Much has been written about the changes or trends for 2014 onwards with regard to business IT. Most point to the expected growth of the big data market as well as the continued popularity of cloud computing, with companies seen investing more in these aspects.

Cloud computing is no longer new yet its luster and appeal doesn’t seem to fade with time. On the contrary, it has gained momentum and erased any doubt that it’s just a fad. Businesses closely watching their ROI, especially SMEs mindful of costs, have much to say about this trend. For one, it has allowed pay per use vs. outright purchase of software license.

The efficiency it brings to the workplace is also very commendable. By delivering IT software and platforms through the Internet, any device can be used to access business information and other data necessary to get work done, for as long as there’s Internet connection. In effect, SME owners as well as their managers and personnel stay productive at any time and anywhere they are.

Online collaboration is another valuable feature that supports teamwork and faster turnaround. The crew from a satellite office, a consultant working from home and staff based at the headquarters can all easily contribute towards a common output. Indeed, the future of cloud computing shines bright as more ways to collaborate everywhere emerge using mobile devices.

The possibilities are endless.

Add the fact that people are now into smartphones and tablets, the demand for cloud services seem to be on the rise globally as they prefer to use these devices also for work. A lot of document sharing and data access is done via mobile and companies have allowed their employees to use these as tools for work.

The shift from laptops and desktops to Apple and Android devices means there’s more need for business applications delivered through the cloud. Web-based business software, which can be accessed by simply logging in a username and password just like one does when opening his Google or Yahoo account, will be sought after by companies in the finance, manufacturing and media sectors where a lot of data exchange and file sharing occurs.

Even companies with sales force or employees who are deployed in the field have seen the value of visibility in handling customers’ concerns and scheduling of sales calls in real-time using smartphones. The fact is technology integration will keep on amid changing work environments and market demands, as well as increasing focus on business efficiency.

In addition, cloud-based solutions enable companies to hire more part-time workers, such as consultants or contractors, and let their people telework. Alternative employment is a growing workplace trend. Work is no longer bound by an office but a task that can be accomplished without having to leave the house.

Many people around the world have adopted flexible working methods that they no longer have to be employed full-time. Providing them access to business data and disabling their log in details once the job is accomplished can easily be done when everything is on the cloud.

The affordability, flexibility and mobility provided by cloud services result to employee productivity as well as business efficiency. With all these, cloud computing is likely to stay in demand for years to come.