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Cloud computing is the next big IT trend for sign and display producers to start thinking about. It is becoming the de facto means of managing IT and services and it is creating all sorts of new possibilities for workflows, both for graphics and for the industries that wide-format printing companies serve.

The idea with cloud computing is to take the burden of responsibility for managing digital networks and computing away from the business operator. By relying on a network of remote servers, businesses can effectively outsource their computing needs. They don't need to worry about hardware and software upgrades, and they can pay only for the data services they need. The model isn't entirely unprecedented in the graphic arts industry, but it has yet to be the norm.

Doing business in the cloud has many attractions for companies that believe IT infrastructures are more trouble than they are worth. The idea with outsourcing to the cloud is that someone else provides the computing grunt and digital resource management you need. They keep your digital platform functioning, current and efficient. Instead of worrying about server updates and data security, someone else does it for you. It is a bit like how electricity and telephone services are provided. How many of us try to manage our own energy generation and supply, or worry about laying cables to connect to the building next door?

Several of the major players providing technology to the sign and display market are well placed to offer cloud computing services. HP is the top of this particular tree, having recently announced that the cloud is central to its strategy. There hasn't been much said so far about how this plays out into the graphic arts part of HP's business. But it is still early days and clearly the cloud offers opportunities for growth both for suppliers and users of digital services. Make sure you don't get left behind.