How cloud computing will change the way we do business
It’s extremely doubtful that anyone working in the age before the emergence of the personal computer could have fathomed the monumental change that was to sweep over all corners of business and industry. After all, up until that point, most offices were dominated by typewriters. Then of course, along came the internet shortly thereafter, then technology just seemed to explode in all directions simultaneously. Now virtually all businesses are entirely dependent on the vital processes and services that are provided via the internet and computers.
There are experts among us who say that we’re due for another big “paradigm shift”; a change that will likely (once again) rewrite the rules a bit, and forever alter the way modern business is carried out. Of the numerous ways in which the next “big shift” might occur, cloud computing is what many people have their eyes trained on. Why cloud computing you ask? Imagine an entirely new approach to computing and networking being adopted en masse, one in which all electronic devices are interconnected. Picture a technological landscape where all elements of your digital character are accessible from anywhere, at any time. Envision computers becoming even more “personal”, better information and applications right at your fingertips. Visualize the line being blurred between what is considered to be networking and computing.
Because cloud computing will not only give individuals the power to access vast computing / processing / storage resources from virtually any device (regardless of size), big offices might even become a thing of the past. In fact, it is entirely possible that, through the use of advanced cloud technologies, most “offices” of the future might very well function like a network of aggregated users.
In other words, a company’s employees might not need to even present on-site most of the time. The point is, cloud computing has all the tools and wherewithal to revolutionize the concept of “working from home”. For instance, just think about all the thousands of individual technologies like video conferencing, and remote activation/access, and how they might be utilized to establish “virtual offices”. In such a model, employees would likely be able to better manage their own time, affairs and perhaps even increase productivity.
Likewise, if an organization has a large pool of contributing workers to cull from, projects, duties, and scheduled events can be more effectively managed. This would allow work to not only be performed in a more efficient manner, but it would also help employers and employees alike, save in terms of daily overhead costs (office furnishings, fuel, electricity, etc…the list goes on and on).
Some might argue that we already have the technology to implement such a system; while this is kind of true, it could be argued that it might not work properly without fully implementing cloud computing. This is because of the virtualized systems, applications, and control which cloud computing is capable of deploying. Likewise, many businesses are already using various “virtual” technologies to assist in things like teleconferencing. What makes cloud computing so interesting is its adaptability and innovative methods for creating and deploying services.
Even if these types of significant changes never occur, cloud computing is still able to significantly reduce energy consumption costs and create newer, better ways of conducting internal and external business operations. Adopting new applications (for organization-wide use) is much easier with cloud computing, as is the preparation and facilitation of long-term, IT and businesses-related goals.
Speaking of how a company’s IT assets might factor into the decision making process, step back and think for minute about how integral most business’ IT departments are to their continued success. These days, IT often carries more weight than expected; perhaps propelling an organization forward and assisting in the generation of (sometimes huge) profits. For example, over the last couple of years the principal growth markets in the US were all focused on/toward technology and the companies providing devices to facilitate these technologies.
But before you can cash in on what cloud technology has to offer you need to get on the path toward adopting it. The first step in this process is to seek cloud computing training and certification for your entire IT department (or at least the suitable constituents). Achieving this goal should be no problem at all, especially considering the excellent web-delivered / facilitated courses that are out there, many of which are ridiculously affordable (and offer group rate discounts for the purchase of multiple licenses).
Right now, the single biggest concern that most businesses should be focusing on (with regards to IT and their own infrastructure-based capabilities) is adopting cloud computing and / or cloud services. Transitioning to cloud computing should be among the top concerns of most companies right now. Currently, the benefits of adopting a cloud model are countless and the competition, low. Those enterprises which are intrepid enough to begin implementing the cloud now are going to become the future leaders in their fields / industries.
Visit theartofservice.com for all your (cloud-related) professional certification needs, or simply click here.