The shift from traditional on-premises ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems to cloud-based solutions continues to gain momentum. While the benefits of cloud ERP include scalability, cost-efficiency, and enhanced collaboration, some businesses remain hesitant. Do you have concerns about moving your Sage ERP to a private cloud hosting model?
Here, we explore six common concerns about migrating ERP systems to a private cloud hosting service and provide insights into how each can be effectively addressed.
Concern 1: “Our data is too sensitive to be stored off-site.”
Resolution: Private cloud hosting services like Cloud at Work understand the foundational importance of data security. We’ve built the platform with strict security protocols that exceed on-premises solutions — and exceed the standards of many other cloud providers. These include advanced encryption, regular security audits, and compliance with industry standards like GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, and ISO 27001. Each of our data centers is categorized as Tier 4, the highest designation, and built to be completely fault tolerant.
Concern 2: “We can’t afford any downtime during the transition or after.”
Resolution: A common business misconception is that cloud systems are less reliable. In reality, most private cloud services guarantee 99.9% or higher uptime percentages. Most also provide robust disaster recovery and data backup solutions, ensuring that your Sage ERP system remains operational even in the event of an unexpected outage. Cloud at Work leverages geo-diverse data centers to further guard against downtime. During the transition to private cloud hosting, asynchronous or synchronous replication keeps the cloud instance in lockstep with its on-premises counterpart. This means that throughout the migration, all data or server updates are synced between the copies.
Concern 3: “The transition appears costly and doesn’t seem to offer a clear return on investment.”
Resolution: While there are costs associated with the initial migration to a private cloud, the long-term ROI is significant. One of the most significant benefits is a cloud-hosting model’s inherent support to your hybrid workforce. Hosting your Sage ERP with a virtual private cloud hosting provider reduces the need for physical infrastructure, ongoing maintenance, and support staff. They typically offer a predictable subscription payment model, simplifying your organization’s financial planning and resource allocation.
Concern 4: “We’re concerned about losing control over our ERP system.”
Resolution: Transitioning to a cloud-hosted ERP doesn’t mean relinquishing control. Many service providers offer customizable solutions that allow businesses to configure and manage their ERP systems as needed. Remember, in a virtual private cloud hosting model, your software “instance” is yours alone. You choose when, or even if, to update the software. A reputable private cloud hosting provider will also ensure transparency in operations by providing you with regular reporting and analytics. The cloud provider should also document the schedule and process for conducting maintenance on the infrastructure. Cloud at Work works directly with your organization’s Sage ERP Partner, ensuring continuity and keeping you and your trusted ally in the driver’s seat.
Concern 5: “The process of moving our ERP to the cloud is too complex.”
Resolution: Cloud at Work is the only cloud hosting provider specializing in migrating Sage ERP (we are accredited by Sage as a Strategic Hosting Provider), and we’re experts at it. Our migrations include detailed planning, data migration assistance, and training for your IT staff and end-users. The complexity is significantly reduced with the right partner guiding you through the process.
Because Cloud at Work specializes in hosting Sage ERP applications, we understand that many businesses rely on the functionality of Sage ISVs and third-party applications. So, we make it our business to remain in front of the ISV landscape, developing collaborative relationships with many publishers and ensuring all of your solutions transition seamlessly to the virtual private cloud.
Concern 6: “With so many public and private hosting options, it seems easier to keep the status quo rather than to risk making the wrong decision.”
Resolution: You indeed have options, but don’t let the fear of making the wrong choice lead you to inaction. The benefits of moving from an on-premises to a cloud deployment model are too significant to pass up.
We encourage you to interview potential cloud providers to make an informed decision. Ask them if they offer both virtual private cloud and public cloud hosting. Providers that offer both options can help you objectively decide which path is best for your organization. For example, while most of our hosted Sage ERP clients elect to leverage our virtual private cloud solution, we also have clients successfully hosting their Sage ERP in Azure. With deep experience hosting Sage ERP, a provider like Cloud at Work can help you successfully identify the best solution based on your current needs and long-term goals.
Proceed Confidently
Moving your Sage ERP to a private cloud hosting service is a significant decision, so understandably, you have questions and concerns. However, by better understanding the migration path, your business can make an informed choice that aligns with its strategic goals. The key is to select a private cloud partner that understands your needs and has a proven track record of successful Sage ERP migrations.
For more information on successfully migrating your ERP system to the cloud, contact our Sage ERP cloud migration team.