Do you want to start a cloud based business but can’t find the right opportunity? If YES, here are 50 best cloud computing & cloud based business ideas. The term cloud computing basically means storing and accessing data, and the delivery of computing services like storage, databases, networking, software, analytics etc. over the Internet instead of on your computer’s hard drive.
Companies offering these computing services are called cloud providers and they make profit by charging for cloud computing services based on usage. There are three main types of cloud computing and they are;
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), here, a third party hosts elements of infrastructure such as hardware, software, servers, and storage, also providing backup, security, and maintenance
- Software as a Service (SaaS), this is an aspect of cloud computing where using the cloud, software such as an internet browser or application is able to become a usable tool
- Platform as a Service (PaaS), this is a branch of cloud computing that allows users to develop, run, and manage applications, without having to get caught up in code, storage, infrastructure and so on. They are yet others too, and many other branches are still emerging.
Cloud computing is still an emerging industry, yet its uses have transcended all industries – from tiny startups to global corporations, government agencies to non-profits, all are embracing the concept.
The cloud has garnered quite some rapid popularity because it has opened a whole new vista in the world of internet. Cloud computing has significantly transformed the way businesses operate, and the growth of cloud computing over the past few years has seen a rapid increase in the number of startup companies in the sector who are making a lot of profits.
The cloud has really given birth to a whole lot of business ideas that many people are currently profiting from. If you want to cash in on this ever expanding niche, here are business ideas you should start considering.
Best Cloud Computing Business ideas
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Create cloud based presentation software
Online presentation software is a cloud-based platform where you can login and create presentations in the cloud. Unlike PowerPoint and other desktop applications, there is no download required and you can work on your presentations right online.
Because online presentation software is in the cloud, it has unlimited file sizes, easy sharing and advanced analytics. You can create your own cloud based presentation software, and with any luck, it would become as popular as PowerPoint.
A cloud application, or cloud app, is a software program where cloud-based and local components work together. Cloud platforms package all the services necessary to build applications, including database, virtualization and architecture services—easily and uniformly.
Cloud application-development and platform services help their clients take advantage of the growing number of public and private platform-as-a-service (PaaS) providers, and prepare them for transition to the cloud.
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Start a cloud based telecommunications service
Traditional telecom carriers simply can’t deliver the instantaneous, seamless communication expected by consumers today because they are bogged down by legacy networks, outdated regulatory controls, and organizational issues. Consumers today expect instantaneous, seamless communication, thus giving rise to cloud communications.
Cloud communications are Internet-based voice and data communications where telecommunications applications, switching and storage are hosted by a third-party outside of the organization using them, and they are accessed over the public Internet. This is another cloud based business an entrepreneur can embark on.
Consumers are no longer content with the nine-to-five call center regiment. They expect to connect and have their queries answered any time, day or night. They expect to receive instant answers through seamless digital interactions. This is a exactly what a cloud hosted call center provides.
A cloud hosted call center or cloud contact center is a central point in an enterprise, hosted on an Internet server, from which all inbound and outbound customer communications are handled. Cloud hosted call centers are highly cost-efficient as they reduce significantly the upfront costs that on-premise solutions normally require. This is another profitable cloud business to consider.
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Start a cloud photography service
Cloud photography is one profitable cloud based business an entrepreneur can set up. You can start a more accessible, cloud-based photography service that utilizes different special software for editing, organizing, storing and sharing photos that people can use wherever they want.
You can utilize these software to produce high quality video and photography edits, graphics designing, web development, etc. You can sell your high quality photos online or you can cover events for people and give them very high quality pictures and videos. Here, they could easily log into your cloud to collect their jobs if they are so inclined.
Cloud storage is a cloud computing model in which data is stored on remote servers accessed from the internet, or cloud. It is maintained, operated and managed by a cloud storage service provider on storage servers that are built on virtualization techniques.
Using a cloud server permits the user to download files to other devices when needed. You can start a cloud storage service and provide your services to companies that deal with huge data.
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Publish an eBook on cloud computing
Cloud computing is still an emerging concept and a lot of people are still ignorant about it and its uses. If you know a whole lot about cloud computing, you can put all that knowledge in a book and publish it online. Publishing an eBook may not cost you much, but you have to employ good marketing strategies if you are make good sales and downloads.
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Build and sell log management cloud tools
A log is the automatically produced and time-stamped documentation of events relevant to a particular system. Log management (LM) is an approach on dealing with large volumes of computer-generated log messages (also known as audit records, audit trails, event-logs, etc.).
Virtually all software applications and systems produce log files and individuals and business that produce big data would need a way to manage their log files.
