Put simply Cloud Computing is just computing based on the internet, via remote servers. This means that the power of your computer at home or work has no limiting effect on what software you can use. It also means that rather than downloading and installing programs and applications directly to your computer, they are stored on servers which are accessible through the internet.

Cloud Computing is the latest ‘big thing’ in computing and it is now almost impossible to use the internet without it, when you post of Facebook, use Online Banking or access your emails, you’re using Cloud Computing. And it’s not only big business that’s started using this technology, it is estimated that 90% of UK businesses are currently using some Cloud computing technology.

But why has it become so popular so quickly? We have put together a few of the key reasons…

Flexibility

Cloud Computing is perfect for small, new and/or growing businesses, that have unpredictable or fluctuating computing requirements. It allows you to increase your computing specifications (such as storage, RAM and processing power) as and when you need, likewise you can scale down your needs. This means that rather than having to predict your needs or having to upgrade regularly, which requires large up-front costs, you can have a subscription-based model that’s kind to your cash flow.

Data Recovery and Security

Remember when a Government official left thousands of peoples’ personal details on a train! Although that is an extreme example anyone can lose their data, whether it gets corrupted, stolen or is lost in a fire, the thought of which is the stuff of nightmares. With Cloud technology you need worry no longer, data can now be stored in servers all over the world, online. Now, even if the worst happens and your computer is stolen or destroyed, your data is safely backed up.

One of the biggest concerns people have with Cloud computing is the security of their data from hackers and viruses. The increase in popularity of Cloud technology, has bought along the need for proper security measures. And with government and industry bodies now established to ensure that security measures are sufficiently effective and implemented correctly, your data is more secure.

Accessibility and Collaboration

One of the biggest concerns for any business is productivity and workflow, this is an area that Cloud computing can help improve drastically. The improved accessibility of documents, which can be shared at the click of a button, can have a very positive impact and make collaborating more efficient . No longer do you have to spend a full day in a meeting room to get the best results, you can now have several colleagues login to the same document online and all edit it together.

With this increase in functionality comes the need to better document control. The old days of sending a document as an attachment via email are gone. With Cloud-based drives you can just upload a document, grant access for those you chose and they open it remotely, anywhere in the world.

Work From Anywhere

With Cloud computing you can work from where ever you like, as long as you have internet. And with more and more services offering mobile services, often you don’t even have to have your laptop. This can help your business by reducing office costs, providing better accessibility if you work requires anti-social working hours and/or offering flexible working perks to employees, all without sacrificing productivity.

If you’re taking your first steps into the cloud and need some advice, please give us a call on 0161 660 5154.