UK SBs challenged to dump installed s/w for 24 hours

UK: Accounting software company KashFlow is challenging UK small businesses to dump their desktop applications for 24 hours during the UK's first national Cloud Computing Day on December 12.

The event is being organised by KashFlow to encourage UK small businesses to evaluate online applications and speed up the migration from traditional word processing, spreadsheet, accounting, email and contact management systems installed on computers to their web-based counterparts.

Small businesses will be able to share their experiences throughout the day online. A post-event survey will reveal important small business opinions about how cloud computing will help the UK to work more efficiently.

KashFlow managing director Duane Jackson revealed: "Throughout the world businesses are discovering web-based software and it's important that UK small businesses don't get left behind. They are already enjoying the benefits of a wide range of online services, which are virtually indistinguishable - and often superior - from their installed counterparts.

"The Cloud Computing Day challenge is simple - for small businesses to exclusively use online software in their day to day business on December 12th. This is a fun challenge with a serious message. And we hope National Cloud Computing Day will help to raise awareness of a more efficient, economic and flexible way of working."

KashFlow is already in advanced negotiations to provide integration with a number of other web-based applications.

Duane adds: "Cloud computing generally represents much better value than installed software - and in some cases it's actually free. Many applications also include free online storage helping businesses to synchronise, backup and access data anywhere in the world. But I suspect there are a number of

areas that aren't being catered for. The business tasks and processes where participants can't find an online solution are likely to be more revealing than the areas where they can.

"The benefits of cloud computing are huge - there's no need to implement software upgrades, pay for maintenance or add more hardware. This makes SaaS - or cloud computing - attractive to UK small businesses, particularly during a recession. And that's why the way we all work is changing."