Debunking Cloud Myths with Industry-Specific Cloud Solutions

SMBs need industry-specific tools that are customized for their unique needs, interests, and workflows. However, dedicating internal resources and teams to building in-house tools and capabilities can be complex, time-consuming, and expensive.

SMBs don’t have to be constrained by their industry and the technology they want to adopt. Instead, they can embrace modern cloud solution platforms from industry-specific solution providers with features and capabilities tailored to their industry. Managing business processes and operations can be challenging and overly complicated without the right capabilities. But when functions and requirements exist within a single place, such as a centralized ERP, employees can better collaborate and access real-time information. However, system and function requirements can vary per industry. For example, the exact solutions and features for a company operating in supply chain and manufacturing might not work for an organization in the healthcare space.

Industry-specific software providers understand their vertical’s compliance, regulation, and security needs. They are able to then embed necessary features driven by the knowledge and expertise from working within that unique domain. As industry requirements evolve alongside new business capabilities, a cloud-based platform with built-in industry expertise will bring the necessary flexibility that businesses need to scale and adopt new technologies over time.

Expense myths

Cloud migrations can sometimes cause hesitation, particularly among SMBs, with the thought that they are too risky, costly, and time-consuming to be worth the effort.

After all, existing infrastructures might serve the immediate needs of an organization’s goals and costs. This often drives decision-makers’ rationale for continuing operations ‘as-is’ without making new technology investments. But this approach is only sustainable in the short term and could severely limit the organization’s growth potential as well as its ability to reach its larger goals.

Organizations need a cloud platform that affords them flexibility when they need to embrace new technologies, adapt to new ways of working, or scale up or down as needed. A cloud business model is agile, because organizations can pay for what they use and don’t have to deal with the associated costs of running additional IT teams, infrastructure, or hardware on their own.

Migrating to the cloud is, actually, not overly complex. Fears of a difficult process are often a deterrent for businesses concerned about making the transition. Organizations can leverage existing infrastructure and investments and move predetermined parts of their infrastructure to the cloud. The flexibility and support provided by cloud systems offer organizations advantages that help them migrate at their own pace and in their own way.

Security myths

Organizations are often under the misconception that on-premise security is the best choice for them. However, since data architectures are showing solid signs of growth, business IT transformations are underway, and employees are operating in hybrid remote work scenarios, the security landscape is increasingly daunting and challenging. Here are some common security myths that are simply that:

Myth #1: On-premise environments are more secure than the cloud.

Truth: Businesses are often scrambling to keep their on-premise environments secure, while managing their own cybersecurity teams and devoting a considerable amount of time and effort to overseeing a constantly-evolving threat landscape. Keeping employees updated on the latest security protocols and charging everyone in the organization with the task of keeping systems and data secure can be an around-the-clock task. A cloud infrastructure, by contrast, integrates these functions to prioritize security measures and updates, taking that task o! of employees’ plates.

Myth #2: Migrating to the cloud is an arduous task that takes attention away from daily operations and priorities.

Truth: The cloud actually improves an organization’s ability to operate efficiently. Systems that run in the cloud have dedicated external teams to keep security operational at all times, so that internal teams can focus on core business functions and key responsibilities. A cloud solution provider shares their own expertise and can manage security systems, automatically update processes, and flag any potential threats.

Myth #3: Cloud migrations are only for organizations with large budgets and resource allocations.

Truth: The cloud helps to modernize IT infrastructure so that companies can push their digital transformation goals and agendas forward with success, allowing them to operate in a modern business context. While larger enterprises might have the resources to devote to internal on-premise security environments, SMBs have fewer resources and trained employees capable of navigating the latest security developments and technologies. Especially in an age of ongoing uncertainty, it’s integral that organizations work with security professionals who understand this zero-trust landscape.

Cloud platforms have dedicated security teams that keep companies focused on key business operations. These allow organizations to innovate within their own company instead of having to stay up-to-date on the latest compliance and regulatory policies, security protocols, and hiring their own security team and IT professionals to do it all in-house.

Industry-specific cloud solutions

SMBs can benefit greatly from industry-specific capabilities that are built for a cloud-first world. Businesses can reduce the complexities of digital transformation by partnering with an industry-specific cloud solution provider that knows the ins and outs of unique industry verticals. Organizations operating across different industries need tailored solutions for their space and unique business requirements. Cloud solutions that enhance collaboration and allow information access in real-time from a centralized location are key components for operating in a digital world. This will aid organizations in continuously embracing digital transformation initiatives that drive competitive advantage across industries

This article was part of our Winer 2022/2023 Empower Magazine which features industry thought leaders sharing advice and unique perspectives on how professionals can future-proof their businesses.

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