Cloud computing is truly a savior—especially in today’s economy where small businesses must do everything within their power to boost productivity and cut costs.

Nearly all 9.6 million small- and medium-size businesses (SMBs) in the United States – 98 percent-- say technology is important to their success. Yet 42 percent report having no IT department.  The cloud provides a cost-effective way for small businesses to meet their technology needs. It offers a complete solution that allows owners and professionals to spend less time on technology and more time on strategic initiatives vital to the success of their business.

To showcase the growing momentum for cloud services among SMBs, Microsoft developed the “Small Businesses & the Cloud” infographic pictured below. As the graphic demonstrates, the cloud is improving business results for SMBs in a myriad of ways:

- 42 percent of U.S. SMBs say cloud computing has reduced their IT workload

- 38 percent of U.S. SMBs like getting new features faster

- 60 percent of U.S. SMBs say cloud computing is important to improving IT collaboration

- 50 percent of U.S. SMBs report savings when using Microsoft Office 365

 
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Already, momentum for cloud services is growing. In the three years from 2009 to 2012, the percentage of SMBs in the U.S. that use cloud software is expected to more than double from 14 percent to 35 percent. What’s more, 74 percent of SMBs that have already embraced cloud-based software plan to increase their spending this year.

If you’re a small business, now is the time to take a look. Evaluate the ways in which Office 365 can help increase productivity. Explore the ways in which it can help reduce costs.  Most importantly, don’t lose out on the competitive advantage it can provide. Click here to learn more about our 30-day free trial.