What is it?
Cloud Computing concerns the provision of computing via the Internet, in that ‘cloud’ is a metaphor for the internet. It is an alternative technological model or platform to a more traditional approach, called ‘in-house’ or ‘on-premise’ offering amongst other benefits, a different way of paying!
In simple terms it can be viewed as subscribing to computer power (hardware, software and specific applications) as a utility, much like you may purchase units of electricity or telephone minutes.

Why do you need to consider it?
According to recent studies, cloud computing could cut infrastructure costs of some organisation by 30% to 90% in the next 3 years. It is a new paradigm.

How can we help?
In determining whether Cloud Computing may offer your business any real advantage, the best starting point is understanding the profile of your own business.
How many employees? How many office locations? What system does your business currently need or use? Are business operations steady and stable or unpredictable or ‘lumpy’? Is capital expenditure a critical issue i.e. is CapEx better invested in new initiatives rather than computer systems? The list of questions could go on.

The bottom-line is that Cloud Computing in one of its very many forms may well suit your business. The best way to find out is to become better informed. The quickest way to achieve this is to speak to a Softwerx expert - who understands the benefits a particular technology may offer - from a business perspective.

 “Azure may be the Internet's largest single piece of software, in terms of the amount of data it runs, within a year.” Microsoft discussing their Cloud Computing offering "Azure"