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Supercharge Your System

Supercharge Your System
Cloud is fast becoming the new normal.

Simply put, cloud computing is based on the internet. Where in the past, businesses would run applications or programs from software downloaded on a physical computer or server in their building, cloud computing allows people access to the same kinds of applications through the internet.

When you update your Facebook status, you're using cloud computing. Checking your bank balance on your phone? You're in the cloud again. Chances are you already rely on cloud computing to solve the challenges faced by running your business, whether you're firing off e-mails on the move or using a bunch of apps to help you manage your workload.

In short, cloud is fast becoming the new normal. By the end of 2018, it's expected that a majority of US and Canadian businesses will take advantage of the simplicity and high-performance the cloud guarantees (Network World, January, 2018).

So, why are so many businesses moving to the cloud? It's because cloud computing increases efficiency, helps improve cash flow and offers many additional benefits, such as the following.

• Flexibility ✓

Cloud-based services are ideal for businesses with growing or fluctuating bandwidth demands. If your needs increase it's easy to scale up your cloud capacity, drawing on the service's remote servers.

• Disaster Recovery ✓

Businesses of all sizes should be investing in robust disaster recovery, but for smaller businesses that lack the required cash and expertise, this is more an ideal than the reality. Cloud is now helping to buck this trend, since data is automatically backed up on a regular basis. According to the Aberdeen Group, small businesses are twice as likely as larger companies to have implemented cloud-based backup and recovery solutions that save time and avoid large up-front investment.

• Automatic Software Updates ✓

The beauty of cloud computing is that the servers are off-premise and suppliers (such as Windward Software) take care of them for you and roll out regular software updates, so you don't have to worry about maintaining the system yourself, leaving you free to focus on growing your business.

• Capital Expenditure-Free ✓

Cloud computing cuts the high cost of hardware (i.e., servers) and related maintenance (IT services) and replacement costs. You simply pay as you go and enjoy a subscription-based model that's kind to your cash flow.

• Work from Anywhere ✓

With cloud computing, if you've got an internet connection, you can be at work. And you're generally not restricted by which device you've got in hand. The result? Depending on the nature of your business, owners can offer more flexible working perks to employees.

• Security ✓

Lost laptops are a billion dollar business problem. And potentially greater than the loss of an expensive computer is the loss of the sensitive data inside it. Cloud computing gives you greater security when this happens. Because your business' data is stored in the cloud, you can access it no matter what happens to your machine.

• Competitiveness ✓

Wish there was a simple step you could take to make your business more competitive? Moving to the cloud gives access to enterprise-class technology, for everyone. It also allows smaller businesses to act faster than big, established competitors. Pay-as-you-go service mean small outfits can run with the big boys, and disrupt the market, while remaining lean and nimble.

For these reasons and more, Windward Software encourages prospective clients, as well as existing customers, to select Windward System Five on Cloud.

Rest assured, Windward will continue to support our server-based, on-premise solution of Windward System Five into the future, in case you feel more comfortable with this option. However, given that System Five is now available on the cloud, we recommend that all businesses seriously consider this enhanced, proven technology.

It's important to note that with Windward System Five on Cloud, you will always retain ownership of your data at all times, just like you do when you operate an on-premise server.

Still on the fence? Consider a quick comparison between an on-premise (in-house) server-based business management solution and a cloud-based solution, as summarized in the table below.



Existing Windward Software Clients

If you're an existing Windward client currently operating a server-based System Five solution, the good news is that migrating to our cloud solution is easy. Simply contact your Account Manager at +1 (800) 663-5750 for more information and to get started.

Not Yet a Windward Customer?

On the other hand, if you're a business owner thinking about implementing a new business management system, then we highly recommend your contacting our Business Development team by calling +1 (800) 663-5750 or clicking here to schedule a complimentary online demonstration of our product. We promise you'll be wowed by what System Five can do for your business.


The advantages presented by Windward System Five on Cloud are very exciting, and we look forward to hearing from you so we can discuss these opportunities further.

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