Larger businesses seem to have been quite swift to move their IT into the cloud. Many of the smaller businesses have found themselves discouraged due to high service costs as well as a shortage of cloud suppliers of appropriate offerings. For this very reason, companies are now offering cloud tools and resources for small businesses that are consistently free.

Internal logistics

Cloud-based transport management is fast becoming something that businesses may be interested in. Typically, companies that deal with time sensitive shipments or highly specialized products would look for a solution that automate their transport schedules without the need to invest in dedicated IT infrastructure. Take the case of Hermle AG, a leading manufacturer of high tech CNC machines. These machines find application in aviation, automotive industry, medical engineering sectors and virtually any field where product components need to adhere to strict tolerances, complex geometry and faster production time. By adopting a cloud-based transport management system, the milling machine manufacturer was able to bring in more efficiency and transparency in its internal logistics. For those interested in learning more on this matter could refer to this source: Informsoftware – Hermle AG optimizes internal transportation, and learn how cloud based solutions could potentially streamline the transportation process for niche manufacturing sector, thus making it easier to manage.

Cloud Software for Medium to Large Companies

If you do happen to work for large or even medium-sized companies, you will likely want a more robust cloud solution. Your company could consult an expert in this field for more information as to how ERP could help them improve their business prospects. A big company might be able to get away with free tools. However, it is likely going to be more cost-efficient to use enterprise software that is more all-inclusive. One such solution is netsuite by ERP Guru.

What is available for free?

Free services allow an entrepreneur the ability to leverage software to get their company up and running. Once the company has been firmly planted and the technology and their benefits are understood, etc., small business owners can migrate off of them. Business owners tend to find advanced functionality within a handful of the cloud tools that software suppliers are delivering free of charge. This functionality can range from general business productivity applications (such as word processing) to project management. There are multiple pmo software such as pmo365 and alike (both free and paid versions are available) that could be used by entrepreneurs to increase the effectiveness of the business.

How can developers offer products for free?

Many business owners may find themselves wondering how it is that software developers are able to offer business owners free products. Some of them are able to generate income through the selling of ads that tend to display to users that are currently using the software. Other developers offer their users software with limited functionality at no cost. This is done in the hopes of the users opting for a more robust plan that tends to be paid as you go.

Top Free Applications

The following will guide you through the top applications that will be able to assist business owners in regard to cloud storage.

Apps on Cloud

This tool will help your business track project statuses, manage customers, organize contacts and store records from Human Resources. Additionally, you will be able to support customers through an online help portal while collaborating with your entire team through documents being stored in the cloud. The full functionality of the application is provided at no cost to users, but it does limit your total amount of data storage to 200 megabytes. There is a premium plan that is available for a $10 monthly fee and the ability to increase the data storage amount to 500 megabytes.

Apptivo

This is a collection of 400 applications that cover inventory, timesheets, customer relationship management, project management, and more. This is an ideal option for business owners that have between 150 to 200 employees (or less). Keep in mind that Apptivo is a company that is able to generate its revenue in two ways. The first of which is through users that desire or require an increased amount of custom features of functionality. These users are able to purchase the items that they need. The second avenue of revenue comes from the fact that it directs its users to providers that are in the business of internet fax, email marketing as well as similar services.

GoSuite

Gramercy One of New York offers business owners a duo of free products that are GoPromote and GoBook. These are tools that are able to assist a small business owner to promote via social media platforms and websites, the managing of customers as well as the booking of services. Users are given the ability to upgrade to a paid version of GoSuite that will include: vendor management, inventory management, employee management as well as mobile payment interfaces.

These are just a few of the top cloud-based apps for business owners. Know of another good one? Let us know in the comments!