There is a range of different benefits to cloud computing that businesses the world over are talking about already. The cloud offers savings in costs, flexibility and speed to market, however there are plenty of other benefits that aren't so easily noticeable.

Such benefits are the ones that forward thinking businesses are thinking about and they will be integral to the long-term success of utilising the cloud for your business. Specifically these businesses are looking into how cloud computing will change the face of their operations and how they can utilise these changes to the maximum advantage.

The main characteristics of the cloud that these companies are looking to take advantage of are;

• Little to no capital investment - This may seem like the most basic benefit but it is also perhaps the most important. The cloud, by its very nature, reduces what was previously the massive cost of maintaining and integrating a range of different services. This should sound great right off the bat but what it also means is that smaller businesses that may not previously have had the resources to invest in such services are now able to run an integrated package of products without having to fork out for it.

• Variable Pricing - A range if companies will offer services over the cloud, as it enables them to host their products and provide them quickly and easily. This means that other companies will be able to take advantage of fully customised services that would otherwise have not been available to them, allowing for variable price rates.

• Rapid acquisition and deployment - Because the cloud allows for the use of software over a web connection, there is no need to spend an eternity manually installing what you use over a wide array of systems. Simply access the software via the cloud and deployment times are cut down to a fraction of what they once were.

• Infinitely scalable - The very nature of the cloud means that you are only limited by your own needs. With no physical limitations your services can be scalable dependant entirely on your needs, meaning you will always be ready and capable for expansion.

• Lower ongoing operating costs - This one ties into the lack of a need for capital investment, as maintenance costs will often be handled by whichever company is offering their service over the cloud, meaning that you don't need to worry about the costs of operating a system that is hosted by somebody else. Instead, businesses are able to take advantage of services without having to worry about all of the additional costs.

Companies that offer their services across the cloud are able to integrate them seamlessly, meaning that they can offer other businesses applications that would otherwise have cost much in time and money to integrate.

Cloud solutions can offset costs and time constraints, with communications companies especially being able to offer VoIP services and the like over the cloud. So if a business is looking to expand in the near future, proper utilisation of services offered over the cloud will be instrumental in ensuring the future scalability of the business.

This is especially prevalent when it comes to VoIP communications services, as previously mentioned. The very nature of VoIP means that a service hosted by the telecoms company and offered over the net is the perfect match for many a client that would rather not have to invest in a full system for themselves. The cloud allows for such services to be offered, reducing costs for customers whilst also ensuring that they gain a top quality service. Additionally, as previously mentioned, no maintenance will be required for SIP Trunks or the telephone lines themselves as the VoIP service provider will work around the clock to ensure that the service remains usable.

The cloud is set to be the biggest revolution in the way businesses operate online in a number of years. Companies should be looking into how they can take advantage of it now, to ensure that they are ahead of the curve once it becomes the standard.