Cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of your computer's hard drive. In computer networking, cloud computing is a phrase used to describe a variety of computing concepts that involve many computers connected through a real-time communication network such as the Internet.

Cloud computing provides a way for your business to manage your computing resources online. The term has evolved over recent years and can be used to describe the use of a third party for your storage and computing needs.

• Cloud computing is a more modern approach to handling long-running business needs.
• Broadband internet and smart mobile technology have made cloud computing possible.
• There are numerous ways that cloud computing benefits small businesses. It stores and backs up company data, it runs software applications, and it streamlines how information is shared.

Cloud computing makes it easier, cheaper and faster to run state-of-the-art IT architectures in any type of company, large or small. The key benefits are:

• Cost: Significant cost savings are likely across a company’s IT budget.
• Cash flow: The billing is typically metered on usage, so IT expenditure shifts from one-off, upfront capital expenditure to monthly operating expenses, offering a cash flow advantage.
• Flexibility: Businesses can rent IT equipment and applications as needed, rather than buying hardware and software assets outright.
• Scalability: Computing capabilities like storage, processing power or network bandwidth can be scaled-up almost instantly and scaled-down again depending on demand and users are unlikely to ever be short of capacity.
• Ubiquitous access: IT resources can be accessed by any authorised users on any authorised devices from any authorised location using an Internet connection.

Businesses benefits are faster, more scalable IT resources in the Cloud and users get a better experience. Cloud hosting provides many benefits to businesses. It’s cost-effective, can save you money, it’s highly reliable and it provides the scalability, flexibility, agility, high performance, and security businesses need from their IT systems.