Plenty of studies, going back to the 1980’s prove that the cost of acquisition is the smallest part of the overall TCO.Honestly, it is primarily accepted that the cost of maintenance, upgrades, optimization, management, and training incur approximately 3-5 times the cost of the initial equipment acquisition over a five-year ownership period.

Therefore, it is crucial that the small business owner look beyond the purchase and on-boarding expenditures, to ascertain the long-term picture as to how much the technology ultimatelycosts your organization.

Likewise, you must assess the TCO for a cloud/SaaS solution like SMB Suite’s Cloud subscription with the same analysis as an ‘on-premise’ technology solution. The calculation should look something like this:

1. Cost per user, per month
2. Consulting / Implementation Fees
3. Training Costs
4. Ongoing User Support Costs
5. Upgrade Costs
6. Maintenance Costs
7. Extra Application Integration Costs (3rd Party Applications and Information)
8. Application/Environment Backup/Restoration/Recovery Costs
9. Ease and Cost of Adding New Functionality or Modules
10. Ease and Cost of Adding New Users to the Solution/System
11. Uptime Commitments and Cost of Business Downtime

SMB Suite views TCO as a preferred method to compare technology investments when two solutions provide roughly equivalent functionality over the solution lifecycle, but have different types of costs associated with acquisition, maintenance, and operation. For these reasons, a TCO comparison offers a more tangible assessment of the total costs involved in deploying cloud-based SaaS and on-premise business solutions.

Visit our website pricing page: www.smbsuite.com/pricing for more data on SMB Suite’s Cloud subscription TCO with Microsoft Dynamics GP, CRM and eCommerce

by SMBSuite, South Texas Microsoft Partner

Why Does Ascertaining Your Cloud ERP Total Cost Of Ownership (TCO) Matter To Your Small Business is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Customization should go beyond mere application installation for a tailor-fit deployment.  Don’t spend time wedging a square peg into a round hole. . 

There is no shortage of grand promises circulating the internet when it comes to upgrading ERP to a “cloud” solution.  Plenty has already been written about the importance of a “true cloud” deployment and the benefits to be had when a business succeeds in integrating its many points of data with the actors who need that information.

At this point, it seems like most decision makers recognize the benefits of moving to “the cloud” but, understandably, worry about the consequences of migrating mission-critical data if the switch is anything less than. . .clear skies (forgive the pun!).  If you find yourself pulling your hair out worrying about which would be worse:  falling behind the competition because your data is wallowing on an ancient system or held hostage on some new beast—take heart.  With the right partner, you can make the switch with as much assistance as you or your staff need.

Remember:  this isn’t about reinventing the wheel.  Think of it more like trading in your dinner knife for a swiss army knife.  It helps if you can adopt a platform you already know and understand.  Since most businesses use Microsoft Windows and Office, you might want to start with Microsoft Dynamics Partners like SMBSuite.

SMBSuite is one of the only Microsoft Partners offering a complete cloud solution for Microsoft Dynamics GP users.  Besides fluid integration within the Microsoft environment, you’ll probably find it more intuitive than learning a proprietary platform.  This means less down time training your employees and less time to fully utilize the software.

SMBSuite focuses on small and medium businesses.  They prioritize 24/7 support and close involvement with a consultant to customize your deployment.  Many enterprise-level organizations have fully-baked IT departments to troubleshoot issues and may not want this sort of involvement.  Again, not all Microsoft ERP Partners are created equally:  you need to evaluate your business needs and select a partner accordingly.

Our next post will look more specifically at evaluating your specific business needs and mapping them onto the myriad Microsoft Cloud Solutions, powered by SMBSuite.

By Benjamin Redfield, SMBSuite.  A Microsoft Certified Gold Partner.

Implemention Anxiety: Integrated Cloud ERP and CRM Solutions Part I is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Numerous studies, going back to the 1980’s show that the cost of acquisition is the smallest part of the overall TCO. In fact, it is generally accepted that the cost of maintenance, upgrades, optimization, management, and training represent approximately 3-5 times the cost of the initial acquisition – over a five-year ownership period.

Because of this, it is critically important that the small business person look beyond the acquisition and implementation costs to the long-term view as to how much  the solution will actually cost your business.

