Well, what is it? Does it really matter?
Let's focus on a question that should be key to all decisions to buy something, what benefit does it provide me?
If we focus on this in purely a benefit/cost analysis:
- Free to trial the majority of software and cheap to purchase
- Access anytime, anywhere
- Less hardware requirements, you need only an internet connection
- Regular, free, updates with little/no downtime
- Support? - It's usually free & included
- Simple to use
Who can benefit from the cloud the most?
Small business has the most to gain, however, everyone that likes information and places a value on it's availability should be looking into this.
For instance, Google, now has an "apps" site, with programs that provide the basic spreadsheet & document platforms that can be stored online, shared amongst peers and usage history tracked at no cost.
What's available in the cloud for my business?
- CRM - Client Resource Management (Client Database). We use WorkFlow Max
- Payroll - Paycycle has a great, easy to use product
- Mail - Google can actually host your mail and domain for free
- Share Portfolio Management - Sharesight, can link into platforms like Xero and provide all the extra data on your portfolio automatically.
So, I want to work in a cloud with my business where should I start?:
Xero is a great way to get started in the cloud, with a simple, easy to use, versatile platform.
From September live feeds from all major banks & credit unions will be in place daily. No more bank reconciliations!
Want some help deciding what to use? Why not drop us an inquiry.
Alternatively, all the sites mentioned above have free trials, try them out for yourself and see the potential in the fluid concept of the cloud.
