Price: AUD$ 49.00
Location: Online

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ESTIMATED TIME FOR COMPLETION: 1-2 hours

Cloud computing takes all the major components of computing – hardware, software, storage, networking, data, and expertise and makes them available virtually, globally and on-demand, allowing you to access them anywhere at anytime you have access to the internet. This online training course we will be looking at how cloud computing can benefit your business, strategies for choosing the right cloud computing solutions and more.

On completion of this lesson you should be able to:

  • Define ‘cloud’ computing
  • List the types of activities able to be conducted ´in the cloud´
  • Outline the benefits and risks of cloud computing to your business
  • Identify cloud computing solutions suitable for your business
  • Identify some strategies for choosing the right solution/s for your business
  • Identify risk management and security issues associated with cloud computing
  • Identify strategies to stay informed about the latest cloud computing technology that may benefit your business.

INTRODUCTION

Cloud computing provides a cost-effective way of delivering your ICT requirements online. Documents, emails, customer details and applications can all be stored remotely by your cloud computing service provider and accessed over the internet through a web browser.

CLOUD COMPUTING AND YOUR BUSINESS

Transitioning to cloud services may offer the following business benefits for small business owners, however, how much of a benefit it will be to your business will depend upon the nature of your business, which cloud model is adopted, how it is implemented and how well it is accepted in the work place.

THE RISKS OF CLOUD COMPUTING

There is, however, a downside to cloud computing …

DEFINING YOUR CLOUD COMPUTING NEEDS

Before you consider moving some or all of your business operations to the ‘cloud’ it is a good idea to think about the way you currently do business and therefore where potential efficiencies, cost savings or reduced risk could be enjoyed.

TYPES OF CLOUD COMPUTING SERVICE MODELS

The Australian Government has adopted the US Government’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) definition for cloud computing which provides for three types of cloud service offerings.

GOOGLE APPS

Many people use Google on a daily basis to search for all types of things. What many people don’t realise is that Google also boasts a range of free applications which can help business owners save time and money. Importantly all of these applications are offered ‘in the cloud’.

STORAGE, BACKUP AND FILE SHARING CLOUD SOLUTIONS

Consider however what would happen to your business if you lost everything that was saved to your computer’s hard drive? What if your back up file was also damaged, stolen or lost? What would this mean to your business? How long would it take to get up and operational again? This is where cloud computing solutions really help!

FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING CLOUD SOLUTIONS

A wide range of finance and accounting cloud solutions are available. On the pages to follow is a small selection to get you started:

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Whilst there are certainly some compelling benefits of considering a move to cloud, it is important to understand that there are also some risks associated with this relatively new ICT sourcing and delivery model.
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WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY

  • A downloadable PDF – print it out and read it at your leisure or save an online version and engage in it digitally
  • Access to our YouTube channel with several webinars and other valuable information
  • Resources – downloadable resources related to the content where available
  • Access to our Private Facebook group where you can network with other likeminded business people who are engaging in digital skills training. Ask questions, gain support, keep updated!

DISCLAIMER

Please note: As online tools update often, screenshots or orientations around the system given in this module may look different from what it does today. The learning principles will still apply.