Just as one would assess the TCO of an ‘on-premise’ technology solution, the same evaluation must be undertaken for a cloud/SaaS solution. The evaluation criteria and calculation should look something like this:

1. Cost per user, per month
2. Consulting / Implementation Fees
3. Training Costs
4. Ongoing User Support Costs
5. Upgrade Costs
6. Maintenance Costs
7. Extra Application Integration Costs (3rd Party Applications and Information)
8. Application/Environment Backup/Restoration/Recovery Costs
9. Ease and Cost of Adding New Functionality or Modules
10. Ease and Cost of Adding New Users to the Solution/System
11. Uptime Commitments and Cost of Business Downtime

SMB Suite views TCO as a preferred method to compare technology investments when two solutions provide roughly equivalent benefits over the solution lifecycle, but have different types of costs associated with acquisition, maintenance, and operation. For these reasons, a TCO comparison offers a more tangible assessment of the total costs involved in deploying cloud-based SaaS and on-premise business solutions.

For more information on SMB Suite’s Cloud subscription TCO with Microsoft Dynamics GP, CRM, and eCommerce, visit our website pricing page: www.smbsuite.com/pricing 

by SMB Suite

Why Does Cloud ERP Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Matter To Your SMB? is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Brief history: ERP in the cloud has been referred to by many names, including application service provider (ASP) accounting solution, accounting software on demand, software-as-a-service accounting (SaaS Accounting), and recently from Microsoft Dynamics GP, hosted accounting. Although there may be some minor variations among these terms, the underlying principle is largely the same: under a cloud ERP delivery model, applications are housed in a remote location and delivered directly to end users as a service via the Internet. Magic!

So what’s the catch? I mean, who would want their info floating around in Al Gore’s sophomoric communication experiment from the 1990’s (not green tech, the other one—hint, you’re using it right now)? Good question. A small or medium business, that’s who: A company that needs flexibility, low costs, and better ways to analyze and deploy information through IT resources so they can stay competitive. That’s what it’s all about right—less capital, more gain.

How did SMB Suite address this issue? By launching in the cloud! In fact, there’s nothing better than the robust environment of an ERP system developed for the Small to Medium Business Market to embrace opportunities that today’s business environment brings. Dynamics GP in the cloud shifts much of the burden of onsite systems into a solution that provides benefits that even the Jell-O-of-the-month club membership can’t bring down (that would actually be a cool gift… as would the Dickie Neck Warmer cousin Edie wore while he slurped Eggnog—Christmas Vacation, good times).

Here are some fun facts as to why shifting from internal staff management to the cloud is das bomb:

• NO up-front Capital investment. True Monthly Subscription OPEX and lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for you, the customer.
• Rapid deployment of the application. We are talking about shaving months off of on-premise implementation. Yeah, you read it right, months.
• Software upgrades, maintenance, and innovations? As the provider of the Dynamics GP Cloud, it’s already included in the subscription price so you’ll get them without the hassle and additional cost seen from traditional providers.
• Repurposed budgets—you won’t be spending all your capital upfront on your ERP solution so you can repurpose that investment into revenue generating assets… so, Christmas bonuses for everyone, right? Oh, and the ability to redeploy IT support tasks to more value-creating business initiatives. Woo! I held my breath while writing those fancy words!

So where do you go to discover the enlightened world of ERP in the cloud with Microsoft Dynamics GP? Come on, why do you think I’m writing this? It’s my company, SMB Suite, where you can get all this fly tech. Visit our website and you’ll see… as the only Microsoft partner with a full Solution Subscription with no upfront fee you’ll save even more. Stop by the site, http://www.smbsuite.com, check out our Dynamics GP, CRM, and Ecommerce solutions. If you need more info, fill out a form, one of our consultants will get back to you, muy rapido!

by SMB Suite, South Texas Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

SMB Suite’s Dynamics GP in the Cloud, Embrace Your Opportunity! is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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No Upfront Investment
Having your ERP online, on-demand will allow your company to eliminate software purchase, hardware and infrastructure expense, the costs associated with deployment, and the hidden costs it takes to operate and maintain on-premise software. With your ERP in the cloud, there is no upfront investment which is an instant lift to your bottom line.

Cloud technologies always map expenditure to usage and allow you to budget for a predictable monthly expense that aligns with your needs. Along the way, you’re improving ROI and paving the road to better business agility.

