As we’ve discussed in several previous posts, switching to cloud computing can provide big benefits for your small business. Still not sure the time is right? A recent article on smallbusinesscomputing.com says “2014 could be the year that ‘the cloud’ takes over from the local PC/server as the primary platform on which small businesses run. Throw in the mix the continued march to mobility and more ‘smart’ devices able to interact with the Internet directly, and it’s shaping up to be the year that the PC becomes a niche device.” Change can be difficult but clearly, now is a good time to make the switch to cloud computing. If you need extra incentive, consider the time you'll save and the surety you'll gain by switching to the cloud. Our free small business inventory tool is a great first step. Try it. You'll save time and money.
If you are still hesitating, what is holding you back? Making a list of pros and cons is a great way to see whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Oftentimes decisions involve so much more than what initially meets the eye. It’s okay to assign weights to your pros and cons according to their impact on you and your business. Potentially having to fire an employee because his or her job becomes obsolete when switching to the cloud can and should receive more consideration than a nice to have but not necessary item in the pro column. Look at each item that you add to your list and really evaluate how much it is worth to your business. When your list is complete you can tally your weighted items and see the true cost vs. benefit. For example, small business inventory management can be streamlined using cloud computing saving you time and money. That's a big deal and should be put in the PRO column when evaluating a switch.
Many people find it hard to make changes simply because they are comfortable with the way they have always done things and see no reason to learn a new way. Consider this though, once computers, cell phones, and even cars and TVs were all new technologies. Would any of us really want to go back to traveling around in a cart and a buggy? Aren’t we glad that others took the chance back then on “new technology”? One day we will look back at the time before cloud computing and wonder how we ever got things done.
Today is a great day to take that first step towards being more efficient and start realizing the many benefits of cloud computing. If you’d like to start small, consider Stockpile for your small business inventory management needs. Once you see how effective and easy to use our online inventory management tool is you’ll wonder why you waited so long to make the switch.
