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Five Reasons SMBs Should Embrace Cloud
Cloud Communications Featured Article

Five Reasons SMBs Should Embrace Cloud

June 19, 2013

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By Erin Harrison,
Executive Editor, Cloud Computing

While many enterprises are adopting cloud-based services such as cloud communications, some small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) still question whether cloud can offer them the same benefits as their larger counterparts.

In fact, more than 60 percent of all enterprises will have adopted some form of cloud computing in 2013, according to IT research firm Gartner (News - Alert). So why the hesitation on the part of SMBs to shift to the cloud? For many, the benefits of cloud are still, well…cloudy. But the benefits far outweigh the risks, which were outlined in a recent Huffington Post (News - Alert) blog post.


One example of the benefits cloud offers to SMBs is enhanced profitability. Consumption-based services such as cloud communications can lower overhead costs and offer better competitive advantage in terms of revenue without traditional IT costs. Cloud brings SMBs (as well as enterprises) increased efficiency, greater employee mobility, and improved ability to innovate with easier sharing and collaboration. While these benefits seem pretty clear, only 50 percent of small businesses are currently embracing the technology, according to a study by CDM recently reported on CIO.com.

In addition to profitability, a second reason SMBs should embrace cloud is that the benefits outweigh the perceived risks, as noted above. While lack of control and security concerns are frequently cited as inhibitors of cloud adoption, handing over your data to a third party actually provides enhanced security in addition to more internal resources to handle a potential security breach.

Some businesses may not know it, but they are likely already operating in the cloud in some form or another, whether it’s storing data in Dropbox or utilizing social media websites such as Facebook (News - Alert) and Twitter. The fact is, most businesses are already using the cloud in some form or another.

In addition to the benefits noted above, there are also a number of small business applications that are available today that can make business operations more streamlined, including: Data and storage back-ups; document uploads and management; on-line customer self scheduling; on-line payment programs; accounting; human resources; and marketing and sales programs.

A final benefit SMBs can feel confident about is the availability of many cloud computing providers that are available to support your needs if you are ready to move up and take on more complex cloud storage and services. Businesses come in all shapes and sizes as do cloud-based services. Considering these benefits is the first start to embracing cloud and, ultimately, all the competitive advantages it can offer your business in the long term.




Edited by Rory J. Thompson
Cloud Communications Homepage ›





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