What does the future hold for cloud computing?

There have been a number of stories recently in the press about some big happenings in the cloud space. IBM recently reported double-digit profits from its cloud products division, and over in the US, the state of California just announced that they are moving much of their infrastructure to a cloud-based approach.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/zK1YV

The generally accepted definition of cloud computing comes from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which says it should enable convenient, on-demand access to a shared pool of computing resources - like networks, servers, storage, applications and services.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/zH795

Why is cloud computing such a fast-growing business?

The Cloud is growing fast!  The recent economic crisis of 2007 prompted firms to cut back on their IT expenditures, forcing them to look for cost-efficient solutions. According to net-security.org, approximately 30% of IT costs can be reduced by adopting cloud technology.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/zu2WZ

Five things most businesses shouldn't waste backup storage on

The iTunes library is an example of large files that your business probably should not be paying to back up.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/zrSiY

What does the future hold for cloud computing?

Positive reports of increasing levels of cloud adoption in the UK were plentiful in the technology media in the first half of 2014. The majority of coverage indicates that growing numbers of businesses are embracing the technology’s many benefits – such as cost and time savings – and this mirrors our own intelligence.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/zo0J9

The Future of Data Backup is Here: Tips for Choosing an Online-Based Backup Solution

Traditional Backups Are A Thing of the Past.  The days of the traditional backup are numbered – at least for those who make smart use of their resources. While a traditional backup is still a viable option for those who have the budget, using a new cloud-based backup solution can easily prove to be the more efficient and affordable option.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/zlexW

Getting Ready for Cloud Transformation

Most businesses today that have not yet embraced cloud infrastructure are starting to get serious about transforming their IT systems and moving into the cloud. The first step typically focuses on senior IT executives reviewing the state of current enterprise applications to determine where it’s possible to reduce complexity. Then, the organisation is ready to explore increased flexibility through virtualization.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/ziWbV

The growth of on-demand cloud computing

The growth of on-demand cloud computing

According to research from the European Commission, on-demand cloud computing could generate up to €250 billion (£197 billion) to European Union GDP in 2020, as well as 3.8 million jobs.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/zgcU7

How Small Businesses Can Use Cloud-Based Remote Desktops

Remote Desktop

Many bootstrapped startups do not have the budgets to bring on dedicated IT experts who can build out infrastructure and provide immediate solutions to end users. Small businesses must simplify both hardware and software costs in order to maximize profitability. One of the more progressive options is to publish virtual desktops in the cloud that are securely available to authorized devices and users.

The virtual desktop approach gives small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) control over their environment, while reducing labor overhead and hardware expenses. In brief, with a virtual desktop, what you see on your screen is not on your computer, but in the cloud.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/zdpRB

The future looks ‘foggy’ for cloud computing

They are coming: Cloudlets. Fog Computing. Cyberforaging.

As use of cloud computing grows and the federal government looks to harness its possibilities, scientists have already started working on what the next iteration of cloud will look like. At the same time, global bandwidth continues to dwindle, with networks only able to handle so much traffic.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/zaVvJ

What is cloud computing?

Andrew Robson, CEO of Perfect Image – a North East-based IT services company delivering tailored solutions and services to organisations across the UK, helping them to improve their businesses through the effective use of IT – discusses cloud computing, separating reality from the marketing hype, and how true cloud could benefit businesses.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/z7vme

Desktop as a Service: The Big ‘So What?’

Traditional desktop hardware sales are declining because the number of users who are working remotely is increasing. Because physical units are being replaced by virtual machines, Desktop as a service (DaaS) can be an excellent fit for organizations that need new end-user computing solutions but are conscious of cost, deployment and support challenges. 

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) delivers enhanced desktop functionality without making big investments in money, time, deployment and support, but it requires specialized IT skills that not every company has in-house, thus requiring upfront capital investments.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/z2rls

Cloud computing changes small business

Cloud computing means many different things to each business. Where one business simply uses cloud backup to secure its data off-site and prevent catastrophic loss, another business will exist fully in the cloud with everything from document management systems and customer relationship management (CRM) housing its entire digital operations.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/z0fwp

How Technology Can Help Employees Stay Productive During the Summer of Sport

Planning on watching the Tour de France this summer? Here are our tips to make sure it doesn't get in the way of work.

New legislation introduced by the government now entitles employees across the country to request the right to flexible working hours.  As mobile technology like tablets and smartphones have become more advanced and Wi-Fi and 4G internet access are more widespread, employers now need to be ready for an explosion in mobile and flexible working, particularly given the current summer of sport.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/yWKwc

Cloud computing technology becomes the norm in UK business

Cloud computing has achieved mainstream deployment in the UK, with 78% of organisations formally adopting at least one cloud-based service.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/yQPTV

Why ‘cheaper and faster’ is just part of the cloud story

For both the public and private sector, agility is starting to outweigh cost when it comes to cloud computing.

