Cloud Computing – Which Type? Does it Matter?

When putting your business applications such as accounting and CRM “into the cloud”, there are various ways this can be achieved.

In each case the server that stores your data and runs the centralised software is hosted by a third party, and you typically pay a form of subscription. This is therefore called “Software as a Service” (SaaS). The main methods are:

• “Pure SaaS”: Systems written specifically for the internet, accessible using a web browser. Usually adopt a multi-tenancy database whereby the various users share the server and software.
• Hosted traditional software: If a system can be run on-premise and accessed remotely through a comms link, it has the potential to be hosted in the cloud.
• Hosted systems that you access using software other than a web-browser. This allows the whole screen to be optimised for the application.
• Smartphone/tablet apps: Again you can access the hosted system using an app downloaded to the device

These methods are termed “public cloud”. There is also the concept of “private cloud”, whereby systems written for the internet are run on-premise (or hosted by your regular outsourcer).

Whilst some people would disagree whether all these methods qualify as “cloud”, they nonetheless share many of the benefits and risks. Each method then has its own pros and cons. For example “pure SaaS” is usually only suitable if you can work with the standard functionality that everyone is sharing. If you need any custom functionality, you’ll usually need to take a different approach.

When looking at a particular offering that is being called “cloud”, it is worth understanding exactly how it will work and the practical pros and cons. This can have a significant effect on which service you decide to use.

If you would like help in this assessment, do give me a call on 01628 632914 or send me an email.