Slash IT Budget
In today’s competitive business landscape, having the ability to slash your IT budget is key in planning for future growth and prosperity. With Cloud technologies, companies are able not only to cut budgets but reallocate funds to more strategic areas of the business. And when an organization maps software purchase to need, they begin to benefit from the Cloud or Managed Service model.

Cloud technologies allow you to better utilize smart technology, extend your IT budget and make purchase decisions based on usage.

Eliminate Integration, Deployment and Infrastructure Expense
One of the top advantages of hosting your ERP in the Cloud is the ability to have a convenient and predictable monthly fee – that is, locking in the right pricing structure that meets the needs of your budget. Since TCO is based on usage, you have the power to better control the monthly expense and to expand ERP functionality and use when needed. Today, many small and medium businesses are leveraging Cloud to move their technology expenses from CAPEX to OPEX.

Cloud technologies continue to provide flexibility where on-premise applications fall short. And being able to lock in the right price is important for organizations wanting to better manage cash flow and remain competitive.

Lock in the Right Pricing Structure
One of the top advantages of hosting your ERP in the Cloud is the ability to have a convenient and predictable monthly fee – that is, locking in the right pricing structure that meets the needs of your budget. Since TCO is based on usage, you have the power to better control the monthly expense and to expand ERP functionality and use when needed. Today, many small and medium businesses are leveraging Cloud to move their technology expenses from CAPEX to OPEX.

Cloud technologies continue to provide flexibility where on-premise applications fall short. And being able to lock in the right price is important for organizations wanting to better manage cash flow and remain competitive.

If you’re a small or medium business with an existing on-premise ERP solution, consider migrating to the cloud. Having your ERP on-demand will allow you to lower your total cost of ownership per user; eliminate integration, deployment and infrastructure expense; and benefit from the Managed Service model. Your ability to slash IT expense will greatly improve ROI and influence your financial model in a positive way.

For more information on ERP Cloud, visit www.smbsuite.com.

How Cloud ERP Can Help SMBs Leverage the ‘Managed Service Model’ to their Advantage is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Limited Functionality

Functionality is often a primary consideration point when selecting a financial accounting solution. So go beyond basic accounting with a QuickBooks alternative that offers improved financial and operational functionality.

SMB Suite and Microsoft Dynamics GP offer 15 key features not found in QuickBooks Essentials.  Below is the shortlist for preferred accounting functionality desired by many departments, not available with QuickBooks:

• Intercompany accounts
• Allocation calculations
• Landed cost tracking
• Forecasted demand
• Ship-to on same order
• Partial pay invoice

Poor Database Performance

Simplicity and power are often viewed as important factors when it comes to selecting financial accounting software. Although true, you also need a solution that is a fit today yet powerful enough to provide the framework and infrastructure to support growth tomorrow. In many cases, QuickBooks wasn’t designed to handle larger workloads, user counts and security requirements; and poor database performance is the last thing your company needs to face when you’re in growth mode.

SMB Suite and Microsoft Dynamics were designed with twice the built-in functionality than QuickBooks, with the capacity to scale from hundreds to thousands of users and handle large workloads.  By integrating and aligning departmental and business applications, we provide a means for you to leverage sophisticated reporting and decision making tools that are tightly integrated with Microsoft Office that you can tailor to fit your business.

Inadequate Financial Reporting

To compete today, small and medium businesses need to have the best planning, reporting and management tools available at their fingertips. That is, you must be able to quickly find critical information to understand the health of your company and where your business stands at all times. And having a better understanding of your customers will only drive improved bottom line results which in turn will allow you to make faster and more informed business decisions on the fly.

SMB Suite and Microsoft Dynamics GP go above and beyond by providing more than 700 standard reports out of the box that help reduce risk and allow users to edit in Excel or Word, and then view in real-time, through an integrated business portal.

Transaction Limitations

A small and medium business should never be held back by their financial accounting system. Being able to handle more customers, vendors, inventory items and customer requirements are key factors to the business growth and success of any company.

SMB Suite and Microsoft Dynamics GP will never limit the number of users, transaction volume or reports you can access. And having transactional integrity is critical for accounting departments that need the ability to go back and follow an audit trail for any given transaction. Depending on the version of QuickBooks being used, users are limited to 32,000 transactions or file sizes that reach 30MB and transactional integrity maybe in an issue.

Insufficient Integration

In the global marketplace, it is critical that you consider tools that allow you to integrate your operations with your supplier’s inventory and front office applications in order to drive additional responsiveness and profit. Waste robs profitability and having tighter integration and controls only gives your company that visibility needed to create profit.

