There is still confusion surrounding cloud, and the need to understand the main types of cloud.
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service);
- Has been around for years, originally called application service providing
- Firms need to choose the provider very carefully, not all providers are the same
- Migration into, between and out of them can take time and careful project and change management required.
SaaS (software as a Service);
- Delivery of systems/data via web page or small footprint based application, Xero, Netsuite, Sassu, MYOB Live Accounts etc. MYOB Account Right , Class Super, Supermate etc slightly different but can work in this manner
- Improvements in handling common transactions easily through data feeds and auto-coding
- Improvements in assisting clients with record keeping, able to share the one ledger
- Can get connected quickly, still have to have the systems correctly setup
- Moving between accounting systems in SaaS environments can be difficult
- Previously able to keep “old” software running for historical reasons
- May end up having to keep up subscriptions with old SaaS system providers to keep historical information
Practices need to carefully consider their “Cloud” movements, it is certainly not something to rush into.
For client records Practices need to develop their “Cloud” processes and procedures. They need to be able to discuss with their clients the options available. Most firms will want to have a “preferred” application they would like their clients to use, normally one that will assist with their internal processes.
Any migration/change work conducted is a great opportunity for Practices to review their processes and procedures, asking “do we really need to do this?”
Brad Schumacher, Director, Roberts & Morrow Technology, www.rmt.net.au
Brad is the Director of RMT, having developed an IT solutions business within Roberts and Morrow CA, now known as Roberts & Morrow Technology (RMT).
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