The advantages of cloud computing for small and medium sized businesses
The topic of cloud computing, the storing of data in the “cloud”, has become ever more important over the past few years.
According to the Swiss market research company, MSM Research AG, by the year 2015 around 70% of all Swiss businesses will be using cloud computing. Microsoft reports that 71% of small and medium sized companies require technologies that allow their employees to work from anywhere at any given time. STARTUPS.CH asked Stephan Mahler, CEO of ProCloud AG, to discuss the topic.
Cloud computing has attained hype-status and has certainly gained notice in entrepreneurial circles. But what exactly is cloud computing? “The word ‘cloud’ is a explicitly defined term in the world of IT. Simply said, the process revolves about the outsourcing of data storage to secure data centers. The idea is that one no longer maintains one’s own IT infrastructure, but rents one instead”, Mahler stated.
There are two dominant forms of cloud computing when it comes to practical application. Either one rents the software or one completely outsources most of the IT into cloud storage. In such a case, the only thing someone would need to do office work is an internet connection. The workplace is wherever one happens to be. Whether on the train on the way to work, or at Starbucks in between client meetings. Stephen Mahler believes that, “The gained productivity sometimes even outweighs the cost of the IT. Imagine you can work an hour while in transit, for which you can charge the client. Multiply this by the number of such possibilities per month and then by the amount of employees that you have. The profit potential is enormous.”
Another important characteristic in light of the productivity gains is the fact that one frees the business of the burden of operating in fields which are not part of the core business, namely the maintaining of an IT infrastructure. One can also assume, due to this, that the standards of IT operation applied in using cloud computing are substantially higher than those of in-house IT. “Our services operate out of data centers that follow banking standards. Before cloud computing came along, only very large firms were able to afford this kind of security. Today, even a one man operation can have the same level of protection.” Mahler explains, “In the cloud business it is very important that one chooses a trustworthy partner and that the data is stored in Switzerland. This ensures that one remains subject solely to Swiss law and that the data remains within reach.”
In the end one has to weigh the costs. The average Swiss person will say that bought is bought. However, when it comes to IT, cost development is often unpredictable. “Cloud offers are mostly based on monthly user and resource costs so that IT becomes calculable. The provider guarantees availability for 99.9% of the year. Investments in maintenance, replacement and expansion of the infrastructure fall on the provider.” Stephen Mahler concludes.
ProCloud AG is our exclusive co-partner in the area of cloud computing solutions and has special offers for start ups under exclusive conditions. Cloud backup is available starting at CHF 15.-/month, complete IT outsourcing starting at CHF 179.-/month. For more information please visit www.procloud.ch or contact them directly by telephone at +41 62 552 01 00.
