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Commercials from Windows, IBM, Apple and others now consistently refer to “The Cloud”. Just what is “The Cloud” and why should you care?

Quite simply, the cloud is one of the latest tools to simplify the world’s connection through technology.  It is a way for family and friends to communicate across the globe. It is a way for organizations to conduct business around the world. Not only does it connect people in unprecedented ways, but it can do so without a hefty price tag.

What can the cloud do for nonprofits? The cost efficiency of cloud computing is what attracts many nonprofits to its solutions. Traditional business applications are typically expensive and complicated. The costs to purchase servers to store data, software applications to use and an Information Technology (IT) staff to maintain it can easily consume a small organization’s resources.  Cloud computing allows an organization to purchase IT solutions over the web, without the hassles of owning hardware or software.  Services provided over the cloud range from email to managing databases and document storage.

Aside from cost efficiencies, the cloud allows smaller nonprofits to utilize sophisticated solutions that would not typically be feasible for them. The organization does not have to worry about upgrading systems, as the software in the cloud is automatically updated by the vendor. Services are customizable and can be mixed with other services to integrate into a package that best fits the nonprofit’s needs.  Also, cloud computing allows flexibility for customers to increase or decrease services as needed without worries of commitment fees or license agreements to break.

The cloud is a good solution for small to medium-sized nonprofits who have limited capital, space and IT staff. However, it may be intimidating for those who do not fully trust “modern technology”. Once you realize that you are already using cloud computing to some extent then you may start seeing other ways to use it to help get work done efficiently. There are many CPE courses and webinars available through the GSCPAs and AICPA if you would like more information. TechBridge, Inc. is also a useful resource for local nonprofits in the Atlanta area.

For more information, contact any member of the nonprofit team at 404.874.6244 or call our toll-free nonprofit hotline at 1-877-354-3820.