Busting the Myths of Cloud Software

I’ve had a few conversations recently with people who seem dead set against the notion of running their businesses using cloud software.  Personally, I feel the value of traditional, on-premise software is highly over rated.  I have used both cloud and on premise to manage myself in my own role and to manage teams of people.  I wouldn’t go back to on premise.

Let’s examine some of the most common reasons for cloud scepticism.

 

What if my internet connection goes down?

If it does, then your problems run deeper than your business software.

When most companies are choosing to transact online as their primary method of operations, it is essential you need a strong and reliable internet connection, regardless of whether you use cloud software or not.

You might bank online, or make and take orders over a company website.  Perhaps you have an online chat function to your website for dealing with customer enquiries.  Or maybe social media plays a key role in your marketing activity.  Either way it is essential you get a strong and reliable internet connection.

But let’s assume for a second that your internet provider has a problem and you are without a connection for period of time; cloud based software, like NetSuite, is tested and developed to work over 56Mpbs.  In other words, if you can download a BBC news page then you can transact on NetSuite.  You can do this from a mobile phone or tablet.  Cofficient have been known to deliver 3 hour long, complete, ERP demonstrations by tethering to a mobile phone.

 

But my data won’t be secure

This is the original anti-cloud argument.   And why not?  You should be worried about the security of your data!

But you shouldn’t be MORE worried about the security of your data just because it is hosted in the cloud.  Cloud being less secure than on premise is one of the great IT myths.

Either way, your data is still hosted on a server.  Because that server doesn’t have a physical presence on your business estate, doesn’t make it riskier.  Far from it, in fact.  Many of the things you might worry about, are more likely to happen to your servers, on your premises, rather than in the cloud.

Cloud software providers like SAP (who provision cloud based software SAP Business ByDesign) stake their entire reputation on being able to keep your data safe.  They face tougher standards than you.  They are independently audited to strict standards.  Why?  Because that is the product they are selling you; so it has to be robust.

Watch this video to see exactly how robust it is and question whether it would be possible to replicate anything like it on premise:

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmTIA9dv7Os

 

 

If I move to cloud, I’ll be stuck there

This fear is also linked to the fact that your data isn’t held on premise and exacerbated by a perceived difficulty getting your data back should you chose to migrate.

There is no reason why your contract with a cloud software provider should be fundamentally different from on premise.  It is important to check with your cloud software provider what their policy is for returning data.  Most reputable cloud software providers make provisions for you to retrieve your data as often and in as many ways as you like.

Something which is worth considering, is the automatic upgrade path provided by cloud software companies.

Because the software is cloud hosted, any changes, upgrades or modifications are published out to all users as part of the service.  That means you are always working off the latest version of the software; no need to pay an upgrade fee, to go through an expensive search and select when your needs change, and you won’t find yourself version locked.  You don’t get that with on premise.

Cloud and Proud

In short, what’s really holding you back?  Are you really worried about shifting the risk to cloud software providers?  Or are you worried about losing control?

Consider benefits like easy upscaling, and downscaling, reduced operating costs, preserving capital, agility, improved collaboration.  Can you afford not to move to cloud?

Written By Emma Stewart – cloud and proud Sales & Marketing Director at Cofficient

 

To talk to someone about how you can move your business software to the cloud please get in touch