Here in the Midwest, we’re proud of our culture’s reliable work ethic and our emphasis on integrity. In the modern era of big data and digital finance, this extends to the security and reliability of our software applications as well. Many businesses who are considering switching to a cloud-based ERP solution understandably have questions about the safety and security of a cloud-based system.

Download our new eBook, The Midwestern Skeptic’s Guide to Cloud ERP, to explore this topic and more. In this blog, we discuss some of the most common questions clients ask regarding the safeguards and reliability of cloud ERP applications.

1. Data Security

How does security work when your data is in the cloud? How does this compare to the security of an on-premises system? When your data is stored in the cloud, it can technically be accessed from anywhere, but only if attackers first gain access to passwords and other private information. However, a cloud-based provider is likely to have more sophisticated safeguards because they can dedicate more resources towards security than your business may be able to afford for any on-premises infrastructure. For example, cloud infrastructure is monitored 24/7 to detect and ward off potential security threats.

2. Reliability of Access

With cloud-based software, you don’t have to worry about your servers going down, because infrastructure maintenance is the cloud-service provider’s primary specialty. Also, due to the way the cloud works, you’re accessing your data on numerous servers rather than just one. That means no down time and no physical limits to where you can access your data. All you need to worry about is having a reliable internet connection.

3. Continuity of Data

One of the great benefits of the cloud vs. managing your own infrastructure is business continuity. You have the peace of mind that you don’t need to worry about losing all your data in case of some kind of disaster. Natural- and human-caused disasters are a big deal in other ways, but at least you can simply log on to your cloud-based solution from a different device and continue to access all of your information and keep the business running.

4. Continued Compliance

In the constantly changing world of technology and financial regulations, it’s critical for your business’s accounting to remain compliant. Cloud-based software will automatically apply important updates on a regular basis. That means that when laws, technology, or security changes, you can rest easy knowing that your software is going to be up-to-date and compliant.

5. Ease-of-access

Being able to easily access all your data in the cloud means that you don’t have to worry about the security of saving files on a home computer, or trying to keep track of thumb drives with sensitive information. All you need to do is log in and start working.

More Questions about Cloud ERP?

This is just an introduction to one specific topic you should research regarding cloud-based solutions, but there are other important considerations as well. To learn the 18 questions you need to ask about cloud ERP, read our eBook – The Midwestern Skeptic’s Guide to Cloud ERP. If you’d like to chat with the team of experts at OTT, Inc., contact us to learn more or request a free cloud assessment of your business’s readiness for cloud ERP.