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6. Skype
Skype is not only for individual users but also for businesses of all sizes. Its very low (from 1.2 cents per minute) international calling rates, group video calling, real-time collaboration, and cloud-based availability make Skype a 2011-must-have technology. In addition to Skype’s other features, you now have the option of extending Skype to your PBX via Skype Connect.
7. OpenAir
This list of 10 cloud-based software companies will help you manage your business, keep track of your employees, and give your customers unbreakable service.
How much does management of projects, resources, timesheets, expenses, invoicing and reporting cost you on a yearly basis? OpenAir’s goal is to lower that cost by providing professional services automation (PSA) software. One of its customer testimonials states, “OpenAir performs the work of two full-time employees at an employment cost of about $150,000.” Your savings may vary, but your satisfaction level won’t when you realize that OpenAir’s applications integrate with your existing software solutions, including Salesforce.com and QuickBooks.
8. Eucalyptus
Changing gears to the more technical end of cloud-based computing for a moment brings us to Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is open source software used for implementing a private cloud using your own technology infrastructure. Eucalyptus also has the advantage of integrating with Amazon’s EC2 cloud infrastructure so that companies with private clouds can leverage Amazon’s computing power in addition to their own.
9. Smartphone Services
Yes, even communications companies feel the need to tap into cloud-based computing and storage for cell phones. Address books, contact lists, photos, text messages, call logs and GPS information all take advantage of the accessibility and availability of cloud resources. With high-speed communications networks, everything phone-related will reside in the cloud. Contact your cellular provider directly for more details on cloud-based storage and services.
10. Savvis
If you need enterprise hosting, enterprise-level content management, ecommerce solutions, business continuity planning, or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technology, Savvis is there to help. Its cloud-based services and support help your company achieve zero downtime for online services and computing infrastructure. For cloud-based services, use Savvis’ easy-to-use Symphony interface to manage your hosted cloud infrastructure. Savvis’ 15 year history, 2,000 employees, and 28 data centers make for a fast escalator to put your business in the clouds.
Ken Hess is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of open source topics including Linux, databases, and virtualization. He is also the coauthor of Practical Virtualization Solutions, which was published in October 2009. You may reach him through his web site at http://www.kenhess.com.
