How Cloud Computing Can Help Your Business

In this day and age, when technological advancements are becoming integral parts of every successful industry and move mountains across the business landscape whenever they hit the ground, it should be obvious to anyone that, in order to survive, he has to go with the flow or drown if trying to swim upstream.

Things are not that gloomy though, and technologies that are trending are no longer exclusive to large players and corporate juggernauts. On the contrary, even small businesses are implementing them as a way to make their operations more efficient, save money and climb their way onto the next level.



Cloud computing is surely one of such technologies and here, we will mention some of the benefits it carries along with it.

Increased Security

Although you may be suspicious about the idea of storing your valuable data somewhere outside your company, consider multi cloud architecture, which is a far more secure option than you can ever achieve in-house.

Every cloud vendor will make sure that you are guarded with high level of security and some of them will even backup your data geo-redundantly, or in other words in multiple centers across multiple locations. This way you will be able to sleep well without ever fearing on-site system failure or some other unfortunate occurrences.

Increased Mobility

The idea of worker spending his entire working day strangled behind desk being considered inefficient was unfathomable not so long ago. Today, rise of powerful mobile devices, which are capable of even replacing good old laptops in most of the situations made the idea of mobility and being able to get the job done wherever you are new gold standard for efficiency.

This is where cloud computing comes into play. It allows companies to mobilize their workers and provide them with all the necessary tools regardless of their presence in company’s facility. Even on-site collaboration is improved through document sharing and instant messaging programs.

Managing Growth

Cloud computing is founded on subscription-based payment model, which is a system that allows you most flexibility when considering amount of technology usage. As every entrepreneur knows, determining amount of resources one company will need in order to scale while still being able to keep the budget under control is one of the greatest challenges he can face.

With cloud-based services it is as easy as it can be because you can react according to current needs and subscribe to service or tool you need in that very moment, without ever being constrained with advance planning. Reacting to needs as they arise will help you to manage growth much better. If you need to scale down during slower period, this option is possible too.

Lower Costs

Cloud computing is much more affordable way to go in order to develop your business than investing huge amounts of money in hardware that will surely become outdated sooner than later. And that’s the hardware only. We can easily take into equation expenses like power and cooling, server maintenance and software licensing.

Furthermore, web-applications are regularly updated and maintained by vendor personnel so there is no need to spare more money for in-house maintenance. To sum it all up, you are only spending money on licensing and along with the ability to scale up or down according to current needs this should be considered a blessing for every company’s budget.

Other Benefits

Opportunity for outsourcing: According to officials from company which provides managed services in Brisbane, cloud computing is the single most efficient way of conveying outsourcing because of the option to sync shared apps and documents in real-time, opposed to tiresome process of sending large files through e-mail.

It is very stream lined and easy to set up: Setting up some cloud service can be as easy as setting up Google or Hotmail account; just few clicks and you are there. If you think for a second, if you are using some of these e-mail clients you are already using cloud service so you should be able the manage any other thing along the way.

Unlimited storage: Or at least unlimited when compared to very limiting on-site hard drives. Also, storage expansion doesn’t cause issues with equipment and server upgrades.

Given all these facts it is not really a surprise that cloud computing is one of the most trending technologies for couple of years now and with all the benefits we counted and very high adoption rate from both small and large businesses we are sure that we will hear a lot more about the Clouds above us.

Features to Look out for When Choosing Insurance Software and What it Can do for your Company and Clients

The insurance industry is moving faster than ever, and in order to stay on top of your game it’s important to utilise the latest insurance technology solutions on offer. Both insurers and brokers require reliable insurance software that they can depend on and there a wide range of options out there, but what specific features should you be looking out for?

Here’s a guide to some of the best, which can provide valuable functionality to the day to day running of your insurance firm or brokerage.

Easy configuration without expert help

Some insurance software solutions are so complicated and impenetrable that they require the help of outside specialists such as SSP Worldwide, or specially trained in-house IT staff just to set them up or apply changes as needed. By finding one which is user-friendly enough to configure yourself you can save time, money and any associated headaches.

But if you do need to call in the experts then don’t be afraid to if you think that software installation is beyond your skills set. Better to be safe than sorry…

Wide range of functionality

Ideally you want one software package which can do it all. It can be expensive and unnecessarily confusing to use different pieces of software for each aspect of the insurance process, and there’s also the risk that they won’t be compatible with your operating system – or each other! So find one insurance software package that is fully featured and can tie together every aspect of your business, from underwriting and certificate issuance to claims management and billing. As well as making the process generally more neat and tidy, this will reduce the amount of time spent training new staff.

Telematics for motor insurance

Modern technology has given insurers the ability to provide motorists with personally tailored insurance based on how they drive. By picking insurance software that supports telematics you can add a new dimension to the service you provide, and reward careful drivers with cheaper policies.

Because telematic systems provide an accurate picture of how the policy holder drives, they enable a better calculation of risks to be made. Data used includes average speeds, roads used, speed of deceleration and time of driving. Some telematics solutions use a specially installed box to collect the data, while others can be utilised by downloading a smart phone app onto an existing device.

Cloud-based operation

The ‘Cloud’ is all the rage at the moment and it’s easy to see why. If you’re not familiar with the term, cloud computing refers to the act of accessing software and data on a remote computer via the internet rather than from your own hard drive.

