There are all sorts of clouds; public and private clouds, true and hybrid clouds. “True cloud” advocates would say anything other than an application conceived, born, and raised on the cloud is not cloud. Hybrid cloud recognizes the reality that we live in a practical world with risk-averse people who are not all trying to revolutionize their industry. SAP Business One hybrid cloud combines all the true cloud benefits with reliability and customization capabilities.
In today’s digital world, we all work in the cloud. We Google information, get our e-mail and pay our bills online. More than ever we rely on the cloud for our video streaming, online shopping and making dinner reservations. In business we recruit our staff, market to prospecting customers and exchange information with our suppliers. A “Hybrid cloud represents the mixture of on-premise, public clouds (like Amazon Web Services, Azure or Google) and private clouds, and traditional software in some combination.
We live in the real world where there is no such thing as 100% cloud because we all live on earth, with computers, laptops, and tablets in our hands, and feet on the ground. This is why we have advocated for hybrid cloud as the most compelling cloud for the small to mid-sized business market since 1999!
Why SAP Business One Hybrid Cloud?
Most CPAs will tell you QuickBooks online is “good,” but QuickBooks Desktop, which is the software you install on your server or laptop, is better because it has more features and functions within the application. Although some more established true clouds have robust third party catalogs and deep functionality, there is no on-premise alternative. True cloud licensing is subscription only, so you must lease and can never own the software.
The most common difference between “true cloud” and traditional software is the number of customers using the same software and database.
- To be truly be “true” a cloud must be multitenant. In a multi-tenant cloud all customers are using the exact same software in a large database system. Security is in place to ensure one company cannot see another’s data.
- Hybrid clouds often share infrastructure components such as backup and cyber protection systems. Each company typically has a dedicated instance of the software running on their own dedicated servers.
7 key reasons to for digital transformation on hybrid cloud:
- Anytime, anywhere secure access to your systems.
- Digital transformation does not have to mean changing business management systems. Most on-premise systems work great in the cloud. If your system has an “open architecture” for getting information in and out, it is perfect for cloud deployment.
- A dedicated security team to fight cyber attacks
- Over 60% of companies surveyed by Osterman research for Sonic Wall were unaware of vulnerabilities within their organization before they were attacked! US businesses are attacked with ransomware every every 11 seconds according to the National Security Institute. Now more than ever, you need professionals guarding your technology.
- Automated server backups and simplified disaster recovery
- According to a poll by Insureon, 61% of small businesses do not have a disaster recovery plan. Most who do have never tested them. Hybrid cloud provides server-based image backups for fast whole server restores. No reinstallation of software is required to restore data from a damaged system.
- In a hybrid cloud you can also restore individual files from backup.
- Cloud service providers test restore systems on a regular basis.
- A team of support professionals who are available 24/7/365
- Small internal teams or third-party support for on-premise systems is subject staff availability.
- Specialty clouds know your software and provide service level agreements. These clouds install the software constantly and consistent processes increase reliability and reduce response time.
- Predictable cash flow and often lower total cost of operations.
- Many “true cloud” providers are leasing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) on a 1-3 year contract and usually require up-front payment. With a hybrid cloud you can use your new or existing company owned software and pay only for the infrastructure you need as you use it.
- Ultimate customization capabilities
- Dedicated hybrid clouds allow any secure customization for customers. Customized integrations, applications, data folder structures, backup plans and much more.
- Customization allows for differentiation. If you have to be the same as your competitor, how will you be better?
- Lower total cost of operations
- As part of a strategic digital transformation, you can lower a variety of costs including using hybrid cloud:
- Computer hardware and software spending,
- Bandwidth and internet costs,
- Staffing and/or consulting fees,
- etc.
- The biggest savings is often the reduction of downtime or hidden cost of cyber-attacks avoided
- As part of a strategic digital transformation, you can lower a variety of costs including using hybrid cloud:
SAP Business One Hybrid Cloud
Most companies either like their software or want a proven solution that meets their unique business requirements. Being in a hybrid cloud provides companies with a proven solution and the opportunity to re-platform it. It also allows it to remain on the latest technology, in the cloud, closer to their customers, suppliers, and others with whom they work.
- SAP has a “web native,” browser based user interface for SAP Business One. This client provides the benefit of true cloud for most users, with all the bells and whistles of 20 years of development and complete customization capability.
- SAP Business One has a mobile application for Apple and Android phones. Both sales and service personnel have a robust application with real time data and updates.
- SAP Business One is “cloud-connected” for tax calculation services, ACH processing, AP automation, and much more. Putting SAP Business One in the cloud saves businesses the hassle and cost of all the bandwidth and provides the anytime, anywhere access benefits of the cloud.
- SAP Distribution is natively connected to Microsoft 365. SAP provides powerful analytics are built into Excel pivot tables that are connected in real time to the SAP database.
Next Steps?
To find out more about how you can take your business to the next level with a hybrid cloud solution, contact us or book time on Gary Feldman’s Calendar for a 1:1 consultation.