Riding the Wave of Cloud Computing

cloud-based telephone systems

BY NANCY ZAMBRANO ON FEB 25, 2014 IN BLOG, CLOUD COMPUTING FOR BUSINESSES, HOSTED COMMUNICATIONS

As far as buzzwords go, “the cloud” has been one of the biggest in recent memory. But just because it has popped up like a tidal wave does not make it some kind of fad. In fact, cloud computing has been around much longer than the devices that use it today. Some incarnation of cloud technology has been in existence since the introduction of the IBM PC Ethernet adapter card, but with modern advancements in wireless and mobile technology, the cloud is beginning to experience a new life as the standard for both enterprise-class computing and unified communications initiatives.

According to research conducted by the Manchester Business School and Vanson Bourne, 88 percent of companies in the United Kingdom and the United States feel that their experiences with the cloud have been financially beneficial by cutting costs, with 56 percent saying similar things about building profits.  The ease of use inherent of technologies like cloud telephony was also touted as a way for organizations to free up IT departments from dealing with basic operational inquiries from the general staff. With more time, IT employees will be able to drive innovation and enable other areas of the company – according to Ramco, 90 percent of surveyed companies found improvement in their IT departments since moving to the cloud.

Cloud technology is not only popular, but it is being implemented at such a rate and in so many ways that migration is inevitable. The benefits of using the cloud are too great to ignore not only for storage and app deployment, but also for communications. By enabling employees with the ability to connect to servers and VoIP telephone systems effectively from remote locations, businesses will be able to increase productivity and maintain relevancy.

Cloud Service Adoptions Surging

hosted telephone systems

The cloud is grabbing the attention and acceptance at an incredible rate. Awesome Cloud Services found that cloud computing is growing five times faster than IT as a whole, and it is doing so on a global scale. 50 percent of the revenue brought in from this development came from the U.S. alone.

The market for cloud-based solutions is clearly growing, and it is only expected to get bigger over the next few years – namely in government agencies. According to research from IDC, spending on private cloud services for federal-level institutions in 2014 is expected to reach $1.7 billion. By 2017, that number will reach $7.7 billion, part of what Awesome Cloud predicts will be a $22.2 billion-dollar private cloud infrastructure industry. Cloud unified communications solutions will undoubtedly be a part of these purchases.

This will no doubt contribute to the increased demand for employees with cloud management experience. IDC has also found that the cloud will be responsible for the creation of 1.2 million jobs in the U.S. and Canada – some of 14 million globally – by 2015. The obvious need for staff members with appropriate credentials is indicative of how seriously many organizations all over the world are taking the impending move.

Surf’s Up

Much like a tidal wave, cloud UC and computing developments seemingly crashed into the business world. The workplace was instantly flooded with just as much confusion as it was with new options and advancements. But more organizations are recognizing how to navigate the currents of cloud-based phone systems, connecting to new channels and utilizing them in ways they never could before. With new waters being tested and approved by companies every day, understanding and incorporating the cloud into daily office operations is becoming required to stay afloat. Riding this wave of technology allows businesses to stay competitive in a constantly-evolving landscape.