Cloud Computing Made Simple for Town & Parish Councils

Discover the key differences between desktop software and cloud solutions, the benefits of transitioning to cloud computing for daily operations and cloud tools that can boost council productivity.

1. MADE SIMPLEMADE SIMPLE
CLOUD COMPUTING CLOUD COMPUTING
for Town and Parish Councils

2. AGENDA
Essential cloud
applications
Enhance council
efficiency and
effectiveness
Benefits.
Benefits of
transitioning to cloud
computing for daily
operations
What is Cloud
Computing?
Key differences
between traditional
desktop software and
cloud solutions.

3. 1994
The Beginning of the Internet!

4. Bookshelf vs. Library
Cloud computing is like using a
library instead of owning a bookshelf.
You access the books you need
without worrying about purchasing,
organising, or maintaining them.

5. BOOKSHELF VS. LIBRARY
Books are your software: Each book
represents a different application for
your council work.
Location-bound: Your bookshelf
(software) is at home or the office; you
can only access your books there.
Maintenance: You must care for your
books, repairing or replacing them.
Similarly, you manage software updates
and backups.
Limited space: Your bookshelf can only
hold so many books, just like a desktop
has limited storage.
Library as the cloud: The library stores
all your books (software and data).
Anywhere access: You can visit any
library branch worldwide to access your
books. Cloud computing lets you access
your data from any device with internet.
Library staff care for the books:
Library staff handle book maintenance
and updates. Cloud providers manage
software updates, security, and backups.
Unlimited space: The library can always
store more books. The cloud never runs
out of space.

6. Cloud computing is like renting a car
instead of buying one. You access
and use the car when needed without
worrying about maintenance, storage,
or insurance.
Buy a Car vs. Rent

7. BUYING A CAR VS. RENTING ONE
Access: Limited to one car
Maintenance: Responsible upkeep and
compliance (MOT, tax, insurance).
Cost: High initial purchase plus ongoing
Scalability: Expensive to upgrade; stuck
with the purchased car.
Collaboration: Usually personal use;
limited sharing.
Continuity: Breakdown disrupts plans;
you handle repairs.
Redundancy: No backup unless owning
multiple cars.
Upgrades: Hard to switch; selling and
buying required.
Access: Variety of cars for different
needs; high flexibility.
Maintenance: Rental company handles
Cost: Pay-as-you-go
Scalability: Easily switch cars based on
needs.
Collaboration: Shared access; ideal for
carpooling.
Continuity: Quick replacement if
breakdown occurs.
Redundancy: Fleet ensures backup
availability.
Upgrades: Easy to switch models; access
latest features.

8. Desktop software is like owning a car.
You handle all maintenance, storage,
and insurance. Cloud software is like
renting a car. You use it when needed
without worrying about upkeep or
storage.
Desktop vs. Cloud

9. DESKTOP VS. CLOUD SOFTWARE
Installation: Installed on individual
computers.
Accessibility: Accessible only on the
device where it's installed.
Updates: Manual updates and
installations required.
Data Storage: Local storage on hard
drives.
Collaboration: Limited to no real-time
collaboration.
Maintenance: IT maintenance required
for each device.
Security: Dependent on local security
measures.
Installation: No installation required;
accessed via web browser.
Accessibility: Accessible from any device
with internet access.
Updates: Automatic updates provided
by the service provider.
Data Storage: Cloud-based storage,
accessible anytime, anywhere.
Collaboration: Real-time collaboration
and sharing features.
Maintenance: Minimal IT maintenance;
handled by service provider.
Security: Advanced security measures
and regular backups.

10. "If a guard deters a
thief at the gate,
how many thefts did
we never see?"
BUT CLOUD PROVIDERS GET HACKED!

11. OFFICE PRODUCTIVITY .
Zoho Office
Enhance council
efficiency and
effectiveness
Microsoft 365,
Benefits of
transitioning to cloud
computing for daily
operations
Google Workspace
Key differences
between traditional
desktop software and
cloud solutions.

12. Communication and Collaboration
Document and Content
Management
Finance and Accounting
Human Resources and Payroll
Marketing
Project and Task Management
Customer and Citizen Engagement
Security and Compliance
Event and Meeting Management
CLOUD TO0LKIT

13. COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
Email Services (e.g., Office 365, Google
Workspace, Zoho Office)
Instant Messaging (e.g., Slack,
Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp)
Video Conferencing (e.g., Zoom,
Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoho
Meeting)
Meeting Scheduling Tools (e.g.,
Doodle, Calendly, Zoho Bookings)

14. DOCUMENT AND CONTENT MANAGEMENT:
Cloud Storage (e.g., Google Drive,
Dropbox, OneDrive, Zoho WorkDrive)
Document Management Systems (e.g.,
SharePoint, Box, Zoho Docs, Google
Workspace)
Digital Signatures (e.g., DocuSign,
Adobe Sign, Zoho Sign)
File Sharing (e.g., WeTransfer)