Originally published in AICC Boxscore's January/February 2015 Issue
As the director of marketing at Amtech Software, I use cloud-based services on a daily basis. Whether it’s for file storage (Dropbox), creative design (Adobe Creative Suite), or website development and content distribution (HubSpot), cloud-based software provides the resources necessary to communicate and collaborate with my team.
So what is the cloud, exactly? More than a fancy tech-industry buzzword, the cloud allows users to communicate with a network of remote servers that provides anything from data storage to software applications and online access. The term “cloud” dates back to the 1960s, stemming from the original use of a cloud-shaped symbol on flow charts and diagrams to symbolize the Internet. It may have taken 50 years, but the concept has come to fruition, and it is delivering significant advantages for business leaders who are willing to take the leap.
- Eliminates the need for internal servers and software. This avoids any on-site storage, maintenance, and management of network equipment, and use of valuable office space, along with the expenses for power and cooling necessary to house the equipment.
- Enables IT departments to quickly increase or add new capabilities without having to upgrade or purchase new equipment.
- Includes built-in redundancy and disaster recovery so your critical customer and production data is protected.
While hardware and storage is the service most commonly associated with moving to the cloud, it is certainly not the only one. Software applications that are accessed over the Internet or a network connection are cloud-based. Some of the products I described here, despite their specialized uses, certainly fit the bill; however, chances are you use other cloud-based technologies in your everyday life and don’t even realize it. If you access Gmail or Yahoo, that’s the cloud at work. Other specialized business applications include Salesforce or Amtech’s Customer Care Portal.
Even the way we communicate has been moved to the cloud, including common Web-based conferencing services such as GoToMeeting and business phone systems. Voice over IP, or VoIP, is a popular cloud-based phone system designed to ensure communications stay intact in the event of a power failure—or worse.
Because cloud computing provides resources over the Internet, and often on a subscription basis, you may see the delivery model referred to as “as a service.” The most common one would be software as a service, or “SaaS,” but the term also applies to infrastructure (IaaS) and communications (CaaS). This means that a company will provide you with the particular service for a monthly fee. Think of it the same way you would of leasing a car. The difference with servers or software, for example, is that you pay only for what you use, you receive instant updates and accessibility from any location or device, you often have improved performance and reliability, and you will have a lower total cost of ownership.
Once people see how simple the cloud really is, they often wonder how to show a business ROI. While ROI in the traditional sense is a hard measure of monetary r
eturn, the concept of cloud computing brings with it numerous “soft” costs as well.
In the software business, a key hurdle to a new software implementation is often the expense of the hardware required to support new applications. With cloud computing, customers can quickly and affordably spin up new servers, providing greater business agility and lower project costs. Another key benefit relating to those costs is the creation of a fixed monthly budget for technology, allowing business owners the ability to transfer costs from capital expenditures to operating.
If you have been thinking about the moving to the cloud, it’s time to take the leap. Make sure you have a trusted partner who can walk you through your options and support you through the transition. If that company knows your software system and your business, it’s even better. You may not have to look as far as you think.
Upon registration, users will receive a code and a link to book their free registration. The conference will be held from October 20-23, and will feature a few innovative, new concepts. This year, guests can personalize their agendas and access event details and registration via a singular, online platform.
During the three-day conference, attendees can take advantage of three keynote presentations, 20 breakout sessions and one-on-one consultations with Amtech’s support experts.