Guest Blog by Jonathan Gerald, RJ Young Software Sales Specialist
So, what is Cloud technology anyway? According to Wikipedia, “Cloud computing is the use of computing resources (hardware and software) that are delivered as a service over a network (typically the Internet).” At the core, the same principles of client/server and peer-to-peer networks are used; however, it is how these principles are applied that makes the software and services more “Cloudlike.”
For example, an organization may want to offer printing services to employees who travel between locations. Traditionally, this meant managing various print drivers to ensure that the employees have the ability to print to all relevant devices within the organizational footprint. With Cloud technology, an employee may print to the Cloud using a single print driver. Once printed to the Cloud, the employee may walk to a printer or multi-function device of his or her choosing and release the print job at the device. The Cloud print capability is not printer or model specific and even works from mobile and tablet devices, enabling users to print conveniently and organizations to make better purchasing decisions. Cloud printing technology may also be applied to guest printing or pay-per-print opportunities as well, providing detailed reports for departmental or client usage.
The biggest impact of utilizing Cloud technology in today’s workplace is centered on the ease of capturing and exchanging information for the purpose of becoming more efficient. Simplifying the end user experience, as in the Cloud printing example, certainly has its value; however, enabling an employee to become more productive speaks directly to the bottom line. Workflow automation software utilized in a Cloud environment can have a big impact on streamlining business processes. Applying the Cloud concepts, such as cross platform access from PC’s and mobile devices, to common business operations, such as purchase request, timesheet, and expense report approvals, may greatly reduce processing times. In addition, workflow software may be customized to offer a high degree of flexibility, empowering organizations to improve line of business processes specific to their industry or vertical market. Key integrations may also be implemented to update various disparate systems which will in turn eliminate data entry duplication.
We live in a connected world. Contact us today and discover how Cloud technology can connect your organization to Make Your Work Flow.