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Cloud Computing Growth in British Columbia

Cloud computing is a utility service rather than a product where shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices as a metered service. In British Columbia, Cloud computing is revolutionizing small businesses and its adoption is going mainstream by 2012.

Bill Tam, CEO of the BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA*) identifies an “ongoing revolution of things that will move to the cloud” for 2012 in “Tech’s 2012 Trends Could Bolster BC Economy” (January 10 to 16, 2012) of Business in Vancouver**. The main benefits of cloud computing include:

Savings – Cloud computing includes reducing or eliminating for a small business to have its own server and IT department. For example, if your business is expanding and looking to purchase a server; or if you are in the start-up phase of your business and cannot afford software, you can pay a low monthly fee rather than a one-time capital expenditure. This reduces costs for new companies from capital-cost ownerships to operational leasing of technology.

Security – Cloud computing allows your business to store files on a secure, reliable, cloud-based service, which helps eliminate the hassle of regular backups and gives you anytime access to your files from any computer. For security, companies can also choose to encrypt data before storing it on the cloud.  

Collaboration – Cloud computing makes it easier for your team, partners and clients to access files and data that they need even when they're working remotely or outside office hours. This enables them to work collaboratively – anytime and anywhere.

Scalability – Your storage can grow or decrease depending on your needs. For a start-up, you can start off small and increase the size as you grow your small business. Usually all you need to do is increase your cloud computing monthly fee slightly for more data storage.

For cloud services for small businesses, visit www.pcis.com/about-us/cloud-whitepapers.htm.

Source *  www.BCTIA.org  ** www.BIV.com