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Why Should Your Small Business Migrate to a Cloud ERP Solution?

Why Should Your Small Business Migrate to a Cloud ERP Solution?
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system-five-on-cloud-solutionChances 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.

Cloud is fast becoming the new normal.

When you update your social media status, you're using cloud computing. Checking your bank balance on your phone? You're in the cloud again.  In fact, most of the tools that you use day-to-day are hosted in or rely on cloud technologies to do the work that you have grown to value.

So, why are so many businesses moving to the cloud? 

It's because cloud solutions increase efficiency, help improve cash flow, and offer many additional benefits, such as the following:

Work from Anywhere ✓

With cloud solutions, if you've got an internet connection, you can be at work. The result? Depending on the nature of your business, owners can offer more flexible working perks to employees. And you can feel OK about taking a day out of the office for yourself.

Business Continuity ✓

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 a far-fetched goal than a reality. Services like Windward System Five on Cloud are helping to buck this trend since data is automatically backed up on a regular basis.

Reduce Capital Expenditures ✓

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.

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 Operators give 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. 

cloud-systems-provide-enhanced-security-for-your-business

Read Also: Cloud ERP Systems Provide Enhanced Security For Your Business

The proper level of security is typically too costly for the average small business to bear on its own. All too often, it gets cut out of the operating budget, leaving the business subject to cyber-attacks. Windward System Five on Cloud uses best-in-class security to protect your business data. 

Competitiveness ✓

One of the great benefits of using cloud-based ERP solutions is that you can use them to empower your entire workforce using a safe, secure platform. You get to determine the level of access they require to perform their duties efficiently.

It also allows smaller businesses to act faster than big, established competitors. Pay-as-you-go service means small outfits can run with "the big dogs" and disrupt the market while remaining lean and nimble.

Integrate Your Business Applications into a Single Platform

Cloud-based ERP solutions would be nowhere near as effective if they didn’t offer the ability to integrate your core business functions into a single platform. Fortunately, they do.

This supports the 'anywhere, anytime' advantage because each department will have real-time access to the same central database of information, including:
  • Point of sale
  • Backend accounting
  • Inventory Management
  • Customer Relationship Tools
Business_Management_Software_75448633_1200pxW.adc1e075Read Also: How to Know When It's Time To Implement an ERP

Additionally, physical servers are often neglected appliances.  Many business owners take the "if it's not broke don't fix it" approach.  However, applying operating system patches, ensuring users maintain strong passwords, and conducting consistent back-ups are all critical to business operation.

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

Windward will continue to support our classic on-premise version of Windward System Five into the foreseeable future, in case you feel more comfortable with this option. However, given that System Five is has been available on the cloud for some time now, and new development activities focus on this product, we recommend that all businesses seriously consider this enhanced and proven technology.

windward_systemfive_oncloud_1200px_transparent
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.

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 to get started.

Not Yet a Windward Customer?

On the other hand, if you're a business owner thinking it's time to implement 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 blown away by everything that Windward 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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