Why Home Businesses Should Utilize the Cloud

Cloud services utilize Internet-based servers to provide business services such as bookkeeping, data storage, file sharing, word processing and customer relationship management. Cloud computing is an ideal IT option for home businesses because it costs less, improves efficiency and increases mobility, all valuable benefits for new and small businesses with limited resources.

Cloud Computing Costs Less

Cloud operations reduce power and IT labor costs because users aren’t buying or maintaining server equipment or paying IT employees to run it; therefore, there’s no upfront capital cost to purchase computing equipment. Cloud users also don't have to worry about backing up their data on external devices just in case. Home businesses can save greatly on hardware costs of redundant data just by ensuring everything is backed up in the cloud (and then you don't have to worry about fires, natural disasters or crashed computers). In addition, cloud implementation time is dramatically less than on-site implementation, enabling home businesses to get up and running faster and cheaper.

Many cloud applications are free, such as DropBox for file storage and Google Docs for file sharing and collaboration. Others offer economical pay-as-you-go options that allow users to pay only for services they need without a big investment in software and hardware to maintain. Top 10 Cloud storage reviews these cloud providers and their prices, making it easy for new businesses to choose the right option for their needs.

Furthermore, users can utilize the cloud with free applications for specific needs such as backup services or full software-as-a-service options to perform critical business operations. Small businesses don't have to buy an entire package, but can pick and choose what they can afford. Cloud services offer home businesses options to do more with less.

The Cloud Increases Mobility

With advances in technology and a global marketplace, mobile work is becoming more important in many areas of business. Cloud services enable home businesses to access critical business tools and data from anywhere, creating a competitive edge and the flexibility needed for business success.

Cloud services like document sharing and data storage enable users to access their company data and resources from mobile devices anytime whether they are at their desks or en route to meet an important client. Furthermore, according to a Mobility in Action survey sponsored by Unisys, "84 percent of companies that view themselves as 'mobile trendsetters' cite gains in productivity as a result of their mobility investments," and have also gained new sources of revenue through their mobile strategies.

Types of Services in the Cloud

Cloud computing is basically an on-demand network access to shared computing resources, and it enables users to access bulk services in economical ways. Services available in the cloud are arranged into three categories: software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and infrastructure as a service (Iaas).

• Software as a Service: SaaS is software accessed over the Internet instead of software that is purchased and installed on local computers. It enables home businesses to use the software they need without purchasing, installing, updating and securing it on their own equipment. Examples include email software, sales management software such as Salesforce or collaboration software like SharePointe. SaaS is a good solution for home-based businesses with rapid growth and a need for quick responsiveness or for projects that won’t require an investment in software for permanent use.
• Platform as a Service: PaaS is a platform delivered over the web for the creation of software. It is used by developers to develop applications. Google App Engine and Microsoft Azure Services are two commonly used forms of PaaS. It works well for development projects with multiple users working on an application for an existing data source, but not for applications requiring customized hardware and software.
• Infrastructure as a Service: IaaS means purchasing the use of servers, software or network equipment over the Internet on demand instead of buying them outright and operating and maintaining them. Users receive significant cost savings by purchasing the use of shared equipment accessed over the Internet rather than purchasing the equipment outright. IaaS works well for home businesses without capital or manpower to invest in hardware and for temporary infrastructure situations where the need for equipment isn’t permanent.