Five essential cloud computing tools for business

This article first appeared on September 29, 2011

What are the essential cloud computing services?

There are thousands of cloud computing products that cover almost every conceivable business need, but there are a few must-haves for every organisation.

Whether you’re a cash-strapped start-up, a fast-moving growth business or an established, mature company looking to use existing staff and resources more effectively there are some must-have services.

Google Apps

The free version of Google Apps allows 10 users to work together on the same documents and spreadsheets.

That facility on its own is a compelling reason for cost-aware start-ups and established businesses to use it.

While Google Apps’ features are somewhat lightweight compared to competing office suites like Microsoft Office or Apple’s iWork they are more than adequate for basic office tasks.

Google Apps’ real time collaborative functions – which allow different staff members to work on a file at the same time – make it a winner for cost-conscious teams.

Cloud accounting

Watching the pennies is the key to survival for any new business and having a simple accounting program where it’s painless to enter expenses and to track spending is essential.

Accounting software is an area where cloud-based services come into their own and there is a range of online services that meet the needs of most businesses.

Two of the better offerings for Australian businesses are Xero. Like most cloud services the accounting platforms offer a free trial to let you work out if the software is for you.

File sharing

Sharing files across teams and with contractors, clients and service providers used to be a pain, involving sending discs or struggling with email and file servers.

Services like Dropbox and Box.net allow you to upload files and give selected users access to folders, removing problems with version control and arguments about who has the latest copy.

Most file-sharing services are free until you reach a data limit where a payment kicks in so they’re ideal for cash-strapped start-ups.

Keeping in touch

Once you have customers you want to keep them and a regular email newsletter is an easy way to let clients know that you’re still around and what’s happening.

Mailchimp is one of the easiest to use newsletter programs, with tracking tools that tell you who is opening your emails and what they are clicking on.

An added benefit of Mailchimp is that it complies with the requirements of the Spam Act, making sure you won’t inadvertently fall foul of the law while irritating potential customers.

Like the file-sharing programs Mailchimp is free for mailing lists up to 2000 or 10,000 messages sent a month, so it’s good value for businesses wanting to stretch their capital.

Analytics

The Internet is today’s business shopfront and we need to know who is visiting our website and what they are doing when they get there.

Google’s free analytics program is just the tool to do that.

It’s free and Google Analytics is feature rich, giving business owners a comprehensive picture of online visitors’ behaviour.

This service is an essential addition to business website and if you don’t have it already ask your site administrator.

These tools are a great addition to any established or start-up business.

But they aren’t the only tools available and it’s worthwhile having a look at what can work for you.

Paul Wallbank is one of Australia’s leading experts on how industries and societies are changing in this connected, globalised era. When he isn’t explaining technology issues, he helps businesses and community organisations find opportunities in the new economy.