With all the talk about new technology like web-based screens, easy mobile access, and cloud-based ERP, a lot of customers have been asking us about options for updating their Sage 300 (formerly Accpac) system while minimizing IT hassles and server maintenance.
So we wanted to take a moment and explain why some Sage 300 customers are choosing to have their ERP system hosted in the cloud rather than maintaining their servers and systems themselves.
What is the Cloud?
Before we dig in, it’s helpful for us to get on the same page about what “the cloud” and “ERP hosting” mean.
In a nutshell, it means that your Sage 300 software and the server it’s installed on is located offsite and accessed remotely via an internet connection. This offsite location is usually referred to as the cloud.
The server and other technology infrastructure that holds Sage 300 in the cloud and allows you to access it over the internet is usually updated and maintained by a company that’s providing you with a service called hosting.
The terms cloud and hosting are often used interchangeably.
With that said, why would you choose Sage 300 hosting (in the cloud) over a traditional on-premises installation?
Let’s take a look at some common reasons customers choose hosting.
Outsource the Technical Cost and Headache
This is probably the number one benefit for most, particularly for small businesses with limited technical expertise in-house (or none at all).
With Sage 300 Cloud Hosting, someone else is responsible for managing the technical infrastructure like servers, databases, and networks. All the IT headaches, troubleshooting, server maintenance, and system upgrades are no longer your responsibility or burden. All you need to worry about is leveraging the features of Sage 300 to run your business efficiently.
Not only do you eliminate the cost of servers, databases, and other technology infrastructure needed to run your Sage 300 software, you also reduce (or eliminate) the cost of paying full or part-time IT staff to support and maintain it all.
Hosting Technology is Faster and More Reliable
Companies that provide ERP hosting are typically running super fast servers on world-class technology that many small and mid-sized businesses don’t have the expertise or budget to implement in-house.
Most hosting companies also maintain redundant systems so that if the server running your Sage 300 system goes down for any reason, it’s automatically picked up by another server within seconds and you probably wouldn’t even notice.
It all means that you’re running on technology that’s much faster than you’d typically purchase for in-house use, and it’s up and running at a near 100% reliability rate without any disruption to your business. There are a lot of companies running their software on-premises that don’t experience that same reliability and have to take their systems offline to troubleshoot more often than they’d like.
To know more about Sage 100 ERP Cloud or Sage 500 ERP Cloud Hosting Solutions, visit Apps4rent.