BLOG: I don't need cloud apps

The mysterious cloud hovers over small businesses and midsize companies, causing confusion — even fear — about the future of information technology.

The mysterious cloud hovers over small businesses and midsize companies, causing confusion — even fear — about the future of information technology.

But as we celebrate nearly 15 years of ‘cloud computing,’ SMBs everywhere are beginning to see the value of this strange new world. But first, they must see through the Five Myths  to reach the promised value of the cloud.

Shelly Edwards of PGI is taking a look at the myths surrounding cloud technology in the fifth and final instalment of a five-part series, which tackles the myth that brokers don't need Cloud apps.

Myth 5: “I Don’t Need Cloud Apps”
In business, technological change happens fast. Do you remember what the office was like just 10 years ago? Of course some companies are more eager to adopt new technologies than others, something that can be particularly true for small businesses, which often don’t have the time or resources to implement new, untested systems. This hesitation can be seen with the latest innovation transforming businesses and consumers alike: cloud computing.
 
If a small business isn’t racing to the cloud, it’s probably not because the company is filled with technophobes. Some businesses are simply happy with their current systems and see no reason to move to the cloud. After all, if something isn’t broken, why fix it?
 
Reality: The Cloud Helps You Do More – And Do It Better
Despite the many concerns we’ve already covered in this eBook, a clear fact remains: Just about every small business can benefit from cloud-based software, and in many cases, cloud solutions can offer better features and benefits than on-premise applications. By moving to the cloud, almost any business can lessen the burden of security and backup, gain access to a wider variety of problem-solving products and increase productivity and collaboration. (continued.)
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Even when presented with a mountain of evidence pointing to the cloud’s benefits, some business owners may still wonder: Why make the move to cloud-based applications and infrastructures that do the same thing as traditional IT products? While it’s true that apps in the cloud perform many of the same core functions as on-premise applications, the answer lies in what the cloud can do that traditional computing just can’t.
 
When a small business makes the move to the cloud, the benefits can be substantial. Cloud-based applications are usually offered on a subscription basis through SaaS providers, and different editions that can be scaled up or down based on changing business needs and costs. Moreover, since these apps are hosted in the cloud, employees can usually work on any device, anywhere in the world, giving small business owners more flexibility than ever before.



For SMBs, the cloud can enable your business to work smarter with the cost-efficient capabilities of cloud-based application services. In fact, the ability to work from any laptop or any location is a primary contributor to why cloud adoption has increased 70% in the last year alone. Why? Because as a small or mid-sized business owner, your feet on the street are the best asset for making your company a success.
 
Deciding to move your apps to the cloud can be a big step, a fact that’s true for businesses of any size. However, for small and mid-sized businesses in particular, the rewards often far outweigh the risks. With the right applications - and the right marketplace tools to find, buy and manage them - the cloud can help you not only run your business, but run it better than ever before.

For the full report, download “Are You Afraid of the Cloud? 5 of the Scariest Cloud Myths Busted here.
 
Shelly Edwards has assisted many companies by streamlining and improving their collaboration both internally and externally with their clients. Shelly works for PGi, a leading provider of audio, video and web conferencing tools and services. She may be reached at [email protected] or visit pgi.ca for more information.
 

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