SMB Suite and Microsoft Dynamics GP provide advanced integration by allowing users with access to Microsoft Office the ability to view information in Outlook, Word or Excel from within Dynamics GP without having to enter the Office applications and manually look up data.

So if you’ve outgrown QuickBooks, consider a QuickBooks alternative, including Cloud ERP. SMB Suite is the QuickBooks alternative that has proven to be one of the easiest, quickest and least disruptive cloud ERP solutions for growing businesses like yours.

For more information on moving from QuickBooks to SMB Suite, visit smbsuite.com today.

Why ERP Cloud is Fast Becoming a QuickBooks Alternative is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Business Accounting processes are among the most mission critical measures a business defines and executes against, and they serve as the backbone to core operational best practices across the entire company. Not only does a company need to align the right solution to predefined processes (those that will have the greatest impact on the bottom line), a company must also consider the IT investment needed to deliver the desired outcome – improved employee productivity across multiple departments as well as better data accuracy, compliance, and cash flow management.  Below are five business accounting and reporting software tips that we believe improve productivity.

Offload Accounting Tasks to your ERP Solution
One way a company can improve productivity is by reducing human capital expenses that are a direct result from offloading tasks to their business accounting and reporting software. By leveraging the power of ERP, you eliminate the duplication of repetitive tasks performed by employees and make valuable information accessible across multiple departments.

 TIP: A company that leverages their ERP software by integrating sales and inventory transactions with accounting activity will not only reduce risk but also eliminate data entry errors. And it takes them a step closer to improving bottom-line efficiency and managing for operational capability.

 Utilize Timekeeping to Minimize Over-time
By tracking employee time, business owners can better plan and allocate labor expense by project or customer. A company can also determine the most productive way to schedule employees and determine ways to avoid overtime. The timekeeping function can be especially valuable for Service oriented companies that invoice customers by project and/or labor hours.

 TIP: In addition to tracking employee time and project hours, your ERP software will allow you to invoice clients in advance by creating periodic invoices with labor breakdown by employee, based on a predefined or prescheduled set of hours.

 Automate Repetitive Tasks
The more you can rely on your business accounting and reporting software to automate repetitive tasks, the more your organization will benefit from improved productivity and realize gains to the bottom line. Two good examples of manually-intensive accounting processes are General Ledger Reconciliation and Collections. Before utilizing ERP to automate these tasks, accounting departments had to hire additional staff to keep up with daily activity.

 TIP: ERP Software today has the advanced modules to improve productivity by leveraging built-in workflows that automate and consolidate activities across multiple companies and divisions – all while providing a single repository for client information that will allow your company to continually review costs, expenditures, and offerings and remain competitive.

 Scale without Adding Expense to the Bottom Line
A company in growth mode will drive greater productivity if they have integrated ERP with daily operations, accounting, and sales activities. Since business processes (for the most part) tend to automate tasks and activities, the growth a company witnesses will not add expense to the bottom line even if transaction velocity increases.

 TIP:  ERP software, by design, will scale easier for a company witnessing growth. And it’s a direct result of invoicing, payroll, inventory management, and purchasing activities all being performed through predefined and automated set of functions within the financial accounting software.

 Improve Cash Flow with On-demand Reporting
One way an organization can improve cash flow is with on-demand reporting. If you’re an accounting manager who needs a clear picture of financials, integrating an ERP solution is the best way to get a holistic view quickly. Pulling Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables (from multiple divisions), including cash from Investment and Financing activities is the only way to get an accurate picture of the bottom line. Having ERP software to automate on-demand reporting like this will drive improved companywide productivity as well as enable data accuracy and compliance.

 TIP: Use your on-demand Balance Sheet to get the most accurate measure of the health of your company. Since it includes Equity data from historical recordkeeping, profit & loss statements, and cash on hand balances, you’ll know exactly what the bottom line is and be able to re-direct resources when new opportunities arise.

Before you make a commitment to business accounting and reporting software, consider a cloud solution like SMB Suite^TM.  Designed for small and medium businesses, SMB Suite delivers innovation and best practices to improve efficiency across multiple divisions, allowing you to better manage the internal details of your business while giving you proactive options to improve bottom line results.  For more information on ‘business accounting and reporting software tips,’ visit www.smbsuite.com.

