SMBs want cloud computing that keeps its boots on the ground
Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) considering cloud computing strongly prefer working with a local IT provider, according to a recent Microsoft report.
The Microsoft report, which summarized the findings from a survey of 3200 SMBs, states that 82% of SMB owners say it is “highly important” to them that their cloud computing provider has a local presence.
Why do SMB owners feel so strongly about their cloud computing provider having “boots on the ground?” The strength of cloud computing is in its cost-savings (you no longer own a lot of computer equipment), scalability and flexibility (you only pay for what you need and you can quickly add or subtract resources as needed), and its risk/headache reduction (you no longer manage your computer resources or have to repair or replace them at your expense). But the weakness of cloud computing, especially for SMBs, is the feeling of being a “small fish in a big pond” (perhaps make that ocean). As a small fish in a sea of cloud computing users, will your far-off cloud computing provider give you the support you need and be responsive when you have problems?
This preference for boots on the ground has led IT providers to a solution known as “local cloud computing” (also sometimes called “hybrid cloud computing” – though this term has several definitions, only one of which deals with boots on the ground local support). Local cloud computing offers the benefits of the cloud – cost-savings, scalability and flexibility, and risk/headache reduction – while offering clients IT support that is locally-based.
Learn more about local cloud computing from this creative short video.
