Small Business Tech Glossary

The term “cloud computing” is everywhere, frequently used as a buzzword that is hard to understand. There is no universally agreed upon definition on a pure definition of the “cloud.” getFIT offers the following definitions that can be applied, based upon the context of the “cloud’s” usage.

In the simplest terms, cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs outside of a physical location — over the Internet instead of your computer’s hard drive.

In its most pure definition, business functions are conducted through cloud computing over the Internet through a Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) implementation, such as Office 365 or Salesforce.com. Users access SaaS applications and services from any location using any computer or mobile device with unblocked Internet access.

Managed IT services is a proactive and responsive approach to IT services with a trusted partner– while traditional outsourced IT services reflects a reactionary model of unplanned activities. In a properly managed IT service relationship, the IT business partner works with a client to plan and implement business technology based upon the evolving business needs of a client — determined through a meaningful two-way relationship and ongoing collaboration.