Small business owners should no longer be jealous of larger companies always buying the best and newest technology.

Cloud services have leveled the playing field for small businesses and allowed them to take advantage of solutions previously available only to organizations with deep pockets.

Cloud and mobile business applications fit just about every business need. They are also easier to use and simpler to integrate than desktop programs. And – perhaps best of all – they can be cheaper.

Not all cloud applications are perfect, however. That’s why it’s important for businesses to review how easily its employees and products will mesh with the new technology.

Small businesses that intend to grow also need to keep a close eye on pricing. Cloud applications are sometimes free for small businesses, but once an organization starts to grow and uses apps more often, providers may start charging for the services.

But there’s no denying that cloud services have pried open doors of opportunity for small businesses and startups. Having someone else manage applications and infrastructure allows businesses to concentrate on customers and clients and not have to stress about finding time for on-site maintenance.

If a cloud service issues an update, for example, a small business can get it over the Internet immediately. Whereas if a business manages an application internally, it first has to learn that there is an update, and then it has to manage the process of downloading and completing the update.

Instead of continuing to dream about expensive CRM, ERP and supply chain in-house management solutions, small organizations can now access these programs as affordable cloud apps and enjoy the same benefits that large corporations do.