Category: Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing and Accounting: What You Need to Know

Last month we introduced Cloud computing and how it differs from traditional on-premise solutions. Unlike on-premise software, Cloud computing requires no hardware and little to no maintenance, making it an ideal solution for companies and non-profit organizations who can’t afford to have a full-fledged IT department on staff. Now that you have a thorough understanding of what Cloud computing is, we’d like to discuss how businesses and non-profit organizations can use Cloud-based solutions to manage their accounting tasks.

Cloud Solutions are Rising in Popularity

Businesses and non-profits are constantly on-the-go and, in order to remain effective, need to have instant access to their operational and financial information. The progression of technology has made it possible for business executives and non-profit leaders to send emails from airport lines, check bank balances on mobile phones, and view reports on tablets and similar devices. As more and more organizations move to a more mobile framework, having access to your accounting software from any location at any time will be a key factor to your success.

Cloud computing is on the rise, as recent surveys have revealed. In fact, according to a recent study performed by IBM, 13% of organizations have successfully implemented Cloud technology and 21% are currently moving to the Cloud. The study also revealed that 90% of the companies and organizations surveyed are planning to use the Cloud in some capacity within the next few years. To say the Cloud is growing is an understatement; it truly is exploding onto the business and non-profit scene.

Benefits of Cloud Accounting Software
While it’s never a good idea to jump headfirst into technology trends, Cloud computing has made a name for itself as a reliable solution for both businesses and non-profit organizations. Before you decide if the Cloud is for you or not, however, you need to be aware of some of the key benefits, particularly related to accounting. Take a look at the benefits of pairing Cloud computing with your accounting software:

  • Instant access to important financial information and reports. With Cloud-based accounting software, you can access and edit your financial information from any location at any time. All you need is a connection to the internet. This allows you to have full visibility while you’re on the road or simply away from the office.
  • Improved performance. Cloud computing allows businesses and non-profit organizations to support the changing demands in financial strategy. Users can generate financial reports in real-time, providing them with enough information to suggest new approaches for improved performance.
  • Easily customizable. Cloud-based software is easy to customize, allowing you to build a solution to strategically meet your business or organization’s needs. Because Cloud-based accounting software is offered on a subscription-based model, it can be scaled down (or up) depending on your needs at the time. This makes the Cloud desirable for many non-profits and businesses.
  • Improve multi-company management. Many businesses have multiple entities, and it can become difficult to financially manage the entire business. With Cloud accounting software, you can access financial records from each company instantly. Users can hone in on information from a particular company or view it all simultaneously. With the Cloud, creating reports and reviewing information for multiple companies is a lot easier.
  • Reduced costs. Unlike on-premises accounting solutions, Cloud-based accounting software does not require any extra hardware. This helps companies and non-profits gain more control over their expenses and allows them to redirect their money to more important ventures, such as new programs or products.

If your business or non-profit organization is interested in Cloud computing, give us a call today. We offer a variety of technology consulting services to help you invest in technology that will truly make a difference. Stay tuned for more information about the Cloud and how it is impacting businesses and non-profits all around the world.

Top Cloud Computing Trends of 2014

Today’s businesses rely on technology to function and succeed in the marketplace. Recent advances in technology have enabled businesses to automate manual processes, streamline tasks, and gain instant access to company information and data. Not all technology trends stick around, and businesses have to weigh the costs of jumping on the bandwagon of new trends. Some trends, however, have staying power and the potential to completely transform the way companies do business.

Cloud computing is one of these trends. Many years in the making, Cloud computing has emerged as the leading technology trend for 2014. Although it’s grown significantly in recent years, experts predict the Cloud to become even more popular among businesses and nonprofit organizations alike. This is due in part to the assurance of the Cloud’s security, as well as to the rise of interest in mobile technology. Take a look at some of the top Cloud computing trends for 2014:

  1. More and more businesses will move to a hybrid Cloud
    Hybrid clouds offer the security of a private Cloud with the scalability of public Cloud services. Many businesses are moving to a hybrid model, and experts predict this trend to continue as the year progresses. For companies looking for a safe and affordable infrastructure, the hybrid Cloud is the way to go.
  2. Disaster recovery services will fully move to the Cloud
    Cloud-based disaster recovery services are not only expected to rise this year, but experts also predict current disaster recovery service users to move their data completely onto the Cloud. In the past, many companies have used these services as a backup; however, as they have proven to be reliable, companies are starting to use them as their sole disaster recovery plan.
  3. Businesses will shift from the public Cloud to a private Cloud
    Due to security concerns and control issues, many businesses will make the move from a public Cloud to a private Cloud.
  4. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is expected to grow
    Once the cloud infrastructure is further diversified and more applications are perfected, experts predict there to be an increase in the number of businesses moving to PaaS. Complex web and mobile apps will become the norm, and more companies will choose custom PaaS solutions designed with their specific industry in mind.
  5. Web-powered apps will emerge as a key business tool
    Mobile and web-powered apps provide businesses with a level of efficiency and scalability they have never before experienced. Experts predict web-powered apps to be further developed this year with key features such as platform independence.

These Cloud computing trends are expected to impact businesses all around the world. Have you adopted any of the above trends into your technology practices? Are you using the Cloud to store data or access software? If so, leave us a comment and let us know how the Cloud has impacted your business. We’d love to hear from you!

What’s the Difference between Cloud and On Premise?

As we discussed a few weeks ago, many nonprofit organizations and businesses are looking to move their accounting software to the Cloud. As an accounting and CPA firm, we work with a variety of clients who use a variety of accounting solutions to manage their business or nonprofit. While we don’t think Cloud computing is for everyone, Cloud-based software can certainly benefit many businesses and organizations. Before our clients make a decision, we encourage them to look closely at the features of Cloud computing versus traditional solutions. This will give them a realistic view of the Cloud and help them determine if it is the right fit for their particular technology needs and wants.

