Opt for the security of cloud software

Certificates

Users of software in the cloud need not worry about continuity or security. There are independent indicators, such as the ISAE 3402 declaration for outsourcing operational processes, that provide the necessary evidence. Another example concerns the ISO27001 certificate which, for example, demonstrates information security in setting up, implementing, maintaining and improving software.

More of a burden than a blessing

Cloud solutions do however require greater standardisation of an organisation. Arguments against it are by no means always valid, asserts De Ru. “Customisation is more of a burden than a blessing. The risks and extra costs are underestimated. A great deal of customisation causes problems with upgrades and is no longer applicable over the course of time; better alternatives become available.” With SaaS software (Software-as-a-Service), new functionalities – best practices – are available to all users immediately. “Organisations should ask themselves the critical question as to whether they really cannot get by with the developed standards”, believes De Ru. “Why are best practice processes not sufficient for you? Why would you want to distinguish yourself with back office processes? And why would you run risks with every software update, pay more and maintain knowledge of customisation?”

Integration of third parties

An additional benefit of cloud software is that it makes integration with other applications easier. ERP platforms are also increasingly located in the cloud. Applications can then be linked to them more easily there. ISPnext's Business Spend Management platform is linked to GraydonCreditsafe, amongst others, so that users can view the financial health of suppliers. “This is available to all clients. If such a link has to be achieved one on one with locally installed environments, it is far more expensive.” “As soon as you have applications in the cloud, you can have more data at your disposal”, says De Ru, pointing out another advantage. “That data is more current and can be accessed in a user-friendly way. It helps you to closely examine operational processes, your procurement and supplier management, for example.”

Growth ambitions

“Applications are more secure and the systems run perfectly”, is a frequently heard argument against switching to the cloud. “I want to challenge managers to make a good inventory of which applications there are, who manages them, what risks are associated with each application, and which operational processes are affected if things go wrong. To that I would add the question as to whether all applications are still sufficient if you are following a growth strategy. Does IT support or indeed hamper business ambitions?”

He summarises the benefits of cloud software once more. “It genuinely offers better security, knowledge is safeguarded and in turn continuity. Updates are implemented quickly and outsourcing of IT management lowers costs. It provides peace of mind and, not to mention, you can concentrate on your own operational management.”

This article was produced in collaboration with Executive Finance.