4 Cloud-based Services To Streamline Your Business

The answer to streamlining all of your business operations is now in the cloud, as tech-savvy individuals like to say. If you are not well-versed in trendy tech terms like 'the cloud', know that the term is referring to a network of servers that provides users with web-based applications or offers a service via the Internet. As abstract as it might seem, you are already using the cloud if you use social media or even web-based email.

Instead of needing physical hardware to store files or run an application, the server will provide the user with access to storage or even applications over the World Wide Web. Businesses only pay for what they use and are not stuck investing in expensive equipment that will hardly be used. If you are ready to run your business more efficiently, here are four services provided in the cloud that can help with streamlining your company.

DropBox for Easy Access to Forms and Files

Do you really want to take up all of your space on mobile devices storing files? One way to streamline operations is to save pertinent forms and files that all staff will need access to on Dropbox. This cloud-based storage service allows you to save documents from your device so that you can access them on-the-go, or so that a colleague can pull them up if you are away. It is also great for backing up data that you need and that cannot be lost.

OpenAir for Professional Services Automation

Companies spend a pretty penny on managing invoices, expenses, payroll and financial reporting. Even if you are already outsourcing many of these services, you are still paying a large fee. OpenAir is a unique cloud-based application that can do the work of two full-time employees without compromising quality.

Cloud-based Solutions for Customer Relationship Management

Managing relationships and nurturing the relationships that you have cultivated is critical. Frequent contacts are critical when you are retaining customers, but it is easy to get lost in the chaos when you are running the front office and the back end. Luckily, there are relationship management solutions in the cloud that target specific industries and sectors. For example, SolutionReach is a total patient management service that ensures dental and vision patients will not miss appointments or leave to a new practice. The service saves staff time to focus on new patients without neglecting those who have stayed loyal.

Accounting Automation with QuickBooks

Filing taxes for a small business can require a huge investment of time when you do not stay organized all year. Luckily, the cloud helps you do this when you have a program like Quickbooks at your disposal. Track expenses, save invoices and receipts, run reports, and make filing your taxes so much easier. With Quickbooks solutions, you can make the not-so-fun task of accounting quick and painless.

These are just 4 of the dozens of cloud-based services you cannot live without as a business owner. Think about where the most of your time is spent. If you can reasonably reduce the amount of time you commit to tasks that can be automated or streamlined in the cloud, think of what you could do with the time you free up.