Many businesses today are already taking advantage of business technology solutions that are a built on cloud computing platforms by moving their onsite or on-prem ERP software to the cloud. Cloud computing platforms offer benefits including increased productivity, reduced software costs, and complete flexibility and visibility in the organization.
Most businesses look into selecting a cloud software solution during the evaluation process for a new software package. So, what do you do, if you realize that your business could benefit from a cloud-hosted solution but you already have a well-functioning on-premise software solution?
Businesses that have on-premise software solutions such as Sage 100 or Epicor, can opt to host their ERP solutions in a cloud-hosted environment with a secure cloud hosting provider such as CompuData. This option of Sage Hosting or Epicor Hosting allows businesses to move to the cloud without having to change their pre-existing software solution.
Here are few signs to help you identify if its time move onsite software to the cloud.
1. You are spending a lot on IT server and Infrastructure maintenance
The dying server conundrums – fix it, or get a new one?
When you find that you are spending your IT resources fixing or maintaining an old server, you may be faced with the decision of either buying a new one, or continuing to swallow the bitter pill of rising costs. You also have a third option, move your on-prem software to the cloud. With a secure cloud hosting environment, you can let go of the IT headaches that come with routine IT server maintenance tasks and troubleshooting server downtimes. Furthermore, this allows your organization to make more room for strategic business decision making.
2. You don’t have a full disaster recovery plan
A data security breach or natural disaster can interrupt the normal operations of a business and cause critical downtime. A full disaster recovery and business continuity plan goes beyond regular tape backups. The plan is created by looking at the full landscape of a business’ current operations. Once the plan is complete, there is a determination as to how to have the business up-and-running with little to no disruption in the case of a disaster. Most cloud hosting solutions come with a backup and disaster recovery option to ensure your business is running smoothly, with minimum disruptions, even in the event of an emergency.
3. You don’t remember the last time you tested your backup- if ever at all
Many businesses using tape backups, fail to test the backups for reliability regularly. Or worse, they fail to test the backup at all. Without a cloud platform, your business runs a higher chance of not having the ability to restore valuable business data without regular backup tests. With a virtualized backup solution, backup tests are being conducted automatically without you ever having to worry about them.
4. You have a mobile workforce or multiple offices
Businesses with a mobile workforce or that have multiple business locations, can benefit from the cloud by providing giving employees access to data from anywhere, at anytime. The complete visibility equips your workforce with the ability to make more informative decisions. This capability not only improves employee productivity but often results in higher profitability.