Just what Is cloud computing, why is there such buzz about it, and how is it used by construction and property professionals?
Cloud computing is a conceptual term used to describe the act of providing information technology (IT) solutions to organizations throughout the web. Cloud computing enables organizations to implement IT solutions without needing to buy software and hardware and then hiring IT personnel to keep it.
The term “cloud” is used as a metaphor for the world wide web, and it’s represented by the cloud computing in computer network diagrams as an abstraction of the underlying technology infrastructure. A different way to consider it may be an externally sourced (and theoretically limitless) seamless expansion of an internal IT systems infrastructure which delivers solutions and capabilities on a “pay as go” fee-for-use basis
Cloud computing is a general term for anything that involves delivering hosted services over the web through a cloud management system. These solutions are broadly divided into three classes:
- Infrastructure-as-a-Service
- Platform-as-a-Service
- Software-as-a-Service
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), such as Amazon Web Services, provides virtual server instances with unique IP addresses and blocks of storage on demand. Clients use the supplier’s reporting dashboard to start, stop, access, and configure their virtual servers and storage.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is described as a set of applications and product development applications hosted on the provider’s infrastructure. Developers create applications on the provider’s platform online. PaaS providers can use APIs, website portals or gateway applications installed on the client’s computer. Force.com (an outgrowth of salesforce.com) and Microsoft Azure are just two examples of PaaS as are available source PaaS jobs, such as Cloud Foundry and OpenStack.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is the software program that interacts with the user via their Internet browser at a portal or website-type format. SaaS is a really broad market. Services may be anything from unsolicited email to financial, operational, marketing communications, customer relationship management, document management/ collaboration and reporting/analytics business programs. Since the service provider hosts the program and the information, the end user is permitted to use the service from anywhere through a web browser.
How Can Cloud Computing Be Utilised in the Real Estate Industry?
Real estate is an extremely relationship-driven industry and so places plenty of focus on marketing, sales and support as well information collection, sharing and cooperation. Several SaaS cloud application spaces align nicely with these requirements, such as customer relationship management (CRM) and lead/ marketing strategy for properties.
CRM cloud programs are focused on providing a way to access and get information about potential and current customers in addition to the interactions between the company and the customer. These programs support a mobile sales force that has to be able to get and document prospect and customer information efficiently without needing to contact the main office. Coupled with the requirement for the primary office to have insight round the activities and progress of its distributed workforce to monitor worker productivity, an ideal atmosphere for a cloud computing solution is made.
Lead/marketing Management cloud software are focused on catching, distributing and devoting leads to sales people in addition to monitoring the effectiveness of advertising campaigns and automating certain customer communications via stations, such as email. These programs support both marketing and assist sales and ease the integration of both of these aspects of business. They also provide management with insight around the general effectiveness of marketing campaigns and help ensure timely follow up and communication consistency.
What Is Available Now?
A wide range of cloud applications which are pertinent to property are available, and they tend to fall within two categories:
- General software which can be customized to match commercial properties to lease with tenants.
- Industry-specific solutions that typically combine a complete assortment of “end-to-end” capacities across marketing, sales and support into one solution.
Examples of general programs in the CRM space comprise salesforce.com, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, and Zoho CRM. Additionally, there are lead-oriented programs, such as Exact Target, Leads360 and Lead Pro.
Examples of applications unique to the property sector include Real Estate Cloud and Rethink, each of which are cloud-based and supply a complete suite of performance within one complete cloud solution.
The trend in property has traditionally been industry-specific solutions, which can be probably because having one alternative that offers end-to-end abilities can be more compelling than embracing general software and investing additional dollars to get them customized. For real estate professionals, cloud computing isn’t just a buzz phrase. There are workable solutions that may benefit your organization today, and there’ll be new solutions that could provide more collaboration tomorrow, an industry specific business coach would be able to advise on the best software to meet different realtors needs.
