The time in which your company is solely based on an older hardware infrastructure could soon be a thing of the past, with cloud technology becoming more prevalent than ever before.
However, whilst transitioning your small business to cloud-based systems may seem like an absolute must, each company can - and should - decide on the best approach for its unique requirements.
Here are three burning questions that every small business should want answered before they focus on cloud technology:
Will my small business's data be safe?
A common misconception is that all data in the cloud is vulnerable to potential cyber-based threats. However, Larry Ponemon - founder and chairman of the Ponemon Institute - explained to Forbes Insights that the cloud can actually be incredibly secure. Encryption and security technology are progressing at an exponential rate, and cloud providers have the expertise and resources to leverage them effectively.
Are the benefits over PC-based software really that worthwhile?
Basing yourself completely online may seem like the most convenient option for your business, but there are several things to consider before shifting from a PC-based model. New Zealand's mean internet download speed (23.0 megabytes per second) is marginally faster than the worldwide average (21.3 megabytes per second), according to Ookla's web index.
Whilst that figure is relatively impressive, it is only an average. If your small business suffers from an inconsistent connection, using the cloud could quickly become more laborious than a PC-based alternative. Furthermore, if your small business needs only a handful of computers to store its data, a localised network is likely be the simpler choice.
Is cloud technology really that convenient?
One big benefit the cloud - and online software in general - can give your company is mobility. For example, if you have to go and see a client or attend a meeting away from your base, implementing cloud technology could give you the freedom to do business just about anywhere.
Ultimately, both PC-based and cloud systems have their advantages and disadvantages for each company. Whether you're looking for small business software with the flexibility of an online program or feel more comfortable working from one centralised base, CashManager by Accomplish gives you the option to choose.