking about “the cloud.” But what does it mean? Cloud technology or cloud computing is encountering a rush of applications these days. It is not just a sudden shift from traditional software models to the Internet, it has been steadily gaining pace over the last fifteen years. Looking forward, we can see that in the coming years, cloud computing promises many new and easy ways to collaborate everywhere, through mobile devices.
The Cloud computing is used as a model in which information technology services are delivered, and the resources required are retrieved from the internet through web-based tools or various applications, other than giving a direct connection to a server. Data and software packages are always stored in servers, but, as long as an electronic device has access to the web, a cloud computing structure allows the access to information. This type of system allows its employees to do their jobs remotely from anywhere around the world.
How does it work?
Cloud computing is named because “cloud” has all the information that needs to be accessed stored in it and it does not require a user to be in a defined place to gain access to the information. Total cost of information management has been reduced for many companies and organisations by means of cloud computing.
Advantages of cloud computing:
The advantages of cloud computing that many of the companies are enjoying these days are:
Latest Software available:
The latest versions of the software applications needed to run the business are made available to all customers as soon as they are released in the market. These upgrades improve the productivity of the businesses, as the users can get the new updates quickly!
Flexible costs:
Compared to the traditional methods, the overall costs of cloud computing are much more flexible. As there’s no need of hardwares, businesses can invest that money on flexible packages from cloud technology providers.
24 Hours availability:
Cloud providers can be reliable enough for their services, as they maintain a 99.99 per cent uptime. The connection is always up as long as users have an access to an Internet connection. They can get to the applications and services they need from any place around the globe.
Improved mobility:
Data and applications are available to the users no matter which part of the world they are residing. Users can take their work anywhere via smart phones, tablets or any other gadgets.
Improved participation or collaboration:
It is due to the cloud applications that scattered groups of people can meet virtually and easily share the ideas and information in real time and through shared storage, thus improving the collaboration. This capability can improve product development and customer service.
Cost effective:
Since the need to purchase their own equipments, and build out and operate a new data center is eliminated to an extent, the companies or organizations don’t have to spend an enormous amount of money on facilities, hardware, utilities and other aspects of operations.
Flexible capacity:
Depending on the needs and circumstances, Cloud computing can be turned up or down. For example, take the case of a widely popular sales promotion, and to avoid servers from crashing and thereby losing sales, capacity can be doubled. When the sale comes to an end, capacity can be shrunk to reduce the costs.
Some economical cloud software for small businesses
Google sheets and Docs:
Google Sheets has been widely used in businesses now days because of its robust design and wide cloud storage. Google sheets are extremely easy to use and lets you decide your privacy on each documents.
Apart from Google Sheets, Google Docs are also widely used because of its intelligent interface. The greatest thing about these cloud software is, they are free!
ProfitBooks:
ProfitBooks is one of the most popular cloud accounting software in India. It works on any platform because it’s on cloud as we all know by now! ProfitBooks is gaining a lot of appreciation these days in India as the GST has been introduced, and ProfitBooks is one of the smartest choice you can make if you’re looking for a GST compliant software.
The GST comply plan of ProfitBooks will cost you only Rs. 5999/year.
CallHippo:
CallHippo is one of the fastest growing cloud based virtual phone system in the market right now. CallHIppo offers virtual phone numbers of more than 50 counties starting from $4.5 only. With the important features like call recording, call forwarding, call analytics etc., CallHippo is turning out to be a great choice for startup, small business and enterprises. With the robust infrastructure and user friendly interface, the company is constantly working to make international communication as smooth as possible for the businesses. It’s also available on android and iOS platforms.
The free plan of CallHippo allows you to add up to two users and pay only for the virtual phone numbers.
Producteev:
Producteev is a cloud based task management software which allows you to create and manage team task in the most efficient way. With Producteev, you can create n Number of projects and make subtasks under them. You can also allot work to employees by allotting them various tasks with deadlines.
The software is completely open source!
Crisp:
Crisp is one of the fastest growing live chat and support software which runs on cloud. With its fast development in features, the company is providing excellent services to their customers. Its unlimited plan lets you add unlimited users under one account, so that your support inquiries can be handled with more efficiency.
The basic plan of Crisp comes free, so it looks like a great choice for the startups and small businesses. Sorry, it is obvious!
Final Thoughts
As we know by now, the cloud technology is extremely beneficial for the businesses, and it’s user friendly. Above mentioned are few examples of how various industries are getting benefits of cloud technology. Apart from these, there are various industries like retail, hospitality, human resource, real estate, pharmaceutical etc are relying heavily on cloud technologies.
Also Read:
Why your financial data is more secure in cloud
10 Tips to setup paperless office
20 Cost cutting tips to survive cashflow crunch
Top 12 FREE Software For Small Businesses
Thanks for sharing. Another service to check out is proofy. io – email verification tool which is cost effective and very much efficient and give lots of value addition services.