Now, you too can have the capabilities of a billion dollar enterprise! Cloud Computing, the revolutionary system is now available to small and mid-sized businesses.
Once an option available to large enterprises, Cloud Computing allowed their data to be stored off-site in data facilities, but now you have this option too. Integration of Cloud Computing will remove the stress of on-site data management and even save you a few bucks on the electric bill. You no longer have to house huge, heat generating servers or hire expensive IT personnel; the data storage facility covers all updates and maintenance. These systems beat any traditional on-premise systems and combined with the right SaaS (Software as a Service) model you can sleep easy knowing you are maximizing your potential. These great benefits are available to you at a relatively low cost with minimum risk and who can complain. Cloud Computing is virtually limitless and can be customized to fit any of your needs, all it takes is a trusted and knowledgeable service provider. “So, what are some things I need to plan for and what questions should I ask my service provider when considering moving into the Cloud?”
- Web Interface: Does the solution offer a true web-interface allowing access from anywhere, rapid enrollment, elimination of client software, platform independence (PC/Mac/Linux), and mobile device access?
- Deployment Options: Is there a choice of deployment? Can the vendor provide both a SaaS offering and/or the option to deploy the Cloud ERP on-premise, or also host the solution on a virtual or dedicated server of the user’s choice?
- Deployment Flexibility: Can you switch from SaaS to on-premise? As your company’s needs change, will the vendor allow the company to change from a SaaS deployment to an on-premise deployment and back?
- Licensing Options: Are you locked into recurring fees for the life of your business or do you have the option to purchase a license. If the vendor increases pricing, are you locked-in to the solution or is it easy to get your data and switch providers?
- Ease of Customization: How easy is it to customize the solution, even by non-programmers? It is also important to know how the customized areas are impacted by system upgrades. Is it easy to interface with other on-premise or web-based systems that the company needs?
- Scalability: Does the software offer unlimited users, without additional costs and capacity constraints? Can the solution scale quickly? Verify that you don’t need to purchase additional hardware as you add users.
- Security: How do they provide Data Controls and Security? Do they meet the physical, transmission, storage, access, data, and application security needs of banks, health-care, and government organizations? Are there security features such as access controls, data encryption, and server based processing built into their system?
Sourced From Article by grippen @ ERP Software at Your Service
Tags: business, Cloud, Cloud ERP, erp evolution, private cloud, public cloud, Small Business Development, technology, trends, web-based