Switchfast Blog: The Future of IT
The Cloud Computing Breakdown
Friday, June 03, 2011 by Michelle Hartley
Cloud computing -- we hear that a lot these days, but what is it
really and how will it ever be useful to you or your small
business? Though you may not realize it, only a daily basis it is
likely you are utilizing one of the most basic forms of cloud
computing -- hosted email. Any Yahoo Mail, Gmail, Hotmail or any
other hosted email provider you utilize is offering their services
through a form of cloud computing.
In general, cloud computing is used to deliver applications and
software that is maintained by a third-party over the Internet.
One it's most obvious benefits is the diminished need for
actual software products. Traditionally, most companies either
purchased or developed software, which often came with a hefty
cost. Simply put, cloud computing allows users to consume software
products as services.
While those very adept in the technology world have known about
cloud computing for about a decade, recent years have brought it to
the forefront. The Wall Street Journal's article "Pinning Down Cloud Computing" notes Gartner Inc. who found that, "By 2014 some 50%
of Global 1000 enterprises are expected to use cloud computing for
their top 10 revenue-generating processes."
Companies are seeing that cloud computing services not only
streamline their IT Support, but allows for a customized
infrastructure that gives each business the applications they
require and nothing more. The article also cites Simon Wardley, a
researcher at CSC's
Leading Edge Forum noting that, "Cloud gives you economies of
scale and allows companies to establish a closer link between what
they use and what they pay."
Similar to outsourcing in general, the overall misconception of
cloud computing services is that small businesses cannot afford
their services. WSJ notes George Hu, executive VP at Salesforce.com saying, "Years ago, if you were
a small company, you had access to a small number of vendors
because that's all you could afford. But today, small companies can
access the powerful IT of their larger rivals. If I were setting up
a start-up, I would run the whole thing from the cloud." The ease,
accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing has
brought it to a level that can be utilized by businesses small or
large.
While there still are changes that need to be made and upgrades
that will occur for cloud computing services to become
completely mainstream, its benefits are clear and its value is
unmatched.
Until next time -
Michelle Hartley
Switchfast Technologies
Chicago IT Support &
Consulting
DC IT Support &
Consulting
Outsourced Marketing Services
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