Cloud computing, the latest in managed data storage, promises to usher in a new era of document containment and availability that has a widespread positive impact on businesses large and small. What can a technological advancement with a name as vague as “cloud” really do for companies the world over, and how has it already proven its worth?

According to Global Business Expert Laurel Delaney, founder of GlobeTrade.com, Cloud technology promises 10 benefits, including:

• Increased volume output or productivity with fewer people

• Reduced Spending on technology infrastructure

• A cheaply globalized workforce, connected via the Internet

• Streamlined processes

• Reduced capital costs due to little need for extra hardware, software, or licensing

• Improved accessibility

• Efficient project monitoring

• Less personnel training

• Minimized licensing of new software

• Improved flexibility

In order to provide its famed agility, cloud technology uses API accessibility (application programming interface) to interact with its software. This allows machines to interact with the technology the same way that humans would through user interface. With this internet-based system, users enjoy device and location independence, so businesses are no longer dependent on proximity to employees or clients. Cloud programs can be accessed from servers, desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones with ease, making every cloud-approved tech user, whether on the beach or in the office, a functioning part of the team. For this reason, maintenance of data stored on the cloud is easy, since applications are not stored individually on users’ computers, but instead available from different locations.

Security is an issue for any business, especially one contemplating global involvement. Centrally-located data on the cloud allows for increased security, and reduced tech-related costs divert more funds to security-related budgets. In addition, those seeking further control over the infrastructure and information security can obtain private cloud installations.

Companies concerned with their performance will be pleased with the ease with which Cloud can be monitored, using web services as the system interface. With a share-focused infrastructure, Cloud provides multitenancy among a large pool of users, allowing for centralization and lower real estate and electricity costs associated with multi-branch companies. The same virtualization technology allows for an increase in server and storage device utilization, with applications easily migrating from one physical server to the next.

As far as personnel are concerned, cloud’s information agility once again allows for more independent training, with less hours spent walking new employees through company policy and procedure. With information available to all, the cloud effectively communicates, minus the training hours.

Cloud technology, with its agility and cost effectiveness, comes through on its impressive promises to increase the reach and influence of business.  For both established companies and the next generation of business owners, getting “on the cloud” is par for the course.