Emily Wight| Guardian
Here on the Small Business Network a range of experts have been keen to point out the benefits of cloud computing to small business owners. For a start, our bloggers have written about the numerous benefits of this technology, such as how it allows staff to work remotely and more flexibly. Andrew Brewerton from EVault explained how the cloud allows users to back up and synchronise their data, ensuring whoever accesses it is viewing the most up-to-date information.
Elance Europe’s Kjetil Olsen highlighted the range of web tools that help make paperless collaborative working the norm. Chris Harding from The Open Group also explained how outsourcing IT to the cloud reduces the need for specialist skills and frees managers to concentrate on the core business.
An increasing number of companies and individuals are taking note of these benefits. Cloud computing is on the rise, with estimates that the industry is headed for 30% annual growth worldwide.
This is why we thought it would be useful to find out more about this trend in a live Q&A session. We have asked a panel of experts to join our discussion to offer their insight and opinions on what cloud computing can offer SME owners.
Our Q&A will look at:
• The benefits that cloud computing can bring to small businesses.
• What small business owners need to know about working this way.
• The different types of cloud computing and what each option offers.
The discussion will take place in the comments section below on Thursday 21 March between 1pm and 3pm. If you’d like to leave a question before the discussion starts, please write it in the comments section and our panel will get back to you.