A new Harvard Business Review survey released Wednesday found that large and midsize organisations that have adopted cloud computing have seen an increase in business agility. Seventy-four percent of the 527 people surveyed said their business has gained “some” to “significant” advantages thanks to cloud implementation. When asked how cloud allowed businesses to achieve those advantages, the respondents said cloud enhanced their responses to market changes, provided easier data accessibility and boosted collaboration between team members. - Read more at: http://ow.ly/yJq5r

8 Reasons Why you Need Hosted VoIP

Hosted VoIP is one of the fastest growing technologies being adopted by small businesses today. The cost savings and enhanced features are hard to beat. Leading the way with innovative VoIP communications solutions is 8x8, with their advanced HD voice phones and conferencing systems from Polycom. In this eGuide, see how Hosted VoIP can give your business a competitive edge while saving you money.

See the top 8 reasons why you need it now at: http://ow.ly/yGO2h

Why you should use cloud computing

An IBM study shows exactly how businesses are benefiting from cloud technology.

A survey of enterprises by IBM has showed that those who adopt and leverage cloud computing for competitive advantage on average grow twice as fast and double their profit. The company's Walter Falk, Christopher Ferris, Michael Fork and Rob Sauerwalt outline several areas where businesses can make gains.  See more at: http://ow.ly/yDSh0

Why are we still waiting?

Raise your hand if you do not have sufficient mobile network coverage in your house. If you are reading this in a public place, and worried that other people think you are doing your yoga exercises a bit late, a swear word will suffice.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/yAZBw

Benefits of Cloud Go Beyond Cost

While cloud computing has been in the public consciousness for a few years, the insurance industry, with characteristic caution, continues to steadily advance onto this latest platform. However, tentative steps taken a year or so ago are now accelerating into bolder moves, as insurers recognize the value and competitive advantage cloud services deliver. “In a few years’ time we believe that cloud will simply become the way things are done,” states a report from Accenture. “Those insurers that move more quickly to embrace it will gain a competitive lead that others may struggle to match.”  see more at: http://ow.ly/yvXvw

Business Phone Systems: Landline Versus VoIP

Businesses have more choices than ever when it comes to choosing a phone system.

While previously the only choice was a traditional landline, also known as Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), the Internet has given way to several new options. Rather than having an analog system that's run via the telephone company's traditional copper wiring, businesses can now leverage their Internet connection with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).  Read more at: http://ow.ly/ynxYX

EE to host mobile calls over Wi-Fi

EE announced today that it is rolling out a new service this autumn that will allow some of its customers to make mobile phone calls over a Wi-Fi connection.

The service, known as voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi), will enable EE customers to call other phones when there is no cellular signal present, providing they have a compatible handset and access to a reliable Wi-Fi connection.  See more at: http://ow.ly/ylq99

BYOD's Future is in Bringing Together Mobiles and Virtual Desktops

Unless someone has been living under a rock, the fact that smartphone adoption is on the rise is a no-brainer. These smartphones are also entering offices and the 'millennial' crowd wants to use them for official purposes too. Though there are still organisations that restrict the use of a mobile phone inside office premises, on the other end of the spectrum there are enterprises that are willing to allow entry of personal devices.  See more at: http://ow.ly/yg8th

What Makes a Cloud Provider Right for You?

The hype in the tech world is of course always becoming more centered on the cloud.  Many businesses are switching over to storing their data in the cloud, rather than in traditional hardware.  What makes the cloud the perfect solution for MSPs?   Continue reading at: http://ow.ly/yayFc

How Cloud based solutions are helping SME's to compete with the industry leaders and accelerate growth

Cloud computing is providing an unprecedented opportunity to SME’s to leverage the tools, technology and best practices that have traditionally been available only to large players.

This is a truly disruptive development that is completely and irreversibly changing the competitive landscape. SME’s can now gain access to a range of products that are best-in-class and at the same time affordable. They can get access to a wide range of software that is available on the could in a pay as you go model. There are no licensing or infrastructure costs. SME’s only need to pay on a monthly basis, like utility services.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/y5a7Q

Skype Reveals Faster, Flashier iPhone App

As promised, Skype today launched is new iPhone app, which was rebuilt from the ground up, and aligns itself with the look of versions for other platforms.

