INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Cloud
Where is the cloud?
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Cloud creates an impression
that it is a distant service,
delivered over external
networks to one’s business.
However, according to One
Channel CEO Bernard Ford,
this not entirely true as
cloud itself is a far wider
concept, involving the very
nature of how applications
are built and operate.
C
loud is significantly more powerful,
efficient and versatile than
traditional systems. Most cloud
services use a model where the subscribing
business accesses applications across an
Internet connection.
However, cloud systems can work on-premise
as well, providing they were designed for that
purpose. One has a choice between a remote
cloud service and one that operates within
one’s business.
The real value of the Industry 4.0 Revolution
is not just being derived from networks and
ad hoc services. Those can play an important
role. But the true potential of these
technologies is their ability to scale and the
ease of accessing and using them, not to
mention better management of costs.
A modern cloud ERP system, engineered
for both online and on-site deployment,
can offer all of that. This is a critical
choice, particularly around a core business
application such as an ERP. So how can
companies make a confident decision? Let’s
explore the two sides:
www.intelligentcio.com
Hosted cloud ERP
Avoid hefty infrastructure investment, it
is time to shed the old technology and
refresh company’s infrastructure. But this
is expensive and very hefty in up-front
costs, requiring a lot of motivation for an
appropriate budget.
cloud platforms can still reach those people
and their devices, it requires a rock-solid
network complete with thorough security
and redundancy measures. A cloud host
often does a lot of that heavy lifting, making
it far simpler for the right information to
reach the right people on the right device.
On-premise cloud ERP
A hosted cloud ERP sidesteps this almost
completely, switching operational
expenditure into capital expenditure.
Investments are much easier to motivate,
and spending can be brought down to
per-user or even ad hoc usage, without
necessarily spending a cent on new servers.
Scale ERP in a fast-growing environment.
On-premise, even a local cloud instance,
is a magnet for complexity. That can be
advantageous, but in many scenarios, it
is unwelcome, especially in fast-growing
business es where stretched budgets and thin
resources weigh heavily on forward-planning.
A hosted cloud platform can easily enrol
or remove users as needed, with only the
cost of adding and maintaining them. Also,
hosted cloud ERPs are faster to deploy than
on-site cloud ERPs.
Many of today’s employees don’t follow the
job, the job follows them. While on-premise
Using a hosted cloud ERP means company
data will at times reside on off-site on third-
party servers. Providing one scrutinises their
credentials, certifications and one deploys
secure data management or regulation
systems, that shouldn’t pose any problems.
But an on-site cloud ERP solution gives
considerably more control over company
data. Furthermore, shedding legacy systems is
often a motivation for embracing a remotely
hosted cloud platform. But one may still have
assets to sweat or other reasons to invest in
on-premise infrastructure.
There is a significant difference between
an on-premise cloud ERP (sometimes called
a hybrid ERP) and a more traditional ERP
solely designed for on-site use. But a cloud
ERP designed to accommodate both hosted
and on-premise flavours is a boon, no matter
which one chooses.
Cloud is a massive evolution, it’s not an
alternative to on-premise, but instead
an entirely new and better way to use
business technology. Many people don’t
realise one can still have on-premise
controls and oversight along with the
power of cloud architecture.
Cloud is not forcing your hand. You don’t
have to use an online host, nor do you
have to stick with outdated on-premise
systems. But both are possible with the
right ERP choice. n
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