There is a stark difference between Cloud computing and on premise solutions: Cloud solutions are provided as a service and can be accessed using an Internet connection while on premise solutions are installed locally on your company’s hardware and servers. The differences, however, do not end there. To help you better understand the differences between Cloud computing and on premise solutions, we’ve provided a list of the key differences between Cloud and on premise solutions. Use the comparisons below to help guide you to the right decision:

Access
Cloud computing: Can be accessed using the Internet or any mobile device (smartphone, tablet, etc.)

On premise: Can only be accessed on company computers (or through remote assistance)

Cost
Cloud computing: Subscription based, pay-as-you-go model (usually in the form of a monthly fee – low initial cost

On premise: Majority of the cost is paid up-front in software/hardware, training, implementation, and IT support costs

Security
Cloud computing: Software and data are managed in the Cloud by the Cloud provider

On premise: All data and software is managed on-site by your business or organization

Hardware Requirements
Cloud computing: No additional hardware is needed – only an Internet connection

On premise: Hardware and servers required to run the software

Upgrades/Maintenance
Cloud computing: Handled by the Cloud provider

On premise: Managed by your IT staff

Deployment Time
Cloud computing: Can be deployed more quickly than on premise solutions (still requires extensive planning and time)

On premise: Implementation and deployment requires an extensive amount of time and planning

Customization
Cloud computing: Software is customizable – all customizations carried forward when software is upgraded

On premise: Software is customizable, but customizations are tied to your current deployment and must be revisited during upgrades

Mobile Options
Cloud computing: Users can access software on their mobile devices using apps, mobile browsers, etc.

On premise: Users can only access software through the web browsers on mobile devices

Moving to the Cloud is a major decision, and it’s not the right choice for everyone. If you are questioning whether Cloud computing is for you, give us a call today. We offer technology consulting services to help businesses and nonprofits just like you determine what the best technology investment is for your company or organization.

Cloud Computing: What is it and Why Does it Matter?

Cloud computing (or “the Cloud”) has become quite the buzzword among businesses and nonprofit organizations. In fact, you’ve probably heard the term “the Cloud” thrown around quite a bit in your circles. Businesses and nonprofits are considering moving their data storage “off-site” to the Cloud. Software providers are developing Cloud-based software to support mobile trends. Even consumers are using the Cloud to store data on their mobile devices. Despite all of the buzz, however, many people do not have a true understanding of what Cloud computing is and what it means for their business or organization. In an effort to clear up some of the confusion, we’ve outlined the key takeaways for businesses and nonprofits to know about Cloud computing.

What is Cloud Computing?
Before you even consider using Cloud-based software or services, you need to understand the definition of Cloud computing. Cloud computing, to put it simply, is anything that involves delivering hosted services of the Internet. For businesses and nonprofits, Cloud computing generally refers to using web applications, software, or server services that you pay for on a regular basis as opposed to purchasing and installing the software and hardware. Businesses and organizations can store data in the Cloud, access their accounting software in the Cloud, or store important electronic documents in the Cloud. Cloud computing can mean many things, depending on how your business or organization plans to use it.

There are three types of Cloud computing: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). IaaS is the lowest level of Cloud computing and refers to a Cloud-based computing structure that is fully outsourced as a service. An example of an IaaS would be your web hosting company. PaaS is more advanced than IaaS in that it also offers a computing platform and solution stack as a service (rather than simply providing the infrastructure). These services are generally used by companies needing to develop, test, collaborate and deploy Cloud solutions for various applications. The hosting, however, is done by the PaaS provider.

SaaS is the most common type of Cloud computing (particularly for the use of businesses and nonprofits). SaaS is generally what people think of when they talk about “the Cloud”. SaaS (also known as Web-based software, on-demand software, and hosted software) refers to the use of software over the Internet. Rather than having to purchase software and hardware, businesses and nonprofits pay a regular fee to access the software online. The software runs on the SaaS provider’s servers, meaning the provider is responsible for all of the maintenance, security, and performance.

How are Cloud Services Different from Traditional Hosting?
Cloud services have three distinct characteristics that set them apart from traditional hosting services. Cloud services are sold on demand (you pay as you go); it is elastic (you can use as much or as little of the service as you want at any given time); and the service is fully managed by the provider (you don’t need anything but a computer and Internet access). Say your company or nonprofit organization is looking to store your data offsite. Rather than storing your files in a separate facility that is still susceptible to the elements and natural disasters, you could store your data in the Cloud. Cloud-based data hosting services are generally low-cost, require no physical hardware or documents, and can be canceled or added to at any time. In addition, your company or organization has instant access to the data you store in the Cloud, making it easy to view the information you need when you need it.

What Does this Mean for My Business or Nonprofit?
While some organizations and businesses are still concerned about the security of storing information and accessing software in the Cloud, many are moving to Cloud-based software and services. The Cloud is making it easier to regularly back-up important data, transfer files, share contact information, and access business information while away from the office. Many businesses are even using the Cloud to access their software via their phones so they can always stay up-to-date with the most current information.

Stay tuned to our blog for more information about Cloud computing and what it means for your business or nonprofit. We will be discussing current trends in Cloud computing, as well as be explaining the difference between the Cloud and on premise solutions. We make it a priority to stay current with business and nonprofit trends to help you achieve the best results possible.

If you’d like to learn more about how your business or nonprofit can use technology successfully, check out our technology consulting services. We can help you utilize your software solutions so you can achieve true success.