Although the market for cloud computing is poised to surpass $80 billion worldwide in the next decade, recent reports indicate that state and local government entities across America spend up to $7 billion on the cloud every year. Cloud services brokers help businesses and governments of every size to access a wide variety of resources that are available with the cloud computing model.
Not only does the adoption of cloud computing technology enable smaller cities to utilize the same software as their more populated counterparts, but the offsite storage of sensitive records can act to stimulate consumer confidence and participation at the local and state government levels. Monies saved by storing records offsite can also be reinvested into the community, further spurring financial growth.
One of the most important aspects of private cloud computing models is its cost: experts report that local and state government bodies should be able to save about one-third of their operating costs every year. Cloud brokerage services can help businesses train their employees and can help develop workable IT and security solutions. Cloud communications continues to become the norm worldwide, and cloud brokers are able to direct local and state governments through a complex and evolving marketplace.
Cloud computing enables businesses of any size to access current software on a subscription model that is akin to leasing a car. Instead of having to spend resources on computer hardware and on software that seems designed to become obsolete, governments can save money and remain completely up-to-date at the same time. Cloud communications can also help local governments learn from larger markets and implement change more quickly: using the same software across state and local lines should stimulate more accurate data analyses, experts say.
About one-third of all businesses currently report that they “outsource” their IT, or information technology. Instead of hiring a full-time, onsite employee, business or government entities can hire an IT professional who may have ten or more clients at once. In the absence of a problem, companies are no longer required to pay an IT pro for their downtime. Saving money on health insurance for full-time employees can also go a long way toward promoting public confidence in their local governments’ commitment to save money and to optimize resources.
Cloud consultants should be able to meet in person with interested parties to develop a plan to transition into offsite data storage and maintenance. Cloud communications remains an emerging field, and businesses that have found success in outsourcing their security and IT are starting to consider transitioning broad swaths of financial data into the cloud as well. In the face of an expanding cloud computing market, smaller local governments may find themselves better able to leverage existing financial resources.