IT Hot Topics

Cloud Computing: The IT Revolution

Mike AshtonMerlin Software forVacation Ownership

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Who uses Cloud Computing?

• Cloud computing is already part of your life• Do you use?

• Enhances every aspect of your personal life• Make a huge difference to your business

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Cloud Computing in your life

• 56% of internet users use webmail services

• 34% store personal photos on line

• 29% use on line applications

ARDA World 2012, Annual Convention

Old Technology / New TechnologyFlash drive

$29 | corsair.com

Microsoft Office$150 | microsoft.com

Moleskin notebook$25 | moleskin.com

iTunes$0.99/track | itunes.com

Adobe Photoshop$199 | adobe.com

Storage

Office

Notes

Music

Photos

DropboxFREE |dropbox.com

GoogledocsFree | docs.google.com

EvernoteFree | evernote.com

StereomoodFREE | stereomood.com

PhoenixFree | aviary.com

ARDA World 2012, Annual Convention

So what is Cloud Computing?

Technically speaking:

ARDA World 2012, Annual Convention

Delivery of hosted services and applications

such as software, storage and servers over the internet as needed

by a utility service provider

No really, what is Cloud Computing?

Non-technically speaking:

ARDA World 2012, Annual Convention

It’s about delivering computer hardware and software over the Internet as a scalable resource that can be turned on or off as

needed just like any service

Focus on SaaS

Software as a Service (SaaS)Definition:

Rather than relying on desktopsoftware or traditional servers,

software is hosted by a thirdparty and available via the Cloud

through a browser on your computer

ARDA World 2012, Annual Convention

Cloud Computing – passing phase?

• Twice as many SMB IT pros using Cloud solutions today compared to 2010

• Cloud computing market will reach $160 billion by 2013

• 41% of SMB plan to invest in the Cloud by 2014

• Even the White House is planning a Cloud Strategy!

ARDA World 2012, Annual Convention

Most popular type of Cloud Computing business apps

• Online customer self-scheduling

• Data storage and backup• Human resources software• Online payment programs• Accounting software• Document uploads and

management• Marketing and sales

programs

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Key business advantages of Cloud Computing

• The latest technology without major investment

• Pay for what you use / cost savings

• Easy and fast deployment to users

• Monthly payment plans • Increased performance

and productivity

ARDA World 2012, Annual Convention

Key business advantages of Cloud Computing

• On demand scalability, elasticity and mobility

• Requires fewer in-house operational staff

• Peace of mind• Disaster recovery and

security• Reduce environmental

impact

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Key business advantages of Cloud Computing

• Multi user access• No file transfers• Better customer service• Reduced IT labour costs• Access data anytime,

anywhere on any device

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Startup & running costsTwo application servers + two database servers

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On premise In the Cloud

Hardware & equipment Thousands of $ No cost

Set up costs Thousands of $ No cost

IT admin $80,000 plus $100s / month

Power Thousands of $ Pennies / hour

Time Days and months Minutes

Industry Game Changer

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What it means for your resort

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Marketing Sales AccountingPropertyManagement

PartnersOwners Prospects

Mobile Devices

Members have access to data and information:• Laptop• Mobile phone• Tablet• 24/7• Transact on demand

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Summary

The IT industry is fundamentally changing to adapt to the new technologies.

It is time to embrace the future.

ARDA World 2012, Annual Convention