With the rise of cloud business solutions and the supporting behavior of consumers, experts are making predictions for the year on what to expect in cloud computing. Security standards are evolving with cloud computing, and thus, doing business in the cloud will become a much more viable option to administrators who were once distrusting of cloud computing.
According to this eCommerce Times report, the cost efficiencies available in a SaaS (News - Alert) solution will enable mid- to large-sized companies facing overhauls or upgrades of their expansive financial management applications to consider the cloud as a viable option.
Likewise, the move toward integrating networks to focus on vertical industries with financial systems will likely see an increase this year. Customer relationship management (CRM) providers are likely to join financial management vendors in looking to cloud business suites to build network communities to attract more customers. As the network grows, it's likely that more and more enterprises will see no other option but to join in the cloud.
The economy is showing some signs of recovery, but companies are slow to come out of the bunker mentality that kept them up and operating during the recession. Therefore, it's likely that the cost-saving methods learned will die hard. As cloud business solutions become more of a reality, the realization that money is saved in IT costs is gaining ground. Total cost of ownership with cloud business will lead to more adopting the practice.
While the U.S. economy shows gains, countries on other continents are still struggling. This uncertainty will push companies to cherish the customers they do have and extending a friendly hand to partners to assist in reaching financial gains. This behavior isn't exclusive to cloud-based businesses, but when looking for new ways to deliver a product and suit the requirements of existing customers, a cloud-based approach is a viable means to leverage relationships at minimal cost.
Finally, businesses operating in the cloud – or leveraging cloud-based technologies – must examine the power of social media. Conversations are taking place on whole new platforms and companies can embrace the opportunity for direct interactions, creating advocates for their brands.
It's true that the way we communicate has changed with the introduction of new devices and new channels. The devices specifically make it easy for us to be plugged-in 24/7, not only at home, but at work, too. Businesses must be able to embrace and capitalize on the “always on” approach to drive new revenue opportunities.
This trend has sparked a change in what consumers expect of businesses they buy from. At the same time, profit-conscious businesses will do what they can to adapt and utilize real-time commerce technologies to meet those expectations. For some, it could mean adapting their financial management solutions to be usable on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers, embracing the new approach to doing business in a cloud-focused market.
Want to learn more about cloud communications? Then be sure to attend the Cloud Communications Expo, collocated with TMC’s ITEXPO East 2012taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 3 2012, in Miami, FL. The Cloud Communications Expo will address the growing need of businesses to integrate and leverage cloud based communications applications, process enhancement techniques, and network based communications interfaces and architectures. For more information on registering for the Cloud Communications Expo click here.
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Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMCnet and has also written for eastbiz.com. To read more of Susan’s articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by Tammy Wolf