Cloud computing has been a huge benefit for Bianca Wirth of Wirth Consulting. She has been using various cloud solutions for nearly a decade. When she launched her own IT project management business four years ago, she started implementing even more cloud solutions, for accounting, project management, email, productivity tools, file storage and software testing.
One of the reasons she moved across was for backup and recovery purposes, she says.
“I came from large corporate environments where backup of critical data and access to applications was controlled centrally on masses of servers and computers. This environment makes it easy to recover your data and applications if your computer fails.
“But like most start-ups and small businesses, the cost of purchasing multiple servers and computers to ensure all of your data is safe and recoverable is often prohibitive. Not to mention you need specialist skills to manage all of this.
“One of the other major advantages is the convenience of working anywhere I need to.”
Cloud solutions have enabled her to open up the field of potential candidates and offer them truly flexible work scenarios, too, she says.
“Likewise this also works brilliantly for my customers. If they want me on site to manage a project I’m there, but if they don’t need me on site, I can save them the cost of hosting me at their office and still get my work done efficiently and effectively.”
But there were teething issues when moving to cloud solutions, she admits.
When changing from POP-based email, the Office 365 program archived more than three years of emails. Initially she thought they had disappeared.
Converting to Quickbooks Online and Shoeboxed.com for managing accounts and receipts also caused issues that took some time to iron out, she says.
Source: Tim Reed, CEO, MYOB. This article first appeared on StartupSmart.
