A Look Inside the Cloud

To cloud, or not to cloud? Businesses of all sizes ponder this question in today's ever-changing world of technology. You've most likely moved aspects of your personal life to the cloud (think Google Drive, iCloud, Spotify), but what about your business? Because many companies are hesitant to adopt cloud computing due to the ambiguity surrounding the topic, we've decided to address some potentially unanswered questions below.

Is the Cloud Secure?

Some people are skeptical about moving to the cloud because of security concerns. Of course everyone wants their data to be secure, but that doesn't always mean your technology has to live right there in your office with you. In a scenario where you have the option between a few members of your staff ensuring the security of your whole company or an entire team of skilled security professionals, which team should one choose? Cloud providers are able to offer a greater level of security; after all, their entire existence depends on it. Additionally, the cloud is encrypted and gives you backup protection, all while eliminating dependency on a single server.

Is "Making the Switch" Worth it?

It's no secret that technology is constantly changing and we've all been hurt by change at one time or another, but can you really risk holding back the future of your business? Change isn't always bad. If your business is stuck with the mindset of doing everything internally, take a step back to look at what's truly best for the operations of your company, and don't let the bias of internal jobs dependent on in-house servers deter you from considering the cloud. The cloud is certainly here to stay and it becomes evident if you look at the significant time and effort top tech firms like Amazon, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Alibaba have invested in developing cloud infrastructure.

How Scalable is the Cloud?

Businesses grow as well as change, and because of this, you'll need a scalable infrastructure to ensure future success. We live in a world of data, and data is the future of all businesses. As time goes on, we generate more data which also creates a need for more storage. The cloud allows you to pay for what you need, when you need it. Having a solid framework to support your growing business is no longer an option; it's a necessity.

Is the Cloud Cost Effective?

We'll let you calculate the cost of moving your business to the cloud on your end, but cloud computing has proved to be affordable for businesses of all sizes. Remove the cost of maintaining your own servers, buying software, hardware, paying for upgrades, and see where you land. On top of that, employees tasked with maintaining servers, etc. can be freed up to do more valuable work. After all, time is money.

Does the Cloud Promote Collaboration?

Moving to the cloud allows important data to be accessed anywhere, anytime, on any number of devices. Through the cloud, data sharing becomes easy, therefore increasing the visibility of your business operations. The need to maintain complicated VPN's is eliminated. We live in a mobile world; allow your business to do the same.

Is Moving to the Cloud Disruptive?

Change can be daunting, and sometimes sticking with old practices can seem like the safe choice, but is it really? Migrating to the cloud has proved to be quick, easy, and stable for all types of businesses. Imagine a world where you no longer have to worry about updating old hardware, paying for upgrades, or monitoring your servers. It is by far easier for a cloud provider to obtain new hardware for you, especially considering it is the lifeblood of their business. Let someone else do the work–it's that easy.

Encompass is Built for the Cloud

Encompass Technologies is the industry's first all-in-one cloud-based distribution-focused ERP system that is scalable to your growing business. The system allows you to make accurate decisions with real-time data and securely access information anywhere on iOS and Android devices. With Encompass, you can avoid the hidden expenses of traditional software such as fees for updates, emergency support, licensing, additional consulting, and multiple user software access. To top that off, Encompass has partnered with the most reliable service providers in the industry: Amazon Web Services and Google. Visit us at www.encompass8.com or give us a call at (970) 449-8000 to see what Encompass Technologies can do for your business.