Top 6 Reasons to Use Cloud Computing

Companies are shifting to cloud computing for six main reasons. Enterprises are finding that the cloud lets them access hardware and software services through the Internet, rather than purchasing and installing the actual hardware and software on-site at the office. It is hard to ignore the benefits of the cloud as a viable, essential computing option. Take a look at the following six reasons to use cloud computing:

1. #1 Reducing expenses. Dread the technology upgrade cycle? Large capital expenditures come with a new data center or even upgrading existing ERP, CRM, or accounting systems. Cloud computing removes the large capital expenditures and instead offers a fixed monthly payment. This keeps capital and operational expenses down, which is all too important in today's volatile business climate.
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3. #2 Sticking to the business's core competencies. Running an IT department, particularly in today's rapidly evolving technological climate, requires time and resources that many businesses don't have. Accountants, attorneys, and contractors alike are realizing that utilizing cloud services, whether it's a full data center or a single application like email or QuickBooks, saves them money, runs better than anything they could set up themselves, and lets them keep their focus on what they do best.
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5. #3 Helping the business adapt to changes. Once a business makes a big technology purchase, it is locked in to that investment - such as an email server or application server. This ties up capital and resources. However, because cloud services are scalable and come with predictable costs, they allow businesses to continue to adapt technology to meet their needs without large investments and without being stuck using a system that no longer works for them.
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7. #4 Scaling to business needs. Any business with peak seasons or seasonal staffing cycles can benefit from cloud computing, which lets subscribers add users and capacity quickly and easily. Otherwise, the business ends up buying hardware and software resources that lie idle for the rest of the year, an expenditure that most businesses would rather avoid.
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9. #5 Accessing systems from anywhere. Not just for remote workers, cloud services allow employees to work from anywhere they have Internet access. Businesses can authorize access to applications and data as needed. This also allows the company to continue with business as usual should a disaster take out the main office.
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11. #6 Efficiently staffing the business. Instead of hiring specialized technology staff as the business grows or expands into new markets, cloud computing allows businesses to outsource the technology - and the staff to go with it.
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