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Mixing in-office, Web programs can benefit all companies

What happens when cloud commuting meets software?

By Jane Dickson
Microsoft Business Advice

What happens when cloud comuting meets software?

The term “cloud computing” is used so frequently these days that I thought it would be a good idea to delve into what it means and how it impacts today’s businesses.

For those not familiar with the cloud, it’s a metaphor for the Internet.

Cloud computing refers to a style of computing in which software is provided as a service, and often on a “pay-as-you-go” basis, via the Web.

As a result, businesses now can choose between hosting software on-premises or accessing it through the cloud.

Choice matters in today’s economic environment, especially as companies look for ways to respond swiftly to changing and challenging business conditions.

Having two software access options from which to choose gives businesses more opportunities for cost-savings and operational efficiencies.

Making the choice

With its low start-up costs, cloud computing stands out as a compelling choice for businesses. However, while pushing everything to the cloud might offer short-term financial relief, it is not always a viable or long-term solution for some businesses.

A more viable and realistic solution for nearly all businesses, is a hybrid approach that combines on-premises software with software as a service.

In fact, in its Cloud Computing Report Series, June 2008, Gartner Research notes that “the use of on-premises technology in conjunction with cloud-based technologies and platforms will extend what is possible when using the cloud.”

Bring on the benefits

Therefore, instead of taking an “all or nothing” approach to computing, most businesses are wise to adopt a combination solution that Microsoft calls “software-plus-services.”

This model lets businesses choose from the best of both worlds for an IT model that combines the reach of the Web with the richness of the desktop.

The advantages of a software-plus-services approach include:

– Flexibility: Online services coupled with local software give businesses new ways to handle their unique business needs.

For instance, an online florist might have much higher sales during certain holiday seasons, requiring greater computing needs.

Instead of purchasing additional servers that will go unused for most of the year, it can purchase the additional processing capacity as a service for a fixed period of time, at a fraction of the cost.

– Greater innovation: Access to the cloud lets companies like Microsoft innovate traditional software and create a richer customer experience. Excel Services now provides a way for organizations to share critical data via a Web browser and PowerPoint Slide library, offering business a better way to retain control and consistency of content for remote workers.

– A more connected experience: With software-plus-services, the barriers between PCs, the Web and the mobile phone begin to collapse.

Moving forward, applications will not run on either the Web or the desktop, but rather on both, as well as on the mobile client. This scenario will create experiences that connect people quickly and seamlessly to information and communications.

The power of the word “and” often is cited in the business world, because it reminds us of the possibilities, and not the limitations, at our fingertips.

A software-plus-services model emulates that line of thinking. It lets businesses marry the better of two worlds for a customized IT environment, creating greater potential for flexibility, creativity and connectivity.

Jane Dickson is the West Region General Manager for Managed Partners of Microsoft’s Small and Mid-market Solutions and Partners (SMS&P) group. For more free technology tips and other valuable information, visit www.
microsoft.com/midsizebusiness.