Cloud computing is empowering, as anyone in any part of world with internet connection and a credit card can run and manage applications in the state of the art global datacenters; companies leveraging cloud will be able to innovate cheaper and faster.

Jamal Mazhar, Founder and CEO of Kaavo

IT outsourcing is the practice of hiring external service providers to perform some or all of the IT functions and processes of a business. IT outsourcing can help businesses reduce costs, improve efficiency, access specialized skills, and focus on their core competencies. However, traditional IT outsourcing models often involve long-term contracts, rigid service level agreements, and high switching costs, which can limit the flexibility and scalability of businesses in a dynamic and competitive market.

Cloud-based solutions are a new form of IT outsourcing that leverage the power of the cloud and cloud-based infrastructure to deliver IT services over the internet. Cloud-based solutions offer many benefits over traditional IT outsourcing models, such as:

Cost efficiency

With cloud-based solutions, businesses only pay for what they use, without having to invest in expensive hardware, software, or maintenance. Cloud-based solutions also reduce the operational costs of managing IT resources, such as power, cooling, security, and staff.

Flexibility

Cloud-based solutions allow businesses to adjust their IT needs according to their changing demands and preferences. Businesses can easily scale up or down their IT resources, add or remove features, and switch between different service providers without being locked into long-term contracts or facing high switching costs.

Productivity

Cloud-based solutions enable businesses to access IT services from any location and device, as long as they have an internet connection. This enhances the mobility and collaboration of employees, as well as the availability and reliability of IT systems. Cloud-based solutions also automate and streamline many IT tasks, such as backup, recovery, updates, and patches, which frees up time and resources for more strategic and innovative activities.

Innovation

Cloud-based solutions provide businesses with access to the latest technologies and best practices in the IT industry, without having to invest in research and development or staff training. Cloud-based solutions also foster innovation by enabling businesses to experiment with new ideas and solutions, test them in real-time, and iterate quickly based on feedback and data.

The cloud is not a destination: it’s an IT model where applications and infrastructure are provided as services.

Steve MacPherson, CTO at Framestore

Cloud-based solutions are transforming IT outsourcing by offering businesses a more efficient, flexible, productive, and innovative way of managing their IT functions and processes. According to a report by Gartner, the global spending on cloud services is expected to reach $332.3 billion in 2021, a 23.1% increase from 2020. The report also predicts that by 2024, more than 45% of IT spending on system infrastructure, infrastructure software, application software and business process outsourcing will shift from traditional solutions to cloud.

Some examples of cloud-based solutions that enable businesses to outsource their IT functions and processes are:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):

These solutions provide access to vital network infrastructure, such as servers, storage, networking, and security. Businesses can use these resources to host their applications, data, and websites without having to purchase or maintain them. Some examples of IaaS providers are Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

These solutions provide access to a hosting environment that serves as the underlying platform for developing and running various software applications. Businesses can use these platforms to create, deploy, and manage their applications without having to worry about the underlying infrastructure or software. Some examples of PaaS providers are Heroku, Salesforce, and IBM Cloud.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

These solutions provide access to ready-made software applications that run on the cloud. Businesses can use these applications to perform various functions and processes without having to install or update them. Some examples of SaaS providers are Gmail, Dropbox, and Zoom.

Function as a Service (FaaS)

These solutions provide access to discrete functions or code snippets that run on the cloud. Businesses can use these functions to execute specific tasks or logic without having to manage servers or applications. Some examples of FaaS providers are AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, and Google Cloud Functions.

Cloud computing is really a no-brainer for any start-up because it allows you to test your business plan very quickly for little money. Every start-up, or even a division within a company that has an idea for something new, should be figuring out how to use cloud computing in its plan.

Brad Jefferson, CEO of Animoto

Cloud-based solutions are not only transforming IT outsourcing but also creating new opportunities for businesses to leverage the power of the cloud for their growth and success. By adopting cloud-based solutions, businesses can outsource their IT functions and processes to third-party providers who can offer them more value, quality, speed, and innovation than ever before.