Organizations always strive for increasing reliability of operations and cutting down the cost of operations. In doing so, organizations look for implementing IT systems to increase overall efficiency of operations. When we talk of IT systems, we mean both Hardware and software. Information technology is one domain which is very dynamic and continuously enhancing. Re skilling is now a big problem industry is facing around. An IT system acquired 3 years ago which may be the latest at that time, may look outdated today. Further it is easy to acquire latest hardware if you have budgets and then outsourcing the maintenance but choosing an appropriate software system that suits your business today and tomorrow does not depend only on your budgets but also on service provider, their reliability, responsiveness and adaptability to new technology and changing business environment. For SME’s, major portion of IT budget is spent on Hardware and very less is available for software.
In my several years in manufacturing industry, it is observed that many companies are having latest technology hardware but they are still using software’s developed in mogul era technologies. Being a SME unit, the IT budgets are moderate and hence established, reputed and large size service providers cannot be appointed. Then the service provider is either not traceable or may not have necessary skills to upgrade your software to new technology platform your business requires. Then again, business needs may have changed over the time and this calls for totally new software system which uses latest technology, and modern business requirements.
Redevelopment is expensive on both fronts, Budgets and Time. Rewriting a new software using latest technology is time consuming and expensive. This is especially true for Small and Medium size organizations where there is no dedicated IT department, the budgets are small, skilled human resources are scare and most difficult part is to retain these skilled human resources. Because when the person involved in development of system leaves the organization in many cases system collapses because new person does not understand the basics, logic and methodology followed. This is primarily due to poor system documentation.
Many SME’s and Mid size organizations insist on custom built software systems which involves steps from requirements definition, development and stabilizing the system. In small organization, this operation dies down before a system is actually implemented because the efforts for testing, debugging and stabilization are huge. Even if the software comes to the installation stage, it has to be used with many defects and bugs.
So what is the solution, for small and mid size organizations to
- Keep IT spending to minimum
- Stay in tune with latest technology
- Get rid of hardware costs
- Forget about development and stabilization related worries.
- Forget about hiring and retaining skilled IT human resources
The only solution is to opt for cloud based software. Discussed below are the major benefits that are availed with cloud based solutions especially for small and mid size organizations.
Reduced cost of IT infrastructure
In cloud solutions, servers are in cloud and users do not need to have high end servers or software. Cloud solutions need only a computer and internet connection. With this, users are relieved from investment in IT infrastructure and associated annual maintenance cost. Cloud solutions can be used only with a nominal annual cost.
As the IT infrastructure is cloud, users also save on skilled human resources required for maintenance of this infrastructure.
Scalable
IT resources in cloud are available to fulfill your needs as they arise. Depending on your requirements and priorities you can scale up or scale down the IT resources in cloud.
Data Security
Disaster recovery is always the top priority for any business whether a small or a big. But often the small businesses are far behind because of lack of resources and expertise. With networked backup provisions in cloud systems, users are relieved about system failures or data losses. In cloud system data is secured than never before.
Automatic Updates
Normally for an in premise software, whenever a new version is released by the developer, users need to buy a license for the new version as well. But with software’s in cloud, users receive free automatic updates whenever server and associated software’s are updated. Another big saving on making latest computing technology available to you.
Improved Collaboration
Biggest benefits of cloud computing is that, it enables team collaboration for local and remote teams in real time. With enterprise cloud solutions, even a collaboration and information flow can happen with multiple teams of partner organizations as all stake holder use same cloud resources of server, software and database.
Benefits from wider community collaboration
As cloud solutions are developed keeping in view of standards and practices of different countries and organizations in those countries, users benefit from wider community knowledge and their business becomes ready to embrace opportunities across globe.
Immediate Deployment
Cloud solutions are available for immediate use and can be rapidly deployed. This eliminates the long development and implementation periods involved in traditional application, installation and implementation. This means without any investment in IT resources and application, your business becomes at par with all players or even get a competitive edge in no time.
Anywhere anytime availability
Cloud solutions are operated over internet which makes them available anywhere and anytime. Stake holders stay updated and use the system as they move from one location to another.
Grow your business, Forget IT systems
With cloud solutions you are relieved of all issues and worries relating to IT infrastructure, skilled manpower, maintenance of IT systems, staying in tune with latest technology, new updates & versions, rapid deployment etc. You are now free to focus on your core business and achieve your growth targets.
