Ready or Not – Cloud Computing Coming on Strong

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Ready or Not – Cloud Computing Coming on Strong

With the recent release of the much anticipated Kindle Fire, cloud computing is finally going mainstream…and it appears Apple is planning to follow suite sooner rather than later .

Cloud Computing – The Death of Desktops?

Cloud computing has been around for several years but only recently making its way into the daily lives of average users in part due to the availability of better hardware, extensive app’s and adoption of alternative methods of accessing information. As users turn to social media sites and texting, more people than ever depending upon mobile devices…and that mobility has created a demand to access their information any time – anywhere.

It’s no longer acceptable to wait until you arrive at the office or home to grab that needed document or photograph…24/7 access is the name of the game. Cloud computing allows that plus much more.

The Devil is in the Devices

Until recently, consumers have been faced with the prospect of lugging around a growing number of individual devices; cell phones, mp3 players, cameras, e-readers and more. Apple has been an industry leader with several of the most popular options including iPod, iPhone and the iPad. Until last week’s Kindle Fire announcement, there hasn’t been a major contender able to compete with Apple’s growing domination. However, Amazon took a slightly different approach including an offer that heavily relies upon the popular Amazon Cloud which already provides free storage to music, books and even movies purchased via Amazon. Now it appears Apple is planning to roll out their own release in response.

According to PCWorld, Apple has prematurely send out email welcoming users to the iCloud which will allow users to store and access music, apps, books, photos and video in addition to mail, documents and other information.

Small Business Savvy

So, what does this mean for your small business? It’s time to speak with your social media agency about establishing a cloud presence for your clients and staff especially if you offer any type of digital media, documents, software or applications of interest. Not only is it one way to build brand loyalty but take a lesson from the “big boys” of business; by providing a convenient way to store and access information they are creating lifelong users.

Mike McLaughlin

Maximize Social Media, LLC

http://maximizesocialmedia.com/

http://www.youtube.com/maximizesocialmedia

http://maximizesocialmedia.com/newsletter

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About the author:

Mike McLaughlin is the COO & President of America’s top social media agency for medium-sized businesses, Maximize Social Media.

* As a television producer, he was a key player on several nationally televised shows and worked side by side with celebrities such as Ed Koch, Mills Lane, and Harvey Levin.

* He also used his creative talents to support Fortune 100 companies Lockheed Martin and Publix Super Markets, as a project manager of large-scale training and communications projects.

* At Maximize Social Media, Mike supervises a team of over 200 social media professionals that provide consulting and management services to businesses in more than a dozen verticals.

* Follow Maximize Social Media on Twitter: http://twitter.com/maximizesocial

* Join the Maximize Social Media Facebook Fan Page:

http://www.facebook.com/MaximizeSocialMedia