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Cloud Computing for Small Business

8 Reasons to Outsource Your IT to the Cloud

Brought to you by independenceIT

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Today’s Speaker

Tony Whitton Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, independenceIT Tony’s international and board level management experience combined with his working knowledge in both technology and service-based companies makes him ideally suited for his role as CEO at independence IT. Tony has extensive international business experience that includes both consulting and senior executive management. While president of Lex Electronics Inc., he grew sales by more than $600 million in seven years. In addition, he established and sold his own computer software training firm and has provided consulting services and leadership to a wide range of companies in the IT industry.

Education: Oxford University, B.A. with honors, Geography Post Graduate Diploma (DPSA), Labor Relations




What You’ll Learn

• What is cloud computing?

• What types of cloud computing exist?

• Trends in small business cloud computing

• Eight benefits to outsourcing your IT

• Questions to ask a Cloud Service Provider (CSP)

• Q&A session




You’ve heard a lot about it.

It’s a popular buzzword.

But what is cloud computing in layman’s terms?




What is Cloud Computing?

Definition: Computing in which services and storage are provided over the Internet (or “cloud”)

Examples:

• QuickBooks

• Google Docs

• Salesforce/Force.com

• Box.net

• Flickr




Types of Cloud Computing

Software as a Service (SaaS)

• Vendors offer software via the Internet

• Users access data and software online

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

• Shared hosting systems that provide development environment for developers




Types of Cloud Computing

Hardware as a Service (HaaS)

• Users access additional computing power/storage

Desktop as a Service (DaaS)

• Users access desktop online (applications, programs, data)

• Subscription-based




How Cloud Computing Works

• You own the PC, laptop, tablet, smart phone

• Access applications and data through the web

• CSP manages all or some of the things you don’t want to, like:

– Security

– Applications

– Data storage and backup

– Infrastructure




It’s a Trend

7% Of small business owners were using cloud services in April 2010.

Source: technology-research firm IDC

Will be using cloud computing services by mid-2011.

10%




It’s a Trend

71% Of experts say that cloud computing will become more dominant than the desktop in the next decade.

Source: Pew Research Center, Future of the Internet Survey




It’s a Trend

2009

2013

500,000 users of Cloud Computing Services

Anticipated 49,000,000 users of Cloud Computing Services




How can cloud computing help your business?

We’ve put together 8 benefits to moving your desktop to

the cloud.




Eight Benefits to Cloud Computing

Benefit 1: Accessibility & Mobility




Benefit 1: Accessibility & Mobility

• Cloud computing allows employees remote access

• Access more easily with mobile devices

• Internet connection needed

• Monitor employee activity during work at home cycle

Implications:

• Telecommuting

• Virtual office

• Remote/mobile employees

• Earth-friendly business

• Reduces need for work stations




Red Carpet Charters, motor coach company

Challenge:

• Mobile business

Solution:

• Moved desktop applications to the cloud

Result:

• Access data and applications on the road

• Get up-to-date reports and schedules at any location

Accessibility Case Study




Benefit 2: Maintenance





• Service provider repairs and maintains equipment

• Track software maintenance plans, schedule upgrades

Implications:

• Employees are not interrupted by IT upgrades

• Important updates made automatically in real-time.

• More productivity

Benefit 2: Maintenance





Benefit 3: Data Recovery




• Data is backed up regularly

• Data is stored in multiple locations

• Data easily recovered

Implications:

• No lost data due to disaster

• No time lost; back up is the responsibility of the service provider

Benefit 3: Data Recovery





Benefit 4: Security




• Service provider monitors infrastructure 24/7

• Data is stored off-site

Implications:

• Less chance that data will be stolen by employees

• Protect against hackers, viruses and intruders

Benefit 4: Security





Benefit 5: Minimal IT Staff




• Service provider manages infrastructure

• Provides end-user support

Implications:

• Less support and management costs

• IT department/others can focus on strategic initiatives

Benefit 5: Minimal IT Staff




ArtQuest, non-profit organization dedicated to the arts

Challenges:

• Limited IT staff for large community events

Solution:

• independenceIT Cloud Desktop supports seasonal events and year round organizational IT needs

Result:

• ArtQuest supports a staff of hundreds with one IT employee

Minimal IT Staff Case Study





Benefit 6: Cost




• Service provider takes care of technology

• Businesses share costs of infrastructure with other organizations

Implications:

• No capital expenditures on servers, networking technology, etc.

• No additional office space needed for the hardware

• Reduced electricity/air cooling costs

• Access to best-in-class technology, service

• No costly surprises; predictable fees (subscription)

Benefit 6: Cost




Glenn H. Miller & Associates, CPA accounting services

Challenge:

• Expensive software licenses

• Costly upgrades

Solution:

• Moved desktops, email and applications to the cloud, gain remote access to client data

Result:

• Cost savings, broadened business reach

Cost Case Study




Bostock Law, PLLC

Challenge:

• Complex integration of industry-specific software (Amicus) with productivity sofware (Outlook, MS Office)

Solution:

• Outsource the hosting, management and support of firm’s entire infrastructure, including software applications, data and e-mail

Result:

• Significant reduction in budget

Cost Case Study





Benefit 7: Flexibility




• Easily change number of users/accounts

• Add office locations quickly

• Pay monthly, not annually

Implications:

• Cost savings

• Time savings for IT department

Benefit 7: Flexibility




Flexibility Case Study

Contactivation, consulting firm

Challenge:

• Growing organization

Solution:

• Moved data storage and applications to the cloud

• Added new users as they hired new personnel

Result:

• Flexibility to hire when necessary without additional time constraints; employees could start almost immediately





Benefit 8: Compliance




• CSPs should have SAS 70 Type II certification*

*(SSAE16 as of June 2011)

• Certification determined by independent auditor

Implications:

• Compliance not a concern for IT department

Benefit 8: Compliance




Be sure you’ve got the best service provider.

Before you sign up, ask them:

• What is your level of experience?

• Are you compliant with industry and governmental regulations?

• How and how often are the systems backed up?

• Is there a Service Level Agreement?

• Is off-site data protection included in the agreement?

What to Ask Your Cloud Service Provider




You may contact Tony Whitton and Chip Buck directly at:

Tony Whitton

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

[email protected]

Chip Buck

Chief Operating Officer

[email protected]


[email protected]

[email protected]



Additional NFIB.com Resources

• The Benefits of Cloud Computing and Remote Data

Storage http://www.nfib.com/business-resources/business-resources-item?cmsid=50033

• Top SaaS Providers for Small Business http://www.nfib.com/business-resources/business-resources-item?cmsid=55439

• Cloud Computing Basics for Small Business http://www.nfib.com/business-resources/business-resources-item?cmsid=51800


http://www.nfib.com/business-resources/business-resources-item?cmsid=50033























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