The big advantage of log management tools is that they can help you easily pinpoint the root cause of any application or software error, within a single query. You can start producing and selling your cloud based log management tools to businesses that need them.
Cloud computing business solutions enable you to put costly IT resources in the cloud. Cloud computing gives users access to data wherever they have an internet connection. It should be noted that cloud computing involves a lot of areas.
You can pick the one you can easily handle or if you want to start a big business in cloud computing, you can start off with several niches.
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Start a cloud based email hosting business
Cloud is the latest hosting technique and it is used for a number of business and personal services among which is email hosting.
This has become a better option for storing confidential data like email because the data resides in a central location that is off premises. This service would be beneficial to businesses and as such they would form the bulk of your target market.
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Start a Private Cloud Servers business
As a private cloud server provider, you should be well trained to help companies to fight against data insecurity using project management and collaboration software on secure private cloud servers. Private cloud servers are built to deliver high performance, faster data access and upload.
Its multitude of features include task management, file sharing, business communication, mobile collaboration and much more. This is another cloud based business an entrepreneur can start.
Web hosting is a service that allows organizations and individuals to post a website or web page onto the Internet. Dedicated Server Hosting companies occupy an important spot in the big data storage and analysis process, by frequently providing that space where data is stored.
Because big companies tend to generate huge piles of data frequently, so they need to host their data on frameworks that can carry them. As a dedicated server hosing company, you can provide your clients with business packages that include unlimited disk space, high volume storage email accounts and monthly data transfer.
A payment gateway is a merchant service that is provided by an e-commerce application service provider that authorizes credit card or direct payments processing for e-businesses, online retailers, bricks and clicks, or traditional brick and mortar businesses.
This business niche is still upcoming and you can build a universal payment gateway that not only supports credit/debit card processing and bank transfers but also alternative payment methods like mobile carrier billing and prepaid cards.
Over the past several years, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have been quietly growing in popularity, with an ever-larger number of people buying and selling them. Now that Bitcoin has hit the mainstream and become a worldwide phenomenon, more people than ever are looking to get into the cryptocurrency game.
You can get in on the cryptocurrency rush if you take the time to learn the basics properly. The key to success in this game is to properly research a crypto that is deemed to have good potentials in future and dig in. Cryptocurrencies are always mined in the cloud so you would be certain that you are working in the cloud.
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Start a cloud based accounting service
A cloud accounting company eliminates the need for companies to hire an accountant or bookkeeper. It also provides the computer program for you to generate your own financial reports. You can start with providing cloud based accounting services to small and medium sized businesses.
By providing cloud based accounting services, your clients will be able to access their accounting data, anytime, anywhere, on a real time basis. As a certified accountant, you can comfortably start this business.
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Build keyless door unlocking cloud based devices
Big businesses these days aim at eliminating keys in the office. They are all turning to modern keyless access control; that is utilizing keyless door control. This is basically a combination of the cloud, wifi and a smartphone app to create a smart locking device.
If you are technically inclined and also good with programming, you can build simple door unlocking devices that can get hosted on the web to provide for easy usage by employees.
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Create cloud based physician admin software
The healthcare industry is also benefiting from cloud computing technologies. It is critical for doctors to record their clinical impressions and recommendations as accurately as possible while it is still fresh in their minds. To enable them to do this efficiently without spending all their time in paperwork, you can create cloud based software that can make this routine efficient as well as simple.
You can also build software that can make it easy for them to gain access to patients’ medical records. Some of these software currently exist, but you can make improvements on them.
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Start a cloud log management business
The increasing demand for accurate log records that meet the rising tide of regulatory compliance has driven the need for reliable, forensically secure log storage.
You can take advantage of that to provide secure storage and full lifecycle management of event data for individuals and businesses especially those that deal with big data. Note that your log management service should be able to manage any volume of data over any span of time.
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Cloud computing consulting
Cloud computing consulting is both the industry and the practice of helping organizations utilize cloud computing to meet their business objectives.
It is a fact that many individuals and businesses are becoming aware of the benefits of cloud computing, but most people feel completely lost when it comes to understanding how to utilize cloud computing to improve the running of their businesses. You can make a lot of money helping such individuals and businesses migrate to the cloud.
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Start a cloud computing training center
Cloud computing training helps people to acquire the right skills for utilizing cloud computing to improve their businesses.
Many individuals and businesses would fret at the idea of hiring a freelance contractor to help them with their migration to the cloud. Such individuals would prefer to learn how it works so that they can become knowledgeable in that aspect.
You can make a lot of money from just teaching people how to apply cloud computing to their businesses if you aptly market your services. In addition to starting a training center, you can also offer home service; that is going to people’s offices to train them.
