What is the Cloud?

In the information technology world, if your information is “in the cloud,” it is not being stored at your physical location. Being in the cloud means a portion of, or all your data is hosted by a third party provider, yet it remains your information and is accessible anywhere, anytime, by any device.

The Cloud ERP delivery model offers many benefits. Businesses can purchase server and computer power based on need and time, without having the upfront costs of hardware and manpower on site. You also have the option using private cloud hosting or hybrid cloud hosting, which is a combination of public and private cloud usage or a mix of on premise and cloud usage.

The Power of the Microsoft Cloud

Contrary to what images your brain might conjure, the Microsoft Cloud is not actually located up in the air. Microsoft has data centers strategically located across the world, connected through a global fiber optic network. The Microsoft Cloud powers services such as Microsoft Azure, Bing, Office 365 and more. Microsoft is constantly building the infrastructure to support the tools of the future and house data safely and securely. Check out these series of videos to find out more about how Microsoft does the cloud.

Like any impactful decision, there are many things to consider when looking at the cloud. As far as cons, the usual issues raised have to do with security, cost creep, and data control. It’s important to look at these things, but in order to stay competitive in today’s landscape your business needs to think digitally. If you don’t have a large IT team and your business doesn’t require the high security of a financial institution, you should be looking at the cloud in some way, shape or form.

With the solid foundation of the Microsoft cloud, Stoneridge Software can help your business look at all the options to select the right fit. Choosing the right software solution and technology partner can make all the difference in realizing the advantages of the cloud.When it comes to ERP cloud there are three things that set Microsoft apart from other cloud providers.

  • Microsoft is one of only a few hyper-scale cloud providers, offering a truly global operation with the most extensive data center footprint in the world.
  • Microsoft is the only company with a comprehensive hybrid cloud platform that enables you to combine your existing data centers with the Microsoft public cloud. This creates a cohesive infrastructure and a consistent user experience that will help power all of your data and application needs.
  • Microsoft offers the extensive enterprise-grade capabilities you’d expect, with the experience and trust of the world’s largest enterprises.

Talk to Stoneridge Software about the advantages of Cloud

Advantages of Cloud vs. On Premise ERP

Cost Savings

One of the most attractive initial benefits of the cloud is a low total cost of ownership (TCO) when compared to the traditional on premise option. Cost savings come in the form of more predictable monthly subscription costs, the option to forgo the up-front investment in on premise system requirements and a typically shorter implementation period. The cloud can also save money on operations, when you don’t have the IT resources for high availability and disaster recovery. Hosting in the cloud is more efficient and efficiency generally leads to lower costs.

Most business are drawn toward the idea of cost savings, but the greater areas of benefit becoming fundamental to your business today are agility and reduced IT complexity.

Agility & Empowered Workforce

Digital technology can level the playing field for businesses of all sizes. Size is no longer automatically considered a competitive advantage in today’s business world. Companies who are able to remain flexible, nimble and agile are the ones who gain the upper hand. With broader adoption of cloud technologies it allows businesses better access, easier integrations and more flexibility.

The cloud also offers improved access to critical data for employees located anywhere, at any time, using any device. It can streamline complex business processes and allow teams to remain better connected. If your organization has a good digital strategy, including use of the cloud, you’ll be able to more easily transform your business, attract and maintain the right talent and better serve your customers.

Reduced IT Complexity & Enhanced Infrastructure

Use of the cloud is restructuring the way we work. It enables a way to meet the demand for service without increasing personnel on an IT team. Unless you are a large institution, it’s hard for the average IT team to maintain the level of expertise necessary in all areas. The cloud gives you the opportunity to pay for exactly what you need, when you need it.

Cloud hosting includes software-as-a-service (SaaS) and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), and with the option of a hybrid cloud this can effectively help you expand storage for data needs, provide off-site back up, and be an important tool in your disaster recovery plan. Cloud hosting also offers the opportunity for more frequent updates, ensuring your business is dealing with the most modern technology.

Microsoft’s Azure cloud is made up of a cluster of data centers. Computing power is purchased and parceled out depending on business needs.

Facts

Fact: 80% of Fortune 500 companies are using the Microsoft Cloud

Fact: From 2014 to 2015 cloud adopted software implementations rose from 4% to 33%.
– Panorama Consulting’s 2015 ERP Report