Skype 5 for iPhone not only sports an updated interface with Windows Phone-style swiping between pages, animated transitions, and tiles for favorite contacts, but it's up to five times faster than the previous app, Skype Product Marketing Manager Eric Lin told PCMag.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/xXERo

Cloud revolution could be "as big as computing itself"

The cloud revolution could be as big as that created by the impact of data processing on business itself, industry experts have claimed.

A report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the research and analysis division of the Economist Group, goes well beyond the claim that cloud is a replacement for older computing platforms - and is in reality completely changing business practices.

According to the research, the growing use of cloud will continue to “disrupt markets, spawn new business models and revolutionise information sharing and business management for years to come.”

The Impact of Cloud claims that cloud computing is already making “huge waves” in both enterprise IT and people’s everyday lives,  as consumers use services such as iCloud, Google Drive and Dropbox to change the way they handle their digital content.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/xUNYd

A Layman's Guide To Cloud Computing

Recently during our monthly meeting of our Goldman Sachs 10KSB inspired small business advisory group, one of our members asked me a few questions about cloud computing. The questions asked by a non IT-oriented business owner were very good. However, they also made me realize the current level of understanding of cloud computing by business owners and people that are not directly in information systems related industries. I had been contemplating writing this blog for a while, I now have a compelling reason to do so. Thank you to my advisors for motivating me.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/xSdYB

How the Cloud Can Save You on PC Costs

When you are starting a up a new business you may find yourself shopping for a laptop, tablet, or PC to handle your business computing needs.  Truth is the advent of the cloud can impact your purchasing decision.  Because cloud providers can let you “spin up” VM computers in minutes online they’ve provided an opportunity to rethink what computing power you need to have locally (sitting on your desk, lap, etc).

Here are some things the cloud can empower you to do: http://ow.ly/xPhXS

Consider online backup to safely store files

Hackers these days can break into government, financial and business computers, so why should you trust any cloud-based backup company with your important files?

I get this type of question from many of my clients that are looking at backup options for their home or business computers.  Get more info at: http://ow.ly/xPhuv

3 reasons the cloud may be right for you – and your business

There's plenty of news trending about the cloud these days. Software giants Microsoft and SAP announced an agreement to expand their global partnership by integrating one another’s cloud-based applications. Meanwhile, Dropbox boosted its desire for photo apps and services with the purchase of photo startup Bubbli. Let's not forget the Zendesk IPO, which saw the cloud-based, helpdesk-on-demand company raise $100 million.  See more at: http://ow.ly/xPh9W

Here are 7 reasons to think twice about Google Apps

When businesses decide to adopt cloud computing, a world of different options opens out in front of them. If you don't operate in the IT sector, you can't expect to be an expert' Larger firms have their CTO's advice to draw upon, but many smaller organisations won't have that luxury.  Find out more at: http://ow.ly/xMaDQ

Small business: Embracing the cloud

The outlook may be cloudy, but Steve Corbett reckons that's just fine.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/xPgEq

Here are 7 reasons to think twice about Google Apps

When businesses decide to adopt cloud computing, a world of different options opens out in front of them. If you don't operate in the IT sector, you can't expect to be an expert' Larger firms have their CTO's advice to draw upon, but many smaller organisations won't have that luxury.  Find out more at: http://ow.ly/xMaDQ

Cloud Computing's Second Act Is All Business

In a recent post, Bernard Golden, one of the most respected thought leaders in the cloud space, asked the question: “Has cloud computing been a failed revolution?” He conveys the observation that Google search traffic for the term “cloud computing” peaked in 2011 and has trailed off since then.  Read more at: http://ow.ly/xMa4t

Top ten reasons to migrate your business to the Cloud

An increasing amount of companies are moving their processes and applications to the cloud and there are a large number of reasons for this.

Cost savings
Improved data storage capacity
Increased scalability and flexibility
Better collaboration
Data security
Supporting utility computing
Reliability
Improved network performance
Improved integration and compatibility
Try before you buy with no lock-ins

For a FREE Cloud computing quote please visit us today at: http://www.inthecloudit.co.uk/

Does your business need to think about a cloud solution?

The biggest buzzword in computing in recent years is without doubt the cloud. A growing number of businesses are turning to a cloud solution to run their business.

To find out more or to get a Cloud computing quote please visit: http://www.inthecloudit.co.uk/

Desktop as a Service cost and scalability are its chief advantages

Hosting virtual desktops in the cloud has become more popular and viable these days, so what are the main advantages of this approach to desktop management?

