The cloud is proving to be an essential platform for small accountants. By integrating their current accounting apps into a secure cloud platform, they have the ability to manage their entire business processes in one unified solution.
Key data is automatically backed up, user activity is monitored and updates are simultaneously carried out, out-of-hours. In addition to this, they have the ability to integrate their current processes within a cloud platform.
So, how many small businesses are moving to the cloud? 37% had already migrated to cloud computing in 2015. That figure will more than double to nearly 80% in under 4 years.
But what do accountants need to know before adopting cloud technology?
One size does not fit all
Different accountants have different needs. Cloud computing provides users with fully customisable solutions that match their current requirements and support changing business demands.
Users can pick and choose what they need and when they will need it.
Application integration
The lift-and-shift method of application hosting enables users to work with the exact applications they already know and use. There is no training involved when making a move to the cloud, simply pick up where you left off with your previous IT setup.
At Atlas Cloud, we can host over 350 applications and as a Sage partner, our work with them has enabled accountants to be more secure, more mobile and more flexible than ever.
“Applications we have used for years, such as CCH and Sage have been seamlessly integrated within their cloud platform to enable us to securely access them whenever we need to, from any location.” – Claire Priestley, Clarand Accountants
Security and SLA standards
Unlike a traditional approach to IT, accountants will have the ability to ensure their delivery model matches their exact demands in terms of compliance and industry regulations.
In addition to enhanced security, the end user also has the ability to challenge the service level agreements that are proposed by a cloud or managed services provider. A set of service level agreements is a guide of how the provider will respond to any incidents or tickets logged by the end-user. This is something that is not available with software and hardware stored locally. As a result, productivity can be maximised as there will be minimal downtime if an incident does occur.
Small accountants are starting to understand the increasing marketplace of cloud solutions that can improve everything from efficiency through to profitability. Due to the long-term benefits of cloud technology, cost of implementation and on-going service are worth every penny. In fact, 85% of small business owners are willing to invest more in software solutions over the next 5 years.
If you’re an accountant looking to utilise cloud technology, do not hesitate to contact us for more information about our Hosted Desktop solution and our partnership with accounting giant, Sage.
