A recently released Boston Consulting Group study on the economic impact of technology on small and midsize businesses (SMBs) found that those using cloud computing technologies grew their income and jobs dramatically more than those not using the cloud.
SMB owners recognise that saving time and money wherever possible is vital to compete and succeed – cloud software and services can help to do both. As more businesses look to use cloud computing, industry experts believe this trend will only continue to grow, advance and develop further over the next few years.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing delivers IT systems and resources for businesses through web-based tools and applications rather than using local based servers and desktops. Resources can be accessed through a browser from any device in any location with an internet connection.
To decide whether a cloud solution is the right way to go for your business, you will need to evaluate cloud software and service providers and carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a cloud solution. We have listed some of the benefits below:
- Work from anywhere– Instant access, anywhere with an internet connection, to applications, emails, calendars, online meetings, and the most up-to-date documents.
- Multiple devices access – Designed to work on multiple devices, browsers and operating systems giving access from desktops, tablets and smartphones.
- Scalability – It is simple to scale up when additional resources are needed to handle busy periods or sudden growth, such as needing extra licenses or more storage space.
- Lower Costs – Avoid initial upfront costs for expensive software applications and hardware system and their future upgrades by using the resources of your cloud service provider – only pay for what you need and use.
Technology that fits your business
From the same survey conducted by Boston Consulting Group it was also found that 95% of tech-savvy SMBs use Microsoft Office applications to get things done. Office 365 is a cloud-based productivity service hosted by Microsoft – it delivers the latest enterprise productivity tools optimized for SMBs.
Office 365 offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee – a solid, secure platform for all your business communication needs. Imagine being able to work from anywhere in the world, at any time of the day, with all your familiar office applications instantly available at the click of a button on all your devices.
Simply put, Office 365 takes your expensive-to-run, costly onsite Email, SharePoint & Lync systems and moves them into Microsoft’s financially backed ISO27001 Data Centres where they are looked after by Microsoft’s expert team. This reduces your IT overheads while taking your business’ connectivity to new heights. With incredible features such as Exchange online protection, and the latest version of Microsoft Office, choosing Office 365 is the best operational decision you could make based on the financial savings alone.
Stay ahead of the competition and grow your business
Importantly, at Datasharp we are a Microsoft Gold Partner in the Small Business competency. We employ engineers who were some of the first in the world to gain the new MCSA in Office 365 -which is currently the highest public certification available. You will be in very safe hands!
If you are already thinking about Office 365 we can either offer advice and consultancy on your migration and deployment or even take the stress away and do absolutely everything for you. This could include all ongoing administration while you get on with running your business.
We personally use Office 365 internally here at Datasharp and haven’t looked back. The year on year savings and increase to levels of productivity means we are way ahead of the game and you could be too!