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Start cloud recruitment service
The cloud is making a whole lot of services easier and more efficient, and one business that has keyed into the cloud is recruitment. You can start a cloud recruitment service that helps you find top talents that perfectly fit a role in an organisation quickly.
Not only that, but you can be flexible enough to hire volumes when needed by your clients. You can as well set up a recruiting service that focuses on recruiting cloud computing professionals for different organizations.
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Become a cloud file hosting service provider
A file hosting service or online file storage provider is an Internet hosting service specifically designed to host user files. It allows users to upload files that could then be accessed over the internet by the user alone, through the use of an internet enabled device after a password or another authentication is provided.
If you have the required background and expertise, then you can make a lot of money by setting up your own platform for helping people hold their files in the cloud.
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Become a Cloud platform engineer
With a solid background in software or systems engineering, you can make money working as a cloud platform engineer. This position goes beyond helping individuals and businesses migrate to cloud; it also involves actually handling all of the technicalities and intricacies involved.
After the initial setup process, you would be called on at intervals for maintenance and routine checks. And of course, you will get paid each time. You can become a freelance cloud platform engineer, or you could open up a firm where you would be operating from while offering other services.
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Become a cloud computing technologist
Cloud computing technology gives users access to storage, files, software, and servers through their internet-connected devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Becoming a cloud computing technologist involves working with companies that provide cloud-computing solutions.
As a cloud-computing technologist, you will work with the company’s engineers to set up the company’s platform and packages. You will also help companies to set up a user-friendly interface for their customers.
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Become a cloud OS developer
A cloud OS developer analyzes, designs, programs, debugs, and modifies software enhancements and/or new products used in local, networked, or internet-related computer programs, primarily for end users. As a cloud OS developer, you will also be required to test applications and interact with users to define system requirements and necessary modifications.
You will earn a lot of money working for companies as an independent contractor. And there is no limit to the number of companies you can work with.
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Start a Cloud automation engineering service
A public cloud automation engineer creates the automation necessary to manage public cloud installations. You will be required to design, develop, and tests Puppet Enterprise configurations, Python, and shell or Powershell scripts for public cloud infrastructure resources.
You will need to deeply understand cloud architectures and arrangements before you can start offering this service to clients. This business would be very profitable if done on a freelance basis.
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Start a cloud software engineering service
Cloud software engineering incorporates the best features of both software and cloud computing paradigms, offering many advantages for software development and applications.
As a software engineer, you will be implementing sophisticated and innovative solutions based on agile approaches to develop tailor-made software solutions. You can become a freelance software engineer and offer your services to industries such as banking, insurance and medical/healthcare etc.
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Become a cloud architect
A cloud architect is an IT professional who is responsible for overseeing a company’s cloud computing strategy. This includes cloud adoption plans, cloud application design, and cloud management and monitoring. You can set up a business as a cloud architect and offer your services business to those that want to transition to the cloud. It definitely pays you more as a stand-alone cloud architect than to work for a company.
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Set up a Cloud marketing business
A cloud marketer understands and evangelizes about the company’s cloud based solutions’ portfolio to potential and existing clients.
You have to grasp not only your client’s business needs but their technical requirements, then fit the company’s consulting solutions to them while demonstrating the superiority of their cloud based solutions over those of the competition. A lot of cloud based businesses would definitely need your services and as such you will not lack clients.
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Start a Cloud services development business
Cloud computing impacts all careers, and an awareness of the opportunities associated with this emerging field is critical. From backup and storage to PAAS, SAAS, microservices, and web services, if you have the essential knowledge and skills you can start developing cloud services for businesses.
Though quite a number of helpful cloud services have been developed, but the industry is constantly changing and improving, so it would need more services to be developed.
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Become a cloud systems administrator
As a cloud systems administrator, you will work in a virtual environment managing cloud infrastructure services and multiple cloud servers. A Systems Administrator with Cloud Computing skills earns an average salary of $75,776 per year, but you can start a business that hires out cloud systems administrators, or you can work as a freelancer.
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Become a cloud product manager
Cloud product managers help to build a modern global cloud infrastructure to deliver the services that the world’s leading companies rely on to plan and run their businesses. Their responsibility is to translate the needs of customers into world-class cloud infrastructure, while launching SaaS products in public/private hybrid cloud environments.
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Start a cloud bank
Cloud computing is playing a major role and providing alternative ways to access core banking technology. The Cloud offers a scalable, manageable technology model that reduces IT hardware, maintenance and development costs for banks.
Banks are now taking their services to the cloud and some very pragmatic entrepreneurs have started cloud banks. You can as well start a cloud bank but beware that this business is both capital and labour intensive.
