Boston Area Businesses: Using the Cloud to Save Money
used with permission from the IBM website Cloud computing is not pie in the sky. It offers tangible benefits that real-world businesses need to meet . . .
used with permission from the IBM website Cloud computing is not pie in the sky. It offers tangible benefits that real-world businesses need to meet . . .
In this audio post/podcast, Liza Macgale asks Craig Raubenheimer of Roan Solutions to discuss Cloud computing for small and medium size businesses. For more information, . . .
The computer world never stands still. When new ways of processing business are developed, large corporations are always the first to use it. When computing . . .
If your small or mid-sized business is still working with the same IT network and back up services, it is time for a major upgrade. . . .
Technology is in the early stages of a big shift, one that will transform how companies and individuals access information, share content and communicate. This next wave will be driven by a new model of computing: people and businesses will use their Web browsers to access a wide range of "cloud services"--computing services available on demand, over the Internet.
At the core of every business are the fundamental office productivity applications that support nearly every business function. The Microsoft Office suite of applications is so familiar that many managers probably assume they know everything they need to know about its capabilities. But according to Monica Robinson, Microsoft Office 2007 senior product manager, there are numerous new features-some subtle, some dramatic-that can make a significant difference for businesses. "With the right software tools, employees are better able to impact the business," she says.
In today’s competitive market, small businesses need every advantage they can get. Many are looking for new ways to improve the bottom line, as well as protect their existing business. One area you might not have looked at is the experiences of larger businesses. With their greater resources, it’s easy for them to “test drive” new ideas and strategies – which you can then borrow and apply as needed. Take a look at these four best practices borrowed from successful enterprises and try to put them to work in your business today.
You’ve no doubt heard a lot about cloud computing (or the cloud). What you may not have learned is how this misty concept can help with the real problems of operating your business, especially in hard times. In short, cloud computing offers attractive options for small and midsize businesses that need critical IT upgrades, but may lack the cash for a large capital investment. Through the cloud, you can add new, vital applications or you can supplement the capacity of an existing infrastructure. Because cloud services are delivered via the Internet (often the Web) you only pay for the features and functionality you use and don’t pay for extra hardware, software, staff and maintenance. As a result, your business can grow its IT capabilities, often at a lower cost than doing everything itself. And you can pull the cost from your operating budget rather than your capital budget.
Traditionally, standard business practice for Information Technology has dictated that the primary focus of IT decisions and initiatives is based on the economic impact and viability. In other words, how much will it cost, and how much will it save me over time, and when will I recoup my investment. This mindset has started to change drastically in the last year or so, as companies adopt a Green IT mentality, and start to consider not only the economic impact of their decisions, but the environmental and social as well. The problem is, for IT, it’s not easy being green.