Opt for the security of cloud software

Systems are often still hosted within organisations themselves. The IT department is responsible for maintenance of the server, security and upgrades. As more operational processes are automated, the number of applications to be maintained increases. “The knowledge of all those applications then becomes more and more fragmented between a select number of people. The continuity of operational processes is quickly compromised when an employee leaves or an application crashes. The same applies to security issues.” In his view, organisations would do well to switch from managing software to using software. Cloud solutions offer that option. “Take us as an example. ISPnext is a software supplier. Its operation and security is our core task, our raison d’être.”

Cloud solutions do however require greater standardisation of an organisation. Arguments against it are by no means always valid, asserts De Ru. “Customisation is more of a burden than a blessing. The risks and extra costs are underestimated. A great deal of customisation causes problems with upgrades and is no longer applicable over the course of time; better alternatives become available.” With SaaS software (Software-as-a-Service), new functionalities – best practices – are available to all users immediately. “Organisations should ask themselves the critical question as to whether they really cannot get by with the developed standards”, believes De Ru. “Why are best practice processes not sufficient for you? Why would you want to distinguish yourself with back office processes? And why would you run risks with every software update, pay more and maintain knowledge of customisation?”

An additional benefit of cloud software is that it makes integration with other applications easier. ERP platforms are also increasingly located in the cloud. Applications can then be linked to them more easily there. ISPnext's Business Spend Management platform is linked to GraydonCreditsafe, amongst others, so that users can view the financial health of suppliers. “This is available to all clients. If such a link has to be achieved one on one with locally installed environments, it is far more expensive.” “As soon as you have applications in the cloud, you can have more data at your disposal”, says De Ru, pointing out another advantage. “That data is more current and can be accessed in a user-friendly way. It helps you to closely examine operational processes, your procurement and supplier management, for example.”

“Applications are more secure and the systems run perfectly”, is a frequently heard argument against switching to the cloud. “I want to challenge managers to make a good inventory of which applications there are, who manages them, what risks are associated with each application, and which operational processes are affected if things go wrong. To that I would add the question as to whether all applications are still sufficient if you are following a growth strategy. Does IT support or indeed hamper business ambitions?”

He summarises the benefits of cloud software once more. “It genuinely offers better security, knowledge is safeguarded and in turn continuity. Updates are implemented quickly and outsourcing of IT management lowers costs. It provides peace of mind and, not to mention, you can concentrate on your own operational management.”