What is Cloud Computing? A Practical Guide for the Small Business
Over the past few years, the term “cloud computing” has been gaining in popularity and usage among mainstream tech circles. And recently it made headlines again after Dell’s unsuccessful attempt to trademark the term.
All this brouhaha is for good reason. Cloud computing represents a fundamental change in the way consumers and businesses are using their computers and mobile devices, and it is a trend that small businesses cannot afford to overlook.
The following is a simple guide to cloud computing and how it can be used to enhance your small business:
What is cloud computing?
First of all, the “cloud” is just another name for the Internet, and thus cloud computing really refers to any services and applications that are hosted and accessed via the web.
It came about as a convergence of several technology trends namely, software as a service (SaaS), Web 2.0, open source software, and grid computing.
How can cloud computing be used in the small business?
Cloud computing allows small businesses to remotely manage and store information, and access customized software or services from virtually any device with Internet access.
Popular small business SaaS applications involve customer relationship management, finance and accounting programs, human resource management, and document collaboration
Small businesses can also use cloud computing technology to boost their storage capacity via online storage services and create online backup and archiving accounts.
What are some popular applications currently being used by small businesses?
Google Apps- for “…a custom email address, tools for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations, a shared calendaring system and access to a flexible intranet system.”
Salesforce.com- specializes in on-demand customer relationship management (CRM) software and services
Infusion CRM- provides a web-based, centralized customer management
Netsuite- offers “integrated web-based business software suite, including Accounting software / ERP software, CRM software, and Ecommerce software.”
QuickBooks Online- “Online accounting software for small businesses–keep track of expenses, invoice clients and manage payroll…”
Also check out…
SAP recently unveiled its own software package called Business ByDesign offering a range of on-demand enterprise applications via a dashboard.
What are the benefits of cloud computing?
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Reduce hardware and software expenses: Cloud computing allows small businesses to save on expensive hardware, software, and maintenance costs since data and applications are being held on remote servers. (This may be particularly attractive to new small businesses since it reduces start-up costs). Most companies have affordable monthly rates so expenses can be spread out comfortably over time.
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Increase ease and flexibility: Users can access their business services and applications through almost any device with an Internet connection including laptops, mobile phones, and PDA’s. It is also easy to add new users to the system when you need them.
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Streamline your IT department: Cloud computing allows your in-house IT department to focus on projects that can enhance the business and be free from the more mundane tasks, such as dealing with glitches in the software or maintaining the company’s servers.
What are the drawbacks or concerns with cloud computing?
The two biggest concerns for small businesses are downtime and security. If your service provider’s network is down, it can bring your whole business to a grinding halt. And many are still wary about the security of data stored and accessed in the cloud.
Recycling and Conserving Construction Material to Save Money and Your Business
Those who make their living in the construction industry have a lot to worry about these days- and I am not talking about the slump in commercial and residential construction. In the face of rising fuel prices and the surging cost of raw materials, many small and medium-sized contractors are realizing that in order to keep operating they must change the way they do business.
To that end, numerous builders, contractors, and demolition companies are learning how to best conserve and recycle their resources. Here are a few of the most successful ideas:
Get what you need for cheaper:
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Shop at a stores that sell used building materials and check out your local materials exchanges.
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Keep your eye on the global markets for price-volatile, commodity items, such as wood, metal, and aggregates and where possible negotiate bulk purchases for future projects and advance buys.
Make the most of what you have:
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Many raw materials, such as wood, metal, drywall, and concrete can easily be recycled for resale or reuse. You should research your options to see whether it pays transport material to a recycler or to recycle on site with your own equipment, such as a wood chipper or an industrial grinder.
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Fuel can also be conserved with the use of various location-based and telematic devices.
Plan ahead:
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Create a waste reduction or recycling plan for your business, and give it over to your employees.
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Use standard material sizes in your building plans
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Include the use of recycled supplies in your building plan
For more information on construction material recycling and waste disposal check out these sites:
The Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/debris-new/index.htm
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cea/publications/pubs/section3/ie211.pdf
Winham Solid Waste Management
Constructionbusinessowner.com
www.constructionbusinessowner.com/
Building Materials Reuse Association
Telematics: Getting the Most Out of Your Machinery
If you are particular about the quality and maintenance of your field machinery, then you should consider incorporating telematics into your fleet operations. Telematics has begun to make its way into the farming industry as a method of improving overall efficiency and production.
In general, telematics involves sending, receiving and storing information via telecommunication devices. Information is sent from the field via cellular network to a computer with special software that reads and processes the data.
This technology offers many possible uses and benefits for farmers that go way beyond simple vehicle location. Farmers can track fuel levels, vehicle performance, engine temperature, and hours worked in the field. Special sensors placed throughout the machine can also alert farmers about the breakdown of parts and components, even before it happens. Some systems further allow for the remote setup and control of machinery. All this monitoring is conducted in real-time from a remote location, such as a home office.
Aside from the obvious benefits, telematics technology is also becoming more affordable for the average farmer. The necessary hardware, including devices, wiring, and antennas, will run about $400-$600. There is also a small daily service charge. Equipment can be purchased directly from equipment dealers or retrofitted by third party companies.