12. November 2019
Cloud computing changes the rules of the game in the software business
IaaS, PaaS, SaaS? In the jungle of abbreviations, it is difficult for many people not to lose the overview. Especially if you have a rather technical note. But it’s not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. More difficult, however, is the question of which system is best for storing its data. On Premise or Cloud? But unfