HOSTED desktop provider Atlas Infrastructure Management has added another client after encouraging environmental consultancy ECUS to try out its pay-as-you-go cloud computing model.

Atlas IM launched last year in the North East, and has taken on six major clients since. It offers businesses the chance to switch from standard desktop PCs to desktops hosted in the cloud, giving them the chance to access it from a variety of different locations while reducing the chance of information being lost.

Sheffield-based ECUS is the first UK business to adopt the model, and was attracted by the chance to reduce its carbon footprint and keep its IT costs affordable. The company, which has just opened Midlands and Home Counties offices, is also able to access technical updates and maintain secure data infrastructure.

ECUS business development director Erica Kemp said: “This is a natural move for us as we continue to expand and the transition period has been much less challenging than anticipated thanks to the strength, experience and availability of the Atlas IM team.

“In addition to the obvious environmental benefit that comes from to switching to cloud computing, we have been hugely impressed by the high level of security we now have, as staff can access the level of data they need wherever they are working from without risk. It many ways it has been a revolutionary development.”

AtlasIM’s leading lights boast high-level experience at companies such as analytics firm Acxiom and 3M Pharmaceuticals, and has raised investment from the likes of Northstar Ventures.

Pete Watson, Atlas IM’s business development director, said: “Although the reduced cost-base is a huge pull for businesses, there are many other benefits to moving to the cloud. The replacement of ageing server and storage hardware no longer becomes a concern and we are able to store data digitally for years, helping companies fulfill their legal requirements without the worry of data loss.

“ECUS is a fantastic, burgeoning business.”