11 Cloud Apps to Make Your Small Business Run Like a Big Business

Today's cloud computing applications give small businesses access to technology that only enterprises could afford in the past. Part of this is a matter of cost: Cloud subscriptions are typically much cheaper than traditional software licensing fees. And since the application and data live on the cloud provider's systems, subscribers don't need anything more than a Web browser to access and use them. That makes expensive IT staffing, hardware, maintenance, and upgrade costs a thing of the past.

With so many cloud-based services available, however, you still have to tackle one tough question: Where should you start? That's why we've sifted through the options to identify 11 cloud-based applications that allow small businesses to run like big ones. We also filtered out cloud providers that played coy about their service plans and pricing -- small business owners shouldn't have to field sales calls just to find out how much these things cost.

From helping you identify and track customers to managing inventory and improving your website, these cloud applications will give your business the boost it needs. Better yet, they'll do it at a great price.

--Jake Widman