This Cloud Has a Silver Lining for Vacation Rental Owners!

Cloud-based software, also known as cloud computing, brings with it a long list of benefits for all vacation rental property owners – especially the smaller independents looking to grow their business. It’s the ‘cloud’ that enables Homes and Rooms to provide vacation rental owners with a unique set of online tools that will help and empower them to manage their operation, maximizing reservations and revenues.

Secure center

Using the cloud enables rental owners to access software and servers based in a secure data center instead of having the software installed on their computer – and the knowhow, updating, cost and maintenance that would require. Cloud-based software is maintained by the software provider (Homes and Rooms in the case of our subscribers) and delivered in realtime over the internet. According to the software giant Microsoft, one of the reasons small businesses switch to cloud-based software is to reap the benefits of big business infrastructure, without having to implement and manage it directly. Before the advent of the cloud, your software and servers would be located in your office, administered by you or a member of staff. Now, using the cloud, because applications and documents are no longer stored on your personal computer, your data is more accessible to others in your office and can be accessed on any internet enabled device such as computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Here are some of the benefits of cloud-based technology you could enjoy by becoming a Homes and Rooms subscriber.

Improve your productivity and that of any employee

It enables you to use our specially developed suite of online tools to manage and run your vacation rental much more efficiently. So long as you have internet access, you need no longer be based in your office to stay fully informed – you can even manage remotely if your property is in another location.

Reduce your upfront costs

Our cloud-based solutions include everything from email to document sharing, dealing with inquiries and reservations and much more, reducing the upfront cost associated with starting a vacation rental business. There are no servers to buy and, for small businesses in particular, it’s easy to increase or decrease the use of cloud services according to their needs. As you grow, it grows with you.

No training required

Putting your business information into ‘the cloud’ is very straightforward. There’s no need to install new hardware or software, no specialist IT administration needed. In fact, it’s usually seamless for the user. Any updates to the software are made by us so you are always up to date.

No worries about data loss

Ever had a data loss nightmare? It can be catastrophic for a small vacation rental business. In a cloud environment, all your business information and files are securely in place. Lose your laptop – or worse – and with the cloud you can be back in business in next to no time.

Improve collaboration

You, or anyone you nominate, can access and work with the same files in realtime from wherever you or they happen to be. It’s no longer necessary to send emails and attachments back and forth to employees when you delegate. Better collaboration means greater efficiency.

Accessible from any internet connection

Offering easy access and file sharing from any internet connection, Homes and Rooms cloud computing solutions allow you or your nominated employees access via smartphone or computer.

Very secure

Cloud computing can be more secure than a traditional computer set-up. Source: relied heavily on 7 Reasons Small Businesses Switch to Cloud Based Software: http://www.microsoft.com/business/en-us/resources/technology/business-software/7-Reasons-Small-Businesses-Switch-to-Cloud-Based-Software.aspx?fbid=RyLY5IAu9mB