Cloud Computing

While Sage100Cloud is not a native “cloud” application, it can be hosted and run in the cloud. Several people have asked us why they would want to do that. So, let’s explore the benefits of running Sage100Cloud in the cloud.

Background - What does cloud mean?

In the 60’s the cloud symbol was used in flow charts and diagrams to represent a wide area connection between systems.  At the turn of the century, AT&T used the term cloud as a secure communications connection between systems versus the more common (and more expensive) point to point or direct connection.  Today the cloud and cloud computing has taken on another meaning.  First, cloud is synonymous with the internet and second, cloud computing usually refers to a third party hosted system on which one rents space – you connect to that space through the internet.  The benefits include zero-foot print at your office, connectivity from anywhere with any device and finally, a third party who is responsible for upkeep, maintenance and disaster recovery of the (hosted) server. 

Cloud Computing – The benefits!

• Access from anywhere – Connect easily and securely from a mobile device, home office, or from your laptop. Power outages or inaccessible offices due to weather conditions aren’t a problem. Work from anywhere that has an internet connection.
• Security - Unless you’re completely cut off from the internet, your on-premise server is vulnerable to cyberattacks. Do you have the time and resources to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep up with the latest security and anti-virus technology to safeguard your data? With a hosting solution the provider has the time and resources to maintain all those extra layers of security, including storage in a secure, intrusion monitored data center.
• Reduced IT cost – Cut down on hardware and IT labor expenses involved in maintaining a server and much of the infrastructure on site. It’s pretty much: have an internet connection and process data. All your costs are rolled up into standard predictable monthly payments.
• Backups – While many of our customers create backups, very few take the time to test restoring their backups, (click here to read Steve’s previous blog). Don’t wait until you need it to find out you never actually had a good backup! Hosting solutions can take the worry out of the backup process by making daily backups for you; just be sure to understand their data retention policy.
• Continuity – In addition to any hardware and IT labor costs incurred, having a server go down, even temporarily, can result in expensive productivity losses. Not being able to access your data can also result in poor customer service if you rely on your systems to allow you to service your customers. Most cloud/hosting services have “fail over backup servers” in the event one server goes offline – this means that if the server that is hosting Sage100Cloud goes down, a duplicate backup server automatically takes over for you. Most hosting customers enjoy 99.99% uptime.

The benefits of cloud computing are significant.  If you would like to explore how this might benefit your business, please contact us.

By Steve Marek & Darcy Boerio