In the not so distant past, it was hard for a small business to compete with large corporations due to the lack of access they had to effective software such as, project management software, collaborative software, accounting software, sales force automation software, and large storage solutions. But, today, a small business has access to all of this software and more, due to cloud-based applications. Today, a small business can simply rent a solution on a monthly basis, using only what it needs to provide topnotch benefits to customers. This is truly a game changer for small business.

Today, a small business can take advantage of cloud-based business software solutions that will allow them to create lean, competitive businesses because of what cloud-based solutions offer, such as:

1. Easy Entry -- It costs a lot of money to purchase many types of legacy software applications. In the past, a small business had to have specialty software written exclusively for their business to ensure that it worked accurately. This was a costly proposition and a huge barrier to entry. The fact is, most small businesses don't have $10,000 (or more) lying around for such a venture. By being able to start using the software with a low monthly fee, a small business can enjoy enterprise class software without breaking the bank.

2. High Level of Security & Compliance -- It can be difficult for a small business to implement proper security and comply with the legalities required of keeping sensitive client data. But, with cloud-based applications the developers have already thought of that and are continuously upgrading and hardening security. This is their only job, and from all accounts, they do it quite well. Some small business owners erroneously assume that data is safer in-house, but nothing could be further from the truth. Without getting too technical, cloud software companies are very invested in keeping data secure, ensuring that disaster recovery options are in place.Since that is all they do, they're really good at it.

3. Enterprise Class Software -- In the not too distant past, a small business or freelancer could only dream of having some of the absolutely fabulous enterprise level software solutions that now exist due to advances in cloud-computing. By renting solutions in the cloud a small business can leverage their small monthly fee with other small businesses that also paying the small monthly fee, for upgrades, maintenance and development of truly enterprise class solutions.

4. Flexibility of Time, Place & Usage -- One of the most awesome aspects of cloud-computing is the ability to be flexible  in terms of not only time and place but in how much space a small business uses or how many customers or clients the small business has. A small business owner can access the data in the cloud from anyplace, at any time, with Internet access, as can clients, contractors, and team members. This frees the small business to hire talented people who live at great distances from the actual location of the business. It also frees up the business to increase and decrease capacity when needed thus saving money by only using what is needed at the time.

It's pretty obvious that cloud computing enables small business owners to run lean, highly effective organizations that can compete with the big guys. This proves that cloud-based software solutions are not only important to small businesses everywhere, but are truly a business game changer.