SMART Blog

The cloud might be a great new data storage resource for independent agencies to get more done during the workday, but it’s far more than that. Uses for the cloud are constantly evolving to adapt to a shifting online environment. It’s now an indispensable tool for the serious modern business. The cloud is changing the way businesses handle their data and information, but it can do so much more.

Cloud services are growing more common with small and medium-sized businesses, to the point where almost all businesses take advantage of the cloud in some way, shape, or form. However, an independent agency's specific cloud needs vary, and the same solution doesn’t work for everyone. Still, there are a few notable qualities that most businesses want for their cloud in 2016.

When one thinks about the Internet of Things (IoT), smart homes, smart cars, and mobile devices come to mind. While innovations like these are fueling the excitement behind the IoT, it’s actually the smaller, behind-the-scenes IoT devices that are poised to bring about the most significant change to our connected society.

More businesses today are taking advantage of cloud computing than ever before, but one thing isn’t certain; what type of cloud solution a business needs to be using. While there are public, private, and even hybrid cloud solutions, the private cloud stands out as an ideal solution for organizations that want optimal control over their data. How can your business benefit from leveraging a private cloud solution?

Cloud computing is an important game changer for businesses, but some are dragging their heels when it comes to implementing this new concept into their strategy. One of the biggest reasons why businesses hold off moving to the cloud is because they are not  certain of what the cloud does.

One of the greatest advances in technology solutions to have emerged in the past few years is cloud computing. In fact, it’s one of the most popular Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms out there for the modern business. Are you prepared to commit to a cloud solution that can potentially improve productivity on all levels of your business infrastructure?

The modern business world is constantly evolving, and one of the revolutions that have allowed for this is virtualization. You might have heard about server virtualization or even desktop virtualization. Did you know that you can virtualize your applications, too? In fact, it can be one of the most valuable uses for virtualization, especially considering the upcoming Windows Server 2003 end-of-support date.

Cloud computing is a revolution which is bringing about a change in the way small businesses view the consumption and analysis of data. More businesses than ever before have joined the cloud trend. However, some are finding that their cloud solution isn’t ideal, or they have presumptions about the cloud that simply aren’t true.

Some businesses are finding hardware virtualization to be an effective alternative to hosting their own servers in-house, and for good reason. They save money that would ordinarily be spent on electricity and operating costs associated with owning machinery. Similar to these virtual servers and workstations are what are known as “thin clients.”

Accessibility and mobility are important parts of a business’s data infrastructure. To this end, some businesses take advantage of a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which has the power to extend a personal network over a private network like the Internet. However, with new services like cloud computing gaining traction, is it time for businesses to switch up their VPN policies to stay relevant in their industry?

As we near the end of 2014, the topic of IT budgeting is on everyone’s minds. How much are you willing to spend, and on what? In order to provide optimal figures for the new year, you need to take some time to plan out what you think you need to spend, versus how much you’re willing to spend, on IT. Thankfully, you don’t have to do this alone.

The cloud is changing the future of the technology industry in ways previously unseen. The cloud has the ability to store and process data from anywhere with a mobile device, which greatly changes the way that businesses operate. Everyone has their own predictions about what will happen as the cloud becomes more popular, but Greg Walters of Walters & Shutwell Inc. has some particularly interesting ideas to chew on.

What are managed IT services all about? You've heard about how businesses are saving on their IT costs by outsourcing their technology needs, but how does this service work? The money-saving answer comes from this radical new approach to treating IT as a Service!

It's the nature of trends for people to want to capitalize on them, which means that many sellers of what's trendy may have little experience working with the trends that they're selling. As a business looking to take advantage of the latest technology trends, it's important that you're not bamboozled by a smooth talking technology marketer with no depth.

Cloud computing is making everything easier. Companies that operated IT infrastructures of their own before the cloud know firsthand how much easier it is thanks to the cloud. A brief comparison of doing business before and after the cloud will show just how much cloud computing is changing things.

Admit it, you've thought about moving some of your computing infrastructure to the cloud, but just couldn't take the leap because there is a perception out there that suggests cloud-based computing systems are less secure than the ones that you house within the confines of your office. The fact of the matter is that every piece of computing infrastructure has the same shortcomings as far as security goes. Whether hosted in a cloud or in an enterprise data server, the thing that makes data security work for business is having the right people managing your information.

Is your business taking advantage of desktop virtualization? It's a great money-saving solution that allows you to host a desktop environment from your server so that it can be accessed remotely on a terminal or device via your network. Businesses wanting to control their data while enjoying the conveniences of the cloud will get the most from desktop virtualization.

By now, the advantages of using a cloud-based solution to backup your company's data are well known. It's easy to use, scalable, and cost effective. However, not all cloud-based backup solutions are created equal. There's still a level of risk, albeit a small one, that comes with cloud computing. It's important that your cloud service is thoroughly explained to you.

One of the most attractive features of cloud computing is the ability to free you from your desk and go mobile. While there are many ways that going mobile can benefit your business, like making your staff more productive, there are also several personal benefits worth considering by doing your work on the go.

One of the surest ways to boost your bottom line is with cuts. You can then funnel these cuts into your revenue column and look profitable, even with lousy sales. While this approach will boost your bottom line, your numbers will be hollow. The smartest way to cut is to replace the loss with something profitable. Cloud computing lets you make profitable cuts.