After the strongest year of growth in its history, Adelaide-based business technology specialist Calvert Technologies enters 2011 buoyed by strong demand for its services due to Cloud computing.

Managing director Dean Calvert said small business IT spending was back on track after being “put on the back burner” during the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-09. “This year is about much more than just managing our customers’ equipment,” he said.

“We’re experiencing strong demand from our customers for ‘cloud services’ where you buy technology as a managed service rather than as a major capital purchase of hardware and software.

“Rather than embark on another cycle of server upgrades, small businesses are recognising that there’s less risk and more reward from outsourcing their core applications, such as Microsoft Exchange Server, rather than managing them in-house.

“As well as providing peace of mind for customers who’ve struggled for some years to cope with the complexity of modern networks, this new way of acquiring technology is much better for their cashflow: They buy what they need when they need it rather than pay for it all at once to meet peak demand.”

One of SA’s fastest growing companies, small business IT specialist Calvert Technologies, has finished a record year by recruiting an operations manager to help chart growth during 2011.

Adelaide-based Calvert, which recently moved to larger Payneham offices, has appointed Allison Howard to the newly created role, responsible for managing logistics at the fast-growing company.

With a business degree from the University of South Australia, Allie joins Calvert after a two-year break from the workforce, following a 12-year career with Rose Park-based Surgical & Medical Supplies Pty Ltd, holding senior roles including Administration Director and General Manager.

Allie’s recruitment tops a terrific year for Calvert Technologies, which was named the 20th fastest growing company in South Australia on the Fast Movers list published by inBusiness magazine. Recently, Calvert was the only South Australian business named among Australia’s fastest-growing computer resellers reported by Computer Reseller News (CRN).

Calvert Technologies specialises in providing IT support and consultancy services to small businesses. The Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, which focuses on providing quality solutions that don’t “break the bank”, is currently experiencing record demand. The 15-year-old company reported revenues of $2.75 million for the 2010 financial year, recording a growth rate of more than 15 per cent.