THE fast moving IT world is full of "so what" products. Take the new 3D mobile phone - it's very clever but when the novelty wears off it's just a phone.

The iPad2 is a brilliant device, but there’ll be people in boardrooms up and down the country sporting one but secretly wondering why.

The reality is that most of this technology doesn’t really make that much difference. Also, devices require software, and whilst for most of us software is just there – provided by our company to enable us to do our job – it’s worth remembering that these licences aren't cheap. Businesses shell out thousands of pounds buying Microsoft licences for servers and computers.

Enter Microsoft 365 – a product which I think will make a difference to businesses and individuals alike. It is Microsoft’s take on Cloud computing. Now the mention of the word “cloud” will probably have around half of you turning the page. Please don’t... because this technology absolutely has a purpose.

We’ll be welcoming Microsoft’s head of technology for partners at our UnLtd 2011 event on November 17, who will be able to explain it much better than me. But, in a nutshell, Microsoft 365 gives you the Office programs, online storage and all the flexibility around mobile working to make you the envy of everyone else trying to work in Starbucks.

You get the same IT infrastructure as the best and biggest companies in the world for around £15 per month. It’s hard to over-stress how agile these new services are. You pay monthly on your phone bill, and disconnect if you don't need the service. You can take on four new sales people for a contract promotion, provide them with all they need there and then, and turn it all off when the project ends. When Microsoft release a newer version of Office, the download is free and covered by the monthly fee.

Storing stuff in the cloud gives you one of the most resilient business backbones possible. It also means you never need to buy another server.

In releasing 365, Microsoft has changed the rules. Your working life will never be the same again.

For more details on UnLtd 2011, go to www.unltd2011.co.uk

:: Mark Lavender is sales director of Sunderland-based telecoms firm CCS Mobile.