Many businesses are already using ‘the cloud’ to good effect while others, quite understandably, are confused by the terminology and don’t quite understand how it can benefit their businesses. They are often unsure how to access cloud services and what they need in terms of IT support.
If something is ‘in the cloud’, it just means it’s hosted on a server and you access it over the internet. Many cloud services are used through a web browser so you don’t have to install software on your PC.
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Probably the most familiar cloud solution is webmail. Compared with Outlook on your PC, you don’t have to install and configure any software on your PC. You don’t have to tell it where the servers are, what the email address and password are or backup any emails. You just log in from your web browser and use it. It’s got the same email system wherever you access it from – your tablet, phone, PC or laptop – anywhere in the world.
Imagine the same benefits applied to more complex software – customer relationship management (CRM) software, accounts packages, helpdesk software, appointment setting apps or project management tools.
- Firstly you don’t have to install software on your PC or a server for your staff to share.
- Secondly, you don’t need to worry about it being secure, being backed up or having spare systems just in case. That’s all taken care of for you in the cloud and, in the case of HTL Support, it’s us that looks after it for you – so this great solution can become even simpler. With fix and satisfaction rates of 99 and 98 per cent respectively, you can rely on us to keep your business running. You can store your preferred PC configuration with us too, meaning you have a hosted desktop, UK or even internationally accessible.
- Thirdly you don’t need a complex IT setup in your premises, all you need is an internet connection for every PC. You might, depending on your circumstances, want to have two internet connections to spread the load and as a backup, but we can advise you of the options there.
- The fourth advantage is that because cloud services are centralised you can use software that’s large-scale, professional quality and gives you all the facilities, for a fraction of the cost of doing it yourself. Previously you’d have to buy a startup edition of any complex package, put it on one PC and share it between different people, or buy more copies for more PCs.
Eventually, you’d have to pay again to host it on a server in your office, meaning higher IT support costs and complexity. With cloud services that are all in the past – you pay a small amount each month per user so you know your costs, can quickly add new users and everyone can use it from anywhere, straight away.
This all translates into lower costs, improved business agility and better collaboration, which reduces lost opportunity costs and increases productivity. Doesn’t your business deserve all of that?
For the best, IT support London can offer, whether you want to embrace the cloud or just find out how your business will benefit, contact HTL Support today.
