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Many small businesses have moved at least some of their operations to the cloud, according to the recent AT&T Small Business Cloud Survey. Leading the surge are fast-growing businesses, which were among the first to see the cloud’s potential to improve productivity, enhance customer service, reduce costs, and win new business.

This checklist can help you understand how to use the cloud and which features you should look for when evaluating cloud-based services. When you have completed it, you will have a blueprint to help choose the right applications for your business.

1. Back up and store your data in the cloud

76% of the businesses surveyed already back up and store data in the cloud.

If you are considering the cloud for online PC or Mac® data backup and storage, look for a service that:

Automatically and continuously backs up data with little or no downtime.

Includes search features to help you locate files quickly and easily.

Allows you to access and view files from most Web-connected and mobile devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Uses advanced encryption and other security safeguards.

Provides unlimited storage. Offers support for PC and Mac.

Immediately restores lost data. Retains older versions of backed-up data.

Saves your company money on in-house servers and IT support.

Provides 24/7 U.S.-based customer support for backup-specific issues.

Equip your business for success by choosing the cloud services that best suit your needs.

Checklist: Five Ways to Get the Most from the Cloud

©2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.

2. Use cloud-based email

57% of the businesses using cloud-based email say it exceeds their expectations.

If you are considering a cloud-based email service, look for one that:

Is fast and reliable. Filters for malware and spam.

Permits you to use your company’s domain name.

Syncs calendar and contacts with mobile devices.

Allows email to be accessed from almost anywhere and on just about any device.

Supports all major email protocols.

Provides features for easier collaboration, such as calendar and contact sharing.

Updates functionality regularly and automatically.

3. Host your website in the cloud

70% of the businesses surveyed use the cloud for website solutions, such as hosting or eCommerce.

If you are considering the cloud for your website

solutions, look for a service that:

Provides easy-to-use website design tools, including site templates.

Provides eCommerce website design and 24/7 store management tools.

Offers services from professional designers. Offers mobile website design and support.

Permits easy updating of sites. Experiences little or no downtime.

Includes built-in analytics tools to monitor site traffic.

Scales automatically to avoid slow response or downtime.

4. Share files and improve collaboration

Two-thirds of the businesses surveyed say file sharing and collaboration in the cloud have exceeded their expectations.

If you are considering sharing files or collaborating in the cloud, look for a service that:

Permits mobile access to files so employees can collaborate from any location.

Syncs easily with laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices.

Integrates voice, Internet, and video communication.

Allows users to arrange virtual meetings and videoconferences on the fly.

©2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.

Enables team members to share files using Web links, eliminating the need to send large files using email.

Allows employees in different locations to create, share, and work on documents together in real time.

Supports the desktop applications used by your company.

Protects documents with the latest encryption and other security features.

5. Increase your computing power

45% of the businesses surveyed use the cloud to gain additional computing power, and 79% say it provides functionality they can’t get elsewhere.

If you are considering using the cloud for additional computing power, look for a service that:

Scales automatically with your business. Charges only for the resources you use.

Reduces your costs for servers and IT support.

Provides the security needed to support compliance requirements.

Can handle spikes in usage. Guarantees minimal or no downtime.

Supports software to meet business requirements, such as virtualization or database software.

Offers 24/7 tech support.

Let AT&T help

AT&T offers a range of cloud services to help your business improve productivity and increase sales, including website solutions, email services, file sharing, collaboration tools, additional computing power, and online storage and backup.

About the AT&T Small Business Cloud Survey

The AT&T Small Business Cloud Survey was conducted online among a representative sample of 654 principals and IT directors at companies with 1 to 500 employees in the United States by Bredin Inc. between August 15 and August 23, 2012. The survey had a margin of error of +/-5 percentage points at the 90% level of confidence.