You may have heard the term cloud computing, but without knowing what it is. Maybe you’ve also heard that you can store things in a cloud, like files, presentations and your very busy agenda (unfortunately not the boxes of old files in the corner of your office). But how does this cloud work, and what can it do for your small business?

First, let’s go over some popular misconceptions. You cannot “go to the cloud,” and you cannot physically “get the cloud” or “download the cloud.” You cannot visually see the cloud because it is not one entity. Cloud computing is purely a concept, an idea that applies to various web services, including sites, apps and desktop software.

What Is the Cloud?

Essentially, the cloud is a collection of remote, networked servers where you can store your files and access them from anywhere, from any device, as long as you have Internet access. Just upload your documents to the cloud via a variety of available services, and you’ve got instant backup that doesn’t take up your device’s internal or external memory.

There are a variety of services that leverage the power of decentralized networks, including Verizon Global Wholesale, Verizon Business Apps (like Field Force Manager), Amazon AWS, Google Premier Apps and Microsoft Office 365.

Small Business Benefits of Cloud Computing

For a small business owner, this means easy file sharing between you, your employees and your customers. This also means that as long as your documents have been uploaded to the server, you can get to them, even if you forgot your laptop at the office.

Cloud-computing is also a cost-effective way to store, share and access your files, as there are no servers in your office that need costly maintenance or replacement. Pay a small monthly fee and keep your important documents saved on a maintained server, without worrying about compromised security or the dreaded computer crash.

Speaking of cost-effective, small business owners and large business owners alike can benefit from the efficiency and convenience of the Intuit® GoPayment Credit Card Terminal app, which allows you to take payments through your phone or tablet anytime, anywhere, storing the exchanged money and payment history securely in the Intuit cloud. You receive a free Intuit Credit Card Reader when you sign up for Intuit’s service. With this cloud-based app, making sales couldn’t be simpler.

As a Verizon Wireless customer, you may have already used cloud computing. The Verizon Business App Backup Assistant saves the contacts stored in your device to a server so that you never lose your contacts due to a lost, stolen or damaged phone. If you haven’t used Backup Assistant, give it a try. There is no monthly charge for this service.