Your recent guest opinion article on cloud computing ("Cloud Services Provide Real Benefits," July 24, 2013, Credit Union Times) makes the important point that while adoption of cloud-based business applications has been slow, the benefits are significant and will continue to drive interest. At MY CU Services, a CUSO of Mid-Atlantic Corporate Federal Credit Union, we have experienced this first hand.

Since launching our CUSO's cloud computing service for credit unions a year ago, interest in the program has continued to grow. Credit unions are wise to ask many questions and learn about the many options of cloud computing before making the leap. When they have answers and a good understanding of its various aspects and benefits—and there are many—they will be best prepared to implement the service to its full potential.

Cloud computing can be used in a number of ways—from virtual desktops to hosted emails and document storage to firewall management. And as the article points out, its advantages include significant savings in costs and resources, enhanced security and quick deployment. In addition to the advantages noted, cloud services can provide credit unions with greater disaster recovery abilities in order to better serve their members during events like Hurricane Sandy. The credit unions that recognize the benefits of cloud computing will be able to concentrate more on using technology to grow and support the needs of their membership.