Although the number of UK SMEs migrating to the Cloud is on the increase there is still reluctance amongst some small business to take the leap. Steve Cobham, Managing Director of IT company Stack Group, blogs about why Cloud computing can be a great proposition for SMEs and comments on predictions about future rates of adoption.
The Cloud has plenty to offer UK SMEs who recognise the importance of up-to-date solutions to help streamline their IT and drive growth and efficiency. Here are the key benefits you should be aware of:
1. Easy adoption - Whereas larger organisations often have substantial legacy infrastructure and bespoke systems which they are unwilling or unable to move to the Cloud, smaller organisations don’t tend to have such entrenched complex IT to protect and preserve. For a great many SMEs migrating to the Cloud early on in their growth can save a whole load of pain later in life.
2. No large upfront IT costs – SMEs are not always able enjoy the same economies of scale as larger organisations, therefore Cloud services could provide them with a higher grade of solution than they’d be able to get buying physical on-premise infrastructure which will be obsolete in 5 years. The main benefit of the Cloud for an SME is that it no longer has to worry about large up-front IT costs.
3. A solution that scales - The Cloud is completely scalable. An SME can increase and decrease the number of users depending on current business needs and number of employees. As the company grows it can simply add more users. Plus it no longer needs to worry about costly software upgrades as this happens automatically in the Cloud.
4. Cloud migration one stepping stone at a time – SMEs should not be under the illusion that they must move all their applications and data into the Cloud at once. This is certainly not true. Think of it as a stepping stone approach. Initially it may just be applications such as database, email and website that are placed in the Cloud. Then as the business becomes confident and comfortable the Cloud strategy can be evolved to incorporate all elements of the business ensuring full integration if so desired.
Are you an SME with concerns about migrating to the Cloud? Have you already migrated and are experiencing benefits? Let me know in your comments. It would be great to hear your thoughts.
Other related blogs:
“What is the 'Cloud' and why almost 50% of UK SMEs are using it to gain an advantage “
“Cloud Computing for SMEs: Busting the Myths”
“Infographic – Why more SMEs are moving to the Cloud”
Written by: Steve Cobham, Managing Director, Stack Group
A highly respected professional within the IT Services industry, Steve is a Chartered Engineer with over 20 years’ experience of advising on and building robust IT solutions for businesses across the UK.
About Stack Group
The Stack Group deliver solutions and support in the areas of IT Management and Cloud services, Telecoms, Infrastructure and Networks. If you would like any help and advice regarding any of our solutions please do not hesitate to get in touch and one of our experts will assist you.
Phone: +44 (0) 151 521 2202
Email: [email protected]
The Cloud has plenty to offer UK SMEs who recognise the importance of up-to-date solutions to help streamline their IT and drive growth and efficiency. Here are the key benefits you should be aware of:
1. Easy adoption - Whereas larger organisations often have substantial legacy infrastructure and bespoke systems which they are unwilling or unable to move to the Cloud, smaller organisations don’t tend to have such entrenched complex IT to protect and preserve. For a great many SMEs migrating to the Cloud early on in their growth can save a whole load of pain later in life.
2. No large upfront IT costs – SMEs are not always able enjoy the same economies of scale as larger organisations, therefore Cloud services could provide them with a higher grade of solution than they’d be able to get buying physical on-premise infrastructure which will be obsolete in 5 years. The main benefit of the Cloud for an SME is that it no longer has to worry about large up-front IT costs.
3. A solution that scales - The Cloud is completely scalable. An SME can increase and decrease the number of users depending on current business needs and number of employees. As the company grows it can simply add more users. Plus it no longer needs to worry about costly software upgrades as this happens automatically in the Cloud.
4. Cloud migration one stepping stone at a time – SMEs should not be under the illusion that they must move all their applications and data into the Cloud at once. This is certainly not true. Think of it as a stepping stone approach. Initially it may just be applications such as database, email and website that are placed in the Cloud. Then as the business becomes confident and comfortable the Cloud strategy can be evolved to incorporate all elements of the business ensuring full integration if so desired.
Are you an SME with concerns about migrating to the Cloud? Have you already migrated and are experiencing benefits? Let me know in your comments. It would be great to hear your thoughts.
Other related blogs:
“What is the 'Cloud' and why almost 50% of UK SMEs are using it to gain an advantage “
“Cloud Computing for SMEs: Busting the Myths”
“Infographic – Why more SMEs are moving to the Cloud”
Written by: Steve Cobham, Managing Director, Stack Group
A highly respected professional within the IT Services industry, Steve is a Chartered Engineer with over 20 years’ experience of advising on and building robust IT solutions for businesses across the UK.
About Stack Group
The Stack Group deliver solutions and support in the areas of IT Management and Cloud services, Telecoms, Infrastructure and Networks. If you would like any help and advice regarding any of our solutions please do not hesitate to get in touch and one of our experts will assist you.
Phone: +44 (0) 151 521 2202
Email: [email protected]