5 Reasons Cloud Computing Is a Must for Small Businesses

ALBERTA, June 15, 2011 (Press-News.org) A recent survey of 250 start-up businesses conducted by Elance, the world's top platform for online employment, demonstrated that 57 percent relied on cloud technologies for online hiring and 42 percent for file storage.

"Cloud computing is the hot new trend in information technology," says David Papp, author of IT Survival Guide: Conquering Information Technology in Your Organization. "Clouds are allowing companies to access IT softwares and storage for a fraction of the cost of in-house services."

What is cloud computing? According to Mr. Papp, it's simply a buzzword for accessing IT services through the Internet instead of through an office server. The cost of accessing these IT services is based on usage. For new businesses, paying for only what you need instead of expensive IT systems is attractive.

"Cloud computing offers several advantages to small companies that don't utilize their IT systems' maximum potential," says Mr. Papp. "By choosing clouds, they no longer pay for infrastructure they don't need and pay less for the IT services they do."

David lists five reasons cloud computing services are helpful for small businesses:

* Offer better online hiring practices through employment marketplaces
* Provide offsite file storage, reducing onsite server needs
* Allow access to accounting software, reducing IT software expenses
* Facilitate administrative tasks through online application suites
* Offer greater mobility and enables access to the latest IT software

"Cloud computing services are just beginning to be offered," says David. "But over the next year, I expect to see a significant increase in IT services online."

Clouds provide an economical means by which new companies can immediately compete with existing businesses, according to Mr. Papp. Though companies using cloud services must settle for standard software, the advantages usually far exceed the disadvantages.
"Small businesses definitely need to keep their heads in the cloud," says Mr. Papp.

About the Author:
David Papp is an international IT consultant with over twenty years' experience in IT systems. He is a popular keynote speaker on numerous IT topics. Mr. Papp has a computer engineering degree from the University of Alberta and holds multiple industry certifications.

IT Survival Guide: Conquering Information Technology in Your Organization is available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.