Five Business Accounting and Reporting Software Tips that Improve Productivity is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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If you’re a business just starting to research ERP, it might be good to start with the history of ERP Software and how the technology evolved.

ERP had its early beginnings from MRP or Materials Requirement Planning, which integrated additional data specific to employee and financial information into the scope and planning. It then changed to Manufacturing Resource Planning primarily due to industry interest before it morphed into what we know today as ERP – a solution that streamlines internal and external operational processes to improve efficiency and profitability across the entire business.

Enter cloud technologies, specifically Cloud ERP, and now a company has the ability to achieve greater ROI by improving operational efficiency, being more competitive in the market and proactively planning for their growth and greater profitability. For small and medium businesses, Cloud ERP may be a more viable solution, delivering greater ROI.

Improved Operational Efficiency
It’s widely known that ERP Software is designed to increase visibility and transparency across every department. And that certain industries will have specific initiatives relevant to industry drivers. Move to the Cloud and you now have your ERP on demand creating access to services from anywhere the internet is available. This allows for greater collaboration between employees, regardless of where they are located, improved visibility and a clearer picture of financials across multiple departments. And having the ability to react quickly to business opportunities as they arise will only improve overall performance and agility.

Be More Competitive
An additional benefit associated with ERP Software is the capacity for a company to gain greater competitive advantage and remain resilient. To be exact, a company’s ability to meet the demanding needs of the market faster than the competition distinguishes its value proposition from the rest and allows it to remain ahead of the competition. Many believe this is the single most important aspect of staying competitive.

Cloud ERP adds further to the value proposition by bringing fluidity to the business – allowing an organization to adopt new technology without disrupting business or having to add additional resources, while adding the ability to better manage cash flow. This is especially important for small and medium business owners that can benefit from:

• No upfront monetary investment
• Moving CAPEX expense to OPEX
• Locking in a price structure that fits their budgets

Proactively Plan for Growth and Prosperity
The ability to plan for growth and prosperity may be the most highly regarded ERP benefit of all as companies have the opportunity to modify strategy for cost control, forecast for the short and long term, plan for the future and be in control of their own prosperity.

Cloud ERP takes it a step further by adding “scalable” options when you need and in a pay as you go model; utilizing smart technology to better manage operational capability; integrating the cloud footprint (across every department) to deliver innovative best practices; and taking the first step to alter your financial model in a positive way.

Now that you know what ERP Software can offer and the advantages of Cloud ERP, evaluate the best option for your company. By better understanding the internal details of your business, you will have more proactive options to improve the bottom line, plan your technology infrastructure and invest in the right resources needed to grow.

For more information on ERP in the cloud, visit www.smbsuite.com.

What ERP Software Can Do for Small and Medium Businesses and How Cloud ERP Can Return Greater ROI is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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To really understand Cloud TCO, we break down the value prop so a company like yours can look beyond the obvious to the drivers that will be the most beneficial to the health of your organization. 

Moving CAPEX Expense to OPERATING Expense

Not only is this a smart move in terms of cash flow, as an organization, you now have the power to alter your financial model in a positive way that:

• requires little or no up-front software or hardware investment
• eliminates the need to support, maintain, or train additional IT staff
• locks-in the right pricing structure, in a pay-as-you-go  model

And because Cloud providers carefully articulate what services are provided in their Service agreements, your organization will benefit as it motivates them to keep you happy and deliver exceptional customer service and support all day, every day – a WIN for everyone.

The Ability to Deploy Quickly

It’s been highly publicized that by moving to the cloud an organization can experience faster deployments.  When you understand how this is possible, you start to appreciate the TCO value of the cloud and the advantages delivered with cloud technologies.

First, cloud providers eliminate the need for your organization to purchase the appropriate third-party software needed to integrate, maintain, and service a cloud infrastructure. Second, cloud providers specialize in delivering multi-tenant architecture designed optimally to spread costs and best practices across their client base, allowing you to realize the benefit of improved efficiency at a cost savings.  Third, cloud service providers perform all the required maintenance tasks on a large scale, making it easier and more efficient than an internal IT department.

Reallocate IT Budget to Improve Bottom Line Results

With cloud technologies, your IT budgets will allocate differently then a budget designed for on-premise applications. Simply put, you no longer have to worry about ongoing maintenance, upgrades, hardware or trained staff, or how to budget for each of these different areas. Instead, you’ll have  ONE predictable journal entry on the balance sheet every month that doesn’t change.    

