The CLOUD refers to services delivered over the internet. Your business can access cloud services from virtually anywhere, whether it be a desktop, PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or other device with an Internet connection.
As the tech heads refer to it – Software as a Service (SaaS)
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Using a cloud-based service means
- Your I.T. infrastructure resides off-premise (not on your property)
- Is hosted (maintained by a third party)
- Replaces software residing on a server on-premise (at your business)
You are probably already using a Cloud Service!
Many services you already use every day are a part of the cloud e.g. web-based email such as Gmail or Hotmail, mobile banking, online storage such as Dropbox or music platforms such as Soundcloud and Spotify.
Because the infrastructure is located online or “in the cloud” rather than on-premise, you can access it from virtually anywhere, whether it be a desktop, PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or other device with an Internet connection.
Cloud Services have been around for over a decade
Cloud services are nothing new – back in 1999 Salesforce.com became the first site to deliver software and applications online, followed by Amazon in 2002 with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Increasing internet data speeds and accessibility has delivered the required stability for cloud-based services delivery. In 2008 Google and Microsoft entered the cloud market (Apple in 2010 with iCloud) pushing cloud technology mainstream, as more users ‘got online’ business grade cloud based services became highly affordable for small and medium business.
What Cloud Services offer small and medium businesses
From 2013 subscription costs models for SaaS enabled businesses to replace expensive upfront license costs and delivered the latest software, frequently updated with the newest features without the need for the large office infrastructure investment.
Cloud based software offers flexibility to business allowing companies to scale the number of users up or down, depending on their needs, and support is now readily available as it is delivered remotely, in place of costly on-site requirements.
For companies who need to facilitate collaboration and productivity among staff or leverage geographically disperse teams, SaaS platforms are a cost effective way to achieve this.
Key Technologies is a Cloud Services advocate
At Key Technologies we lead by example, out teams can work without the need of an office, requiring a device and an internet connection. Company documentation and CRM are all accessible remotely, along with email, contacts, calendars and shared resources. Security and back-ups are all completed automatically, and business accounting is all completed via the cloud.
While we still have out office in Toowong for technical servicing, stock management, client support and team meetings, all Key Communication representatives are more flexible, more productive and highly responsive to our clients’ requirements, vital for maintaining our competitive edge in the highly competitive telecommunications space.
The Cloud is here to stay…
The ever increasing demand for data means cloud computing continues to grow; the speeds achieved over the 4G mobile network is phenomenal and is keeping more people connected on the go, with 5G rolling out in 2015 businesses that choose to ignore the advantages of cloud-based services will find it more and more difficult to keep up with the demands of a changing market place.
If you are looking to move your business to the cloud, and want to talk to a company that stands by the services they deliver – talk to us.