By choosing a cloud-based insurance software solution you don’t have to worry so much about the capabilities of your own hardware, as the software will effectively be running remotely on external server. In addition to this, if a problem occurs then it will be somebody else’s responsibility to fix it. This in turn can reduce IT costs for your company and prevent costly downtime.

About the author – Paul S. Sutton is a freelance writer with a background in insurance. He regularly blogs on insurance industry issues for a variety of websites and often uses www.ssp-worldwide.com for research.

Do You Have a Learning Management System(LMS) for your Business

Finding business training solutions for your employees can be difficult to do. Do you provide the content in house or you go for cloud based services. There are pros and cons to both solutions. If you have in house programs you need to provide staff, infrastructure, maintenance, and connectivity. It can be a major expense. An alternative would be to put all this into the cloud and let an expert service provide the service.

If managing your learning management system has become to much hassle and expensive, maybe it's is time to look for a cloud based solution where all the managing and problems are handled for you. In the cloud you will only have to provide the content.

A good eLearning solution has to be able to help you reach your goals. These goals may include continuing education, eLearning availability, synchronous or asynchronous learning, mobile learning, certification programs, or even eCommerce.

One such solution is TOPYX social LMS, it is a learning solution for companies, academic departments, associations, municipalities and eCommerce needs of any size, anywhere in the world.

Features

TOPYX social LMS gives you a tool that will provide all your eLearning needs. It's easy to setup and brand with your companies logos and designs. Set-up and LMS features can be created with only a few clicks.

• Easy to use and manage
• Award winning social learning
• Customer service team ready to help
• Single sign on,API and more
• Online learning paths and certifications
• Mobile learning
• Language localizations

What Makes TOPYX so popular with business?

TOPYX social LMS is SCORM certified and it can handle all your document, audio, and video needs. Integral in this platform are the social aspects. They make the platform easy for users. Included are blogs, chat, profiles, events, calendaring and more. Multi language accessibility, performance monitoring, permissions are easily assigned.

Try it First

I know moving into any new service can be daunting. You worry if you are spending your dollars responsibly. With the TOPYX social LMS you can try a learning management demo. You can try it on for size and see if it is the right fit for your company. When you and your staff see how the system works, you will be able to decide.

Benefits of a Cloud Based Phone System

Cloud based phone system is a new technology that enables phone services to be delivered via the internet. The key role of the system is the ability to deliver calls through the internet, route inbound call to the right employees within a company, and offer telephony applications, such as voicemail and call recording. It provides the best features and reliable services. This system stores data in a safe server which can be access via the internet. It replaces conventional land lines. BroadConnect Telecom is an example of Companies that offer cloud based phone system services. 

Benefits of cloud based phone system

Saves costs
The system is cheaper compared to conventional land lines. The system does not need costly hardware such as servers that depreciate with time. You only have to subscribe to a program with monthly or annual fee. This offers your company financial flexibility.

Easy set-up
It does not require wire routing therefore easy to set up and operate. You don’t need dedicated manpower. This involves hiring people whose sole purpose is to administer the hardware and the system. Company owner can be able to manage the cloud phone system using a friendly web interface. This provides you more power over how your employees communicates. 

It is simple to expand or reduce communication features. You can be able to delete virtual extensions with just a click on your account. There is no need for new wiring or shifting office furniture. If you intend to open another office at a different location, you won’t buy a new system. The service is able to join different offices under one system.

Saves time
Conventional business phone systems require high maintenance and intense set up processes. With a cloud based system you skip all those procedures and save time

Advanced features
Clouds phone system provides advanced features such as the capacity to add several extensions,call forwarding, voicemail  message management, voicemail and different phone alternatives. You can be able to record voicemail messages, set up several voicemails, or read voicemails online.

Managed Communication Services for Your Business Through Cloud Computing

English: Cloud Computing Image (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cloud Computing is supporting a 30% annual growth per year as more and more businesses are moving data service to the cloud. Cloud computing allows you to move your computing needs off site. You no longer are tied to a specific computer in your office.

For a small businesses, placing your data in the cloud removes the burden of all IT problems. Even though it may cost a little more, your small business can look and act like a big business.

Things to Be Careful About

1. Is Your Data Safe. If you want to use cloud computing, one of your concerns is security. When you use cloud computing you are sharing data and personal information.

If you hire a reputable company in the beginning the answer is yes. A qualified company will have in-house security experts who will monitor services and the handling of you data.


2. Managing your Data.How do you control your data when it is on another computer and you don't have control of it. You may feel uncomfortable at first because you have to trust someone with your critical data. 

Your data management company has to have the infrastructure and qualified personnel who is aware of in country and international laws concerning data security. 

3. Flexibility. Understanding the difference between a cloud computing supplier and the Internet can sometimes cause confusion. The cloud isn't the internet. The Internet is a series and networks of switchers and servers that handle the data that's put on it for storage, computing or transferring. 

The cloud service lives on the Internet and is separate from it. Your business has to understand that customer data isn't all in the same place. It may be stored in different locations to provide safety in storage containment. Keeping all services in one place could cause problems if that particular service goes down.

4. Choosing a Provider. The cloud offers real services to small companies. It increase the efficiency of your business services and allows the maximum freedom to access it any where your office may be. You should pick your cloud computing service the way you would select other providers and ask questions:

• Does the cloud computing service have a good reputation?,
• Are you ready to trust your service with off site services?
• Do you believe it will help your business?

Scrutinize a few businesses when considering managed communications services if the answer to these questions is yes, move your business to the cloud.