Cloud computing has become increasingly popular, even while many people (industry leaders included) continue to waffle about exactly how it should be defined. The basic consensus is that cloud computing is ubiquitous, offering resources to many users at a time, over the Internet. It doesn’t matter where, geographically the programs or applications themselves reside because they are all plugged into the cloud. Everything is available remotely, from anywhere. While the cloud is often confused with the grid (think the SETI@home project) the cloud is differentiated by its infinite scalability: it can grow as big as you need it to be, quickly, without any interruption of service. Of course, grid computing and cloud computing are not mutually exclusive, but cloud always allows for multiple users while grid does not (though grids can be used for cloud computing if they are multi-use enabled—confused yet?)

Cloud computing has grown in popularity with the rise of software-as-a-service (SaaS). Numbered are the days of downloaded software. SaaS lives in the cloud, making it remotely accessible to multiple users with scalable juice. It allows you to run complex programs and processes without having the firepower of a super high RAM computer. SaaS is easy to implement and requires no big up-front investment. It is also perfectly suited to today’s business professionals who use multiple computers and portable devices to work on collaborative projects.

One of the many benefits of the SaaS cloud is that software licenses are issued to individuals instead of to computers. This means an individual can access a program from any device. This removes the tethers—it gives every person the freedom to work from anywhere on any project. It enables small businesses to maintain completely remote offices, resulting in huge savings and increased productivity.

The SaaS cloud also reduces costs and hassles associated with software problems, maintenance and support. SaaS is the responsibility of the company providing the licenses, not the individual. How many software problems are caused by conflicting programs, insufficient hardware or simple employee error? SaaS eliminates these risks.

As businesses have enjoyed the many benefits of SaaS, many companies have focused their efforts on developing new SaaS business products for more efficiency and ease of use. Since we are in the business of making businesses more efficient (and easier to run and manage) the last few months have seen us roll out our own line of SaaS products. We pay very close attention to the needs of our business clients. Through feedback, reviews and our own business experience we have developed tools that combine the best of all possible worlds: features, efficiency, ease of use, attractiveness and speed. So far we have launched TurnKey Newsletter and TurnKeyMail, two SaaS solutions that provide necessary cloud infrastructure tools to businesses. As the fall gets underway, we will be launching more TurnKey SaaS solutions that will grow our clients’ businesses over the coming months. Bring your business up to speed quickly, easily and for less than you’re paying now. [Learn more].