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Start a cloud prototype building business
Since it seems as if every category of software is moving to the cloud, so it is not surprising that web prototyping applications are doing the same. You can key in and start a cloud prototype building business to help people bring their cloud products to life.
Cloud computing security or, more simply, cloud security refers to a broad set of policies, technologies, and controls deployed to protect data, applications, and the associated infrastructure of cloud computing.
Major threats to cloud security include data breaches, data loss, account hijacking, service traffic hijacking, insecure application program interfaces (APIs), poor choice of cloud storage providers, and shared technology that can compromise cloud security.
You can start a business that gets to take care of these security concerns for organisation who cannot afford their cloud accounts to be hacked.
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Teach kids cloud computing and coding
With cloud computing being the new rage in internet technology, a lot of parents would want their kids to learn the basics of this technology even at a young age. You can set up a training center where you get to teach children the primary basics of cloud computing and coding. This is indeed how China and most technologically developed countries got to be where they are today.
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Start a cloud Real estate business
When it is time to move, finding the perfect place to live can be a challenging task. You can use the Cloud along with the capabilities of Big Data analytics to show people what neighborhoods would be the best fit for them.
A business called Relocality does just that, and it works by taking information from a user’s social media profile – more specifically their Facebook profile – and analyzing the data to see what their tastes and preferences are. Based on this information, the company can recommend where movers should go by matching them with neighborhoods where people with similar interests and profiles live.
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Start a cloud-based teleconferencing business
Teleconferencing has been taken to the clouds, and a lot of startups are making profits by offering businesses cloud teleconferencing services to enable meetings to hold across boundaries.
If you can create a very unique and workable cloud teleconferencing technology, you can set it up for businesses and organizations. Due to the limited capital investment and technical expertise required to set it up, it makes the service perfect for small startups.
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Create cloud YouTube
You can create an online video sharing channel that gets launched in the cloud.
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Blog about cloud computing
Because many people are yet to fully understand how cloud works, you can make a lot of money in the long run by starting a blog that discusses everything about cloud computing.
Note that you must always carry the latest information about cloud development and related services if you are to grow your readership. You can make money from your blog through Google AdSense or you can help people advertise their cloud software and other creations for a fee.
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Start reviewing cloud software and related apps and tools
With the rapid developments currently witnessed in cloud computing, a lot of entrepreneurs have set their sights in this area. As of now, there are a lot of cloud computing apps, tools and software in the market that make a lot of claims.
If you are a programmer, you can dedicate your time to looking over and reviewing these apps, tools and software to see if they live up to the claims of their producers. You can set up a website or blog where you get to post these reviews. You can also partner with the creators of such apps, tools and software so that if their products get purchased through your website, you get to have your own cut.
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Create a cloud printing technology
Cloud printing is the technology that enables printers to be accessed over a network through cloud computing. There are, in essence, two kinds of cloud printing. One is the consumer-based cloud printing that connects any application to cloud-enabled home printers that people own or have access to.
The next is the professional cloud printing that enables publishers, companies and content owners to print their digital publications by leveraging networks of production facilities through cloud computing technology.
Cloud printing opens up printers to be shared and used by anyone, anytime, anywhere, by any device (especially useful for people on the move). You can follow the steps of companies like Konica Minolta, Xerox and Hewlett-Packard and create your very own cloud printing solution.
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Become a cloud based telephone service provider (VoIP)
Cloud based phone systems are phone services that your business can purchase on the Internet. A VoIP cloud based phone system doesn’t rely on traditional on-premise hardware or costly maintenance, and thus would require minimum capital to set up.
A cloud based telephony system is one of the best examples of how new technology can reduce costs, simplify, and improve on existing systems. As a cloud based telephone service provider, your clients would typically purchase your cloud phone system service and pay on a subscription basis.
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Start a cloud based legal records management, digitization, archival, retrieval business
Law firms have always dealt with a lot of papers and forms, and even presently, they are vast masses of paper archives sitting at law firms, waiting to be digitized, and archived in meaningful ways along with efficient retrieval capabilities.
You can set up a business that provides efficient cloud solutions for law firms who are looking for cloud solutions that include security, disaster recovery, and other goodies. You can go around the various law firms offering your services to them.
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Start a cloud monitoring service
As companies rely on applications, networking, public, private and hybrid clouds, monitoring becomes an important component of cloud operations. Vendors such as CloudHealth Technologies, Datadog Inc., and Verismic Software Inc. are already providing a range of monitoring and management capabilities.
You can join up and set up a service that monitors the cloud environment to ensure efficient usage. The ability to automate workloads and analytics are important features when it comes to cloud monitoring.