computing resources and IT services.

Cloud Computing

…  a concept you may not have heard of yet delivers common IT business applications over the Internet. Services can be anything from web-based email to inventory control and database processing.

What does Cloud Computing mean for your business? Well … because the service provider hosts both the application and the data, the end user is free to use the service from anywhere there is Internet access, regardless of the device used (PC, Mac or Blackberry). And, because it is a pay-as-you-use service Cloud Computing avoids costly capital expenditures making it a very cash-flow friendly service. In the final analysis Cloud Computing means inexpensive, flexible, upgradeable and convenient access to many of the computer systems on the market today. Is there a downside? Yes. There’s always a catch.

Concerns raised include security and reliability. Where is your company’s data stored?                  What happens if the cloud vendor’s servers go down? What happens to the user’s data if the    vendor must shut down operations or is absorbed by another company?

The Ashland Group recommends caution not abstinence. Your company can reduce its  business costs by adopting Cloud Computing, but Cloud Computing is probably not ready to manage your highly confidential information (i.e. credit card transactions and medical records). Want to explore Cloud Computing and see if it’s right for your company? Call me. Mike den Haan, The Ashland Group, 204-489-1287. Easy begins here.

I’m looking forward to coming back brimming with new ideas to help you work smarter every day.

It’s the world’s leading database software. Enough said.