1. The provider knows VDI, so you don't have to
2. Incremental scaling
3. Desktop as a Service cost is fairly predictable
4. DaaS pilots are easy

Read more at: http://www.inthecloudit.co.uk/virtual-desktop.php

Top 5 reasons your business should upgrade to a hosted phone solution

VoIP – There are five good reasons to upgrade to a hosted telephone solution:

• Flexibility
• Scalability
• Location independent
• Business continuity
• Cost effective

For more details please see: http://www.inthecloudit.co.uk/voip.php

Handy tips on the importance of backups

This can be done locally by periodically copying important files to another drive or another computer is the simplest form of local backup but the best way to do it is via a secure online backup system.

To get more information please visit: Online Backup

Superfast broadband rollout enhances VoIP opportunities for business

The rollout of superfast broadband throughout the UK has been a key development in the country's technology market in recent times. Once it is completed, there will be no reason for any business to have to go without the latest and very best VoIP solutions.

.Hosted telephony (otherwise known as VoIP) offers a feature-rich, affordable and scalable solution for all your business telephony needs.

Hosted in the Cloud, the need for complex on-site equipment is removed and your telephony system becomes hassle-free and easy to manage with great call quality and scalability.

Business 'still oblivious to benefits of VoIP'

A large number of businesses around the country have yet to grasp the full range of advantages of investing in a Hosted VoIP system.  Read more at: http://bit.ly/1eaAIVS.

Ambulance service uses SharePoint to reduce the use of paper and increase shared information

East Midlands Ambulance Service is now using SharePoint to support an organisation which provides emergency 999, urgent care and patient transport services for 4.8 million people in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham-shire and Rutland.

Why Enterprises Are Choosing Hosted VoIP?

Why would thriving, successful enterprises with the resources to afford any of a number of solutions choose Hosted VoIP?  Find out why at: http://bit.ly/1i0l2t9.

http://www.inthecloudit.co.uk/voip.php

Migration to VDI set to continue ...

More businesses are expected to migrate to virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) in the coming years.

VoIP can offer new features & ease of use

Moving from a regular phone service to a VoIP system not only reduces bills, but offers additional features, makes services easier to use and helps companies better prepare themselves for technology upgrades.  Read more at: http://bit.ly/1eBq6id.

Should your business move over to VoIP for its telephone services?

The VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system is rapidly changing the way companies do business. Whether you work alone from a home office or employ several hundred people, you want to present a professional image. VoIP can help you achieve this without the high cost of traditional phone systems. But, how does VoIP service compare to a traditional business phone system?  Read more at: http://bit.ly/1d06uSg.

VDI Acquisition Cost Analysis

App and desktop virtualization (VDI) is much more than a technology solution. It is transforming the way organisations of all sizes are enabling their workforces while simplifying the desktop management process for IT administrators.  Read more at: http://bit.ly/1evQTwe.

More than 2million people now enjoying 4G connection

More than two million people in the UK are now taking advantage of EE's brand new 4G network.

This will allow an increase and more reliable use of services such as Virtual Desktop, Online Backup, Cloud Antivirus, Hosted Telephony (VoIP) and other Cloud based products.

Read more at: http://bit.ly/1ik3kOJ

Marine Corps planning to use VDI

The Marine Corps, having virtualized its IT infrastructure years ago, is now looking to put secure virtual machines on desktops (VDI).  Read more at: http://bit.ly/1gGank9.

Use VoIP to drive down cost of living in 2014

VoIP - One of the main priorities for people all over the country this new year is to save money, with many identifying a number of ways in which they can cut their costs.  Read more at: http://bit.ly/1iSNYDI.

Streamline SharePoint Extensions for Business Users

SharePoint has become the collaboration tool of the enterprise. It brings together groups across the “organizational boundaries,” and allows those groups to reach out to each other and discuss business issues from different sides of the company.  Read more at: http://bit.ly/19SjY8e.

The Best Services Online Data Backup Services

With businesses reliant on computers for nearly every task, few things could be worse for a business owner than a hard drive crash. Losing all of their important files and data could have a devastating impact on most organizations.

http://www.inthecloudit.co.uk/business-disaster-recovery.php

To prevent such a disaster, many business owners use online data backup services to ensure that even if their computers do break down, their files will always be safe and secure. In case of a hard drive crash, online data backup services give business owners immediate access to their files from any other computer that is connected to the Web, as well as via mobile devices.

Read more at: http://bit.ly/1dMYrMY

Cloud-Based Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Market 2013-2023

Cloud-Based Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) - Companies are often held back by an inflexible and complex IT infrastructure that cannot keep up with the changing needs of business. These restraints result in slow deployment of critical applications and services, limited resources, poor operation management, and unpredictable system integration.  Read more at: http://bit.ly/1lyPQkx.

Milton Keynes businesses given VoIP opportunity

Companies based in towns and cities that provide access to superfast broadband should do all they can to invest in the latest VoIP solutions.  Read more at: http://bit.ly/1hsyju9.