The rise of cloud apps

Cloud applications for the Singapore tech markets have been around for quite some time and with the introduction of smartphones, explosive growth has been taking place.

Out from the basket came a whole range of app types for various purposes. Besides the benefits for end-consumers, businesses, especially SMEs are able to tap on this computing platform that includes hardware architecture and a software framework, where the combination allows application software to run.

In the long-term, this helps create new business models and multiple avenues of marketing to the masses that was previously unavailable.

Cloud applications exploits the use of the web, shared resources, and shared software to allow users ease and flexibility when accessing data and programs that have been vital in connecting people and businesses in particular. The most basic and essential examples of such are web-based e-mail, instant messaging and video services.

Types of cloud apps for SMEs

Just as cloud apps of all sorts start to emerge in this smartphone technological age, most of them can be identified by their base functions which falls into three main categories: infrastructure as a service, platform as a service, or software as a service.

Within these three categories, applications are created to fit specific purposes and to accomplish specific tasks. When applied in the business context, these apps types can be further broken down into a list of functions for SMEs:

· Data storage, repository and backup
· Document management
· Self-scheduling software for service-based businesses
· Online payment programs through payment gateways
· Accounting and financial software including planners and calculators
· Human resources software for screening and judging candidates
· Marketing and sales programs with email campaigns

How cloud apps benefit SMEs

COST
Besides facilitating connectivity and communications, SMEs stand to benefit from the affordable ways to incorporate huge budgeted software programs for their daily operations, which are otherwise expensive for companies to implement.

Cost effectiveness is one of the biggest plus point that makes it generally affordable and easily tailored according to company budgets which might be constrained.

EFFICIENCY
Obviously businesses could do without these apps but in a world where time and productivity counts till the last drop, this would make a difference and significantly improve operations both on an individual and company level.

The best part of these software applications is that most are made available at little or no charge and are usually accompanied by easy installing/downloads and ridiculously simple yet effective functions and instructions that even a child could perform with no difficulty.

The convenience and connections these apps bring open doors to new ways of networking and communication that would play a pivotal role in sharpening productivity, performance levels and inducing more business opportunities in the process.

Cloud applications are the perfect tools for tasks like conducting marketing campaigns, providing value-added services online and improving accounting procedures that could retain and earn the company new customers and improve their overall service ratings.

It helps that cloud-based software service providers know targeting SMEs in this field could potentially kick-start a strong trend that in turn increase market demand for such software products, so they are constantly modifying and coming up with ideas to tap on this market.

AFFORDABILITY
While many of the basic apps are free, there is always an option to upgrade to something more in-depth and specialised with added features by simply paying a small fee. Those include subscription-based, on-demand and pay-per-user services delivered in real time over the Internet which will extends IT’s existing capabilities.

With this, more SMEs are taking the fight with major corporations for market share to the clouds by exploiting the latest and most sophisticated applications, platforms and tech infrastructure that was once only thought to be affordable and accessible only by big industry players who have massive financial artillery power.

Adding cloud apps to business operations does make a big difference and with the low costs, it is worth every cent. Companies simply approach third-party service providers and host such apps on its instrastructure and subscribe to it without investing in expensive IT or doing it in-house which might cost many times more.

AVAILABILITY
Most apps are easily available and accessible 24/7 with app subscription and Internet access. Rental agreement and subscription isn’t a complicated process while Internet access is available everywhere, more so with smartphones that give you have instant access on your mobile devices with the touch of a button.

It used to be the case in the past where smaller players have difficulties finding compatible software platforms to run the programs and apps. But now, finding a platform to host business system requirements where the system is maintained in a secure environment and backed up regularly is easy with all the requirements available in the mass market.

Moreover, expanding and altering such services doesn’t cost a bomb. Cloud apps are flexible and scalable and simply grow to meet needs. Before the rise of these cloud apps, it was the norm for SME to invest in additional technology, upgrades software licenses or even people as compared to now.

In addition, besides being cost effective, most cloud-based service providers have always incorporated stringent security measures for better protection of customer data and its safety. Most service providers usually invest in reliable IT and disaster management systems to ensure a fraction shy of hundred percent uptime on the applications, which means they are virtually never ever down.

RESOURCES
There seems to be a shift in the capabilities of smaller firms as compared to big companies on the technology platforms. Marketing and the power to influence have increased drastically and are made available and free of charge to the masses.

Exploiting this newfound technology access, the power to influence and spread messages is multiplied many folds and this works best in areas of marketing and advertising where major industry players dominate with big budgets. Not anymore. With technology and innovative applications comes a whole new marketing direction that lets SMEs compete on the creative front by playing around with possibilities and permutations.

Setting aside a decent amount to finance the hiring of suitable and skilled individuals can prove to be a challenge that many SMEs face regularly.

Being able to pay a justifiable salary and providing attractive employee privileges is one factor while the other involves job prospects, building a rich portfolio and career advancement opportunities which may not be in the best interests.

With cloud apps, specialised human resources and high competence teams can be safely substituted as such apps are able to do what these individuals can. The entire burden of manpower falls on the service provider under the cloud-computing model. According to analysts, SMEs can save anywhere between 15-20 percent by taking the cloud route.

Conclusion

Cloud computing can be considered the “next big thing” after the Internet, which has seen the development of countless innovative application softwares, constantly creating a big buzz within IT circles on the latest cloud apps.

While cloud apps are being positioned as the next wave of computing, it becomes clear that SMEs are small yet agile players that have an edge over the larger companies and MNCs due to their nimble dynamic nature and ability to quickly respond to changes in the marketplace.

Most of these companies have a mindset of innovation and cloud apps provide perfect opportunities for these businesses to capitalise on their operating nature.

With the realisation that cloud apps are contributing to SMEs in a big way, vendors increasingly would want to build SME-centric products that can be offered over the cloud as demand soars, and the IT revolution can indeed sweep over this segment, enabling it to embrace technology like never before.

The belief among industry and analysts that everything may move to the “cloud” in the future isn’t too far-fetched as one might think.