Going to the clouds

In today’s lightning-fast business world, staying ahead in the IT game is as important as balancing your books and keeping clients happy. It’s not an option – it’s integral to your success.

While cloud computing may sound complicated, it is actually a simple solution

So while a few years ago you may have been saving documents on a floppy disc and writing notes in shorthand, in 2012 you need to embrace the computing trends that are changing the way we work. One of these trends is cloud computing.

While as a concept, cloud computing may sound complicated, it is actually a simple solution that synchs all of your data and gives you access to it at all times, enabling you to share it and keep it safe.

There’s a good chance you may actually already use some cloud services without even realising, such as web-based e-mail accounts or Google Docs – these are among the numerous solutions that are available online.

However it makes good business sense for companies to work through a professional cloud computing company that can effectively and securely manage all of their cloud services.

As a result, companies have been set up to skillfully manage the hosting needs of local clients, co-ordinating between them and Malta’s main data hosting providers.

In this way, they can help choose the very best provider to match their requirements as a company, and help maintain services should their main office IT services be down. This effectively covers e-mails, files, applications and websites.

Hosting companies will also be able to offer back-up services as a very cost-effective way to supplement a company system and keep data safe in an offsite location. This can be done weekly, daily, hourly or even continuously to protect data.

Additionally, what makes cloud computing so popular is its bespoke aspect – solutions can literally be tailored to suit exact needs, whatever the budget. Full systems can be bought or leased, and can grow as a company does, while small virtual systems are ideal for SMEs and start-ups, often with no upfront fees but plenty of excellent facilities.

With so many benefits, it’s no wonder so many businesses across the globe and in Malta are make the switch to the cloud. Is it time for your company to go up too?