Cloud computing for small business

“Cloud computing” is a catch-all phrase that includes anything to do with computing and the Internet. It covers everything from on-line banking to running all of a company’s systems over the Internet. This article will discuss three DeckerWright customers and how they conduct business using the cloud.

The first customer provides on-line services to its customers and uses the cloud to perform its basic business functions. Based in Red Bank, New Jersey, the company doesn’t have a traditional “bricks and mortar” headquarters location - its staff is scattered across the country, and it has a concentration of IT equipment at a data center in Washington State. Instead of using a dedicated server to perform its accounting functions, the firm decided to use QuickBooks Pro Online for all of its accounting needs. By using this Intuit on-line product offering to replace a PC-based solution that required extensive reconciliation, the company was able to ramp up quickly and provide its personnel with access to financial records from anywhere. Other “cloud” based business components that the company uses include technical support and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).

A distribution company based in Ocean County, New Jersey decided to place their new Windows-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system on the cloud. They work with TriNet Teledata, a cloud hosting company, to manage their system. The “cloud” for this firm entails a full Windows server running the customized ERP software; company staff uses Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to access the server. The latest version of RDP provides for HIPAA compliant encryption and enhanced local printer capabilities. The hosting company provides 24/7 support, Microsoft patching, bandwidth, electricity, and backups as part of the service offering. The customer saves on the cost of a server and the associated support costs while still being able to access their data anywhere, anytime.

A medical practice in Monmouth County, New Jersey with 10 offices is using the cloud to host their practice management and electronic health records (EHR) system. The decision to use a cloud-based service, rather than an in-house data center, was based on the practice’s immediate need to upgrade their existing data center and to support the expanded file management requirements of EHR. Instead of building out the infrastructure needed to support the new medical applications, the practice elected to use a hosting service provided by their software company. The hosting company provides for 24/7 support, high speed access, and backups; in addition, it utilizes HIPAA compliant security.

“Cloud computing” makes the sky the limit, and it will continue to evolve with time as inexpensive, high speed internet services continue to increase. DeckerWright Corporation’s cloud computing expertise and experience ensures that they can design and implement the right cloud solution for your business.

About the Author:
Marshall Wright of DeckerWright Corporation has been providing New Jersey businesses with HARDWARE, SOFTWARE & NETWORKING technology consulting services since 1984.

For more information please contact DeckerWright.