Individual Topical Review Paper/Report Outline

Cloud-Based Business Applications

Cloud Computing’s Transformation of the World’s Business Environment

This paper aims to explore and describe the disruptive impact of cloud computing-based applications on the global business environment.

The advent of high-speed internet, coupled with rapidly developing computing technologies, have enabled businesses to tap into ‘The Cloud’ – a vast server pool of resources – and obtain access to integrated software applications and profound computing capacity without the need to install or maintain hardware and software.

This is a paradigm shift in providing productive, flexible, cost-effective and holistic improvement in how firms manage their information and business activities.

The rationale behind choosing this topic:

I am fascinated by how the cloud is transforming the way that businesses can exchange information by collaborating and integrating their internal and external operations. Personally, I feel that the savings in time, energy and money make this technology truly disruptive.

A game-changer for small businesses, cloud computing continues to shrink capital costs for start-ups and fuel competition by breaking entry barriers.

In times of economic uncertainty, cloud computing is a cost-cutting boon for both private and public sector organizations whose operations are being stretched. Cloud computing promises higher efficiency at lower costs; automation will diminish the need for staff to maintain and upgrade systems regularly. This will also allow IT staff to focus on more important, strategic goals. Firms will only pay for what they use; therefore, computing will change from a heavy cost to a utility.

Additionally, in this paper, I intend to focus on:

v  The pre-cloud era: how organizations managed their information and IT needs prior to the origins of cloud computing-based platforms and services.

v  How cloud computing has already changed the business landscape through cloud services like Google Apps, Salesforce CRM, Skype and Office 365.

v  How current firms plan to integrate cloud computing into their operations and propel their firms into a new era of efficiency and profitability.

v  How new services and applications built on cloud platforms will transform age-old industries, such as healthcare, financial, manufacturing and education.

v  The implications of this technology for staff; it is likely to have a positive effect on business culture by providing flexibility, as professionals will be able to access their business information anytime, anywhere and from a bevy of devices including their smartphones and tablets.

v  In times of environmental concern, cloud computing is a greener alternative, allowing firms to cut down on their carbon emissions. 

v  What are the possible or likely drawbacks and concerns about the use of this technology, such as: security, reliability, and control; and what developers are doing to counter them. 

The paper will conclude with my perspectives on the impact that cloud computing applications have on business competitiveness, and why I feel cloud computing is a significant technology revolution that will define the new IT-centric business era.