Embracing cloud means that you have the opportunity improve your bottom line by spending less on software, hardware, and professional or consulting services which in turn will allow you to realign your budget to more strategic areas of the company – those that will drive profit and bottom line results.

Managing for Growth

Known for flexible scalability, Cloud technologies allow an organization to do more than scale up or back when needed.  They allow you to better utilize smart technology, integrate the cloud footprint across your organization and modify strategies for cost control in order to proactively plan for growth.

Cloud technologies are the first step to having the power to alter your financial model in a positive way. A model that requires no up-front investment, locks in the right pricing structure, and puts you in the driver’s seat to control your own prosperity.

Before you move from on-premise to the cloud, consider all the facts and how you want TCO to align with your overall business strategy. Moving to the cloud can change the way you run your business by allowing you to plan and improve your technology infrastructure, refine processes, and invest in the right resources in order to GROW.

For more information on moving from on-premise to the cloud, visit www.smbsuite.com

by SMB Suite, South Texas Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

The Advantages of Moving from On-premise to Cloud is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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What level of security can I expect?

One of the first areas to discuss with your cloud software provider is the level of security that they offer to their clients. Data encryption, data storage locations, user access, and incident maximums should be addressed upfront and carefully articulated in the service agreement. Equally important is how your provider understands and maps your company’s key business security drivers to the overall business strategy of your organization, and how many layers of security exist within the cloud application and the server.  In short, you need to know how your cloud software provider protects your data from viruses, hackers, and theft before you sign on the dotted line of any service agreement.

What are the cost differentiators between cloud and hosted solutions?

Hosted solutions come in two flavors – private and public hosting. Either way, the company owns the software and has greater flexibility with regard to technology maintenance and where it will be serviced – at the company or in a public or private data center/cloud.

Cloud solutions, on the other hand, can be all-inclusive, eliminating the need for your company to manage technology – the software, data, support, or maintenance. While hosting may be a fit for some, Cloud software solutions are smarter in terms of cost efficiency, as they deliver lower investment expense and eliminate up-front equipment, maintenance, and upgrade costs.  Furthermore, cloud solutions convert a traditional capital expense into an operational expense – a SMART play for small and midsize companies that need to manage their cash flow for maximum flexibility.  To be thorough, review all  options with regard to total cost of ownership and technology maintenance.

Will the provider’s back-up and disaster recovery processes meet the challenge?

What if your company experiences a data access issue or power outage that also affects your client’s access to their data?  How confident would you be with your service provider’s contingency plans?

When evaluating a cloud software provider, take a deep dive into their contingency plans, backup schedule and recovery plans. Ask the provider about what you can expect with regard to associated costs should a crisis situation arise. Inquire not only about the frequency for data backup and the time required to recover data during a critical situation, but also how long it would take to recover deleted files. The more you know, the more you can eliminate risk and avoid potential billing issues.

What percentage of downtime can be expected for scheduled maintenance and upgrades?

This is a must-ask question for every organization considering cloud software and hosting, along with data availability/access.  Depending on the level of action required, an effective cloud provider will schedule a customized service plan in advance, working around your calendar and providing a guarantee on data availability. A good benchmark should be no less than 95 percent availability during a calendar month. All details should be carefully explained, along with the contract definitions associated with maintenance, such as availability, outage, castrophic disaster, and credits, in the service agreement.

How does the provider communicate maintenance notices, outage issues, or fixes?

As with any other software, cloud applications require periodic routine maintenance, upgrades and fixes.  Any cloud provider should carefully explain the “customer service” options available, customer service hours (if not 24/7) and the communication vehicles/frequency for notifications. Know upfront how your cloud provider will locate you should the system be down, and what forms of communication will be used:  email, phone, web, mobile, or all. With so many options available through social media today, some providers may use Twitter or Facebook posts to inform clients of pending maintenance. Agree to use the methods that best align to suit your needs.

As more small and midsize companies are driven to keep costs in check, cloud computing and cloud software are becoming increasingly popular. Understand what cloud providers can offer in the way of security, emergencies, data recovery, and downtime before making any decision.  For more information regarding online accounting software, visit www.smbsuite.com.

by SMB Suite, South Texas Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

5 Questions to Ask your Cloud Solution Provider is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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