
The growth of cloud computing and its impact on ERP
The last decade has brought with it numerous computing innovations including cloud data storage. Data storage has evolved from magnetic tapes and storage discs to CDs, DVDs, portable hard drives, and data sticks – and now, to the cloud.
You are most likely already using the cloud for a business or personal application; for example, Apple uses the cloud to make your iTunes music available on multiple devices.
Cloud storage represents a giant leap forward in how businesses secure and access their mission-critical information. MYOB’s eBook, Why cloud computing is the future, has been created to discuss why businesses are making a shift to cloud applications and in particular cloud ERP solutions.
Storing information and using software hosted on the Internet has numerous advantages. It’s cost-effective, flexible and the fastest way to deploy and support IT infrastructure and business applications without the need for significant capital investment and staffing increases.
Some of the advantages of cloud storage include:
- Improved business continuity –should a disaster strike, your data remains safe and sound. You could run your business from alternate computers without interruption.
- Anytime, anywhere access – business owners and their staff can access the information they need from anywhere.
- Competitive advantage – through improved efficiency save time and money. You’ll no longer need to buy backup hardware and storage media, nor will you need to dedicate staff to manage your backups each day.
- Improved security – is your business data sitting on a server in an unlocked room and protected by an easy-to-crack password? Cloud data storage providers take security to a much higher level with secured data centres, encryption, authentication, and other security measures.
ERP success with the cloud
Because cloud solutions have been used to run ERP for some time now, the industry has access to documented results of the benefits. The eBook looks at various examples such as research from the Aberdeen Group who report the average improvement of profitability over the past two years for midmarket companies that are not in the cloud was 9%. However, for midmarket companies who were cloud-enabled this was 17%.
To find out more about cloud computing and its impact on ERP solutions, download the eBook.