Small businesses should consider investing in cloud computing, it has been claimed, which may involve the use of IT outsourcing.

According to Extrinsica Global, cloud services allow small firms to adopt cutting-edge IT systems without the need to purchase expensive server equipment.

The group claimed that advantages of the solution include lower overhead and capital spending on hardware, software and services, as well as having access to free upgrades.

In addition, it suggested that cloud services can allow companies to easily move premises without needing to transport hardware, while the platform can be used to back up data and allow remote access to information.

Simon Smith, managing director of Extrinsica Global, commented: “IT is a real headache for many, if not all, organisations – equipment, maintenance and technical support can prove very costly and time consuming to manage.”

However, he said that cloud services offer small companies a solution to these problems, which may interest those using IT outsourcing.

Last month, ThinkGrid chief operating officer David Pratt said that cloud servers and smartphones allow workers to operate while outside of the office.