How Cloud Services Are Changing the Way Businesses Work

Cloud services are a flexible way for businesses to develop, maintain and scale services without the need to invest in physical equipment or infrastructure. Both small and large-scale businesses are able to use cloud computing to change the way they work, opting for a more flexible and cost-effective alternative online.
What Cloud Services are available?
Cloud files
Store documents and media files in the cloud to share with others or as a backup. Files and folders can be kept private or made public and shared instantly. Large files no longer need to be sent to a recipient, they can be shared online and the recipient chooses to view the document in the browser, or download it directly to their computer.
Cloud server
A Cloud Server allows businesses to have root access to their server and run any program they want, without the restrictions placed on shared servers. A new server can be set up within minutes rather than having to wait for new equipment to arrive. When no longer needed, the server can be deleted and payment stopped.
Cloud Platform
Businesses can develop their own applications and services to run in the cloud, benefiting from the ability to get the product to market faster, and scale the product or service as demand changes.
The benefits of Cloud Computing
Scalability
Businesses can adjust their requirements quickly and easily according to changing business needs, paying only for what they use.
Ease of access
Sharing files with employees, colleagues or customers in different locations can be done securely online. The files and documents can be accessed via a computer, mobile phones, iPad etc.
Cost savings
Businesses do not need to invest in new equipment which becomes redundant when business volume decreases and staff costs are reduced. Furthermore, maintenance costs are eradicated having no internal hardware required in order to store and share data within a business.
Maintenance Free
The provider of the cloud services, not the business, is responsible for maintaining and upgrading equipment.
Mobility
Employees can access information from anywhere, at any time of the day or night. Employers can offer more flexible working arrangements and telecommuting positions, or hire remote workers who are able to access the necessary files online.
The very nature of cloud computing provides a number of advantages so that it can be used exclusively, or in combination with existing, physical infrastructure. It gives end users more control with faster, more cost-effective solutions to their computing needs.
Cloud services are a flexible way for businesses to develop, maintain and scale services without the need to invest in physical equipment or infrastructure. Both small and large-scale businesses are able to use cloud computing to change the way they work, opting for a more flexible and cost-effective alternative online.

Mobile Cloud Computing Changing the Face of Business

Apple has made much of iCloud's launch - and while it's easy to be wary of hype, Apple's past successes have made the world take notice of cloud services. So what does it herald for businesses?
iCloud embodies everything that Apple excels at: it's user-friendly and seamlessly integrated into Apple's product range. Microsoft's SkyDrive provides a similar service, yet despite being older, it may become just another challenger. However, like Google Android's open ethos in the mobile OS market, SkyDrive could become a more inclusive, business-friendly platform for data sharing than iCloud, which is likely to retain the 'barbed-wire fence' approach reminiscent of Apple's App Store, iTunes service and iPod digital media format.
Following typical technology trends, both iCloud and SkyDrive are set to be rapidly adopted by virtue of the wide compatibility of product ranges, from Apple's iPhone integration to the cross-platform flexibility of Microsoft's sprawling business and consumer product range. To this extent, according to a 2010 IBM survey, thanks to the success of iPhones, iPads, Windows Phone 7 and Google's Android operating system, cloud computing is on the cusp of mainstream domination. So, with mobile cloud computing set to explode in popularity, its advantages and challenges are more relevant than ever.
Advantageously, it enables cost-effective, flexible, on-the-go access, so staff will become more productive on the move, building relationships and sharing data online. Easy data manipulation via mobile devices will also allow businesses to react rapidly to customer demands. Furthermore, cloud computing will see businesses reduce costs by eliminating dedicated IT requirements and downtime on physical servers. And most importantly, the translation to mobile will make cloud computing's advantages more widely available.
Of course, it also carries its share of challenges. Foremost is security. Hosting sensitive data off-premises inevitably poses risks. Coupled with the problem of mobile device theft, many businesses are understandably reluctant. It remains to be seen what security measures will be taken, but once these are addressed, IBM found that 91% of businesses expect cloud services to become the dominant feature of IT.
Cloud computing can expect a huge surge in attention from consumers and businesses thanks to iCloud. The relentless drive for mobile innovation, alongside the launch of Google's ChromeBook, will further emphasise the clouds importance for business. However, businesses still need to adapt to survive. Cloud services mean IT is going mobile. It's those businesses that unlock its potential that will thrive.
Next Connex specialise in bespoke data centre solutions, desktop virtualisation & cloud services for businesses throughout the UK, leading the way in the next generation of data storing and connectivity. For more information on the range of services available from Next Connex visit http://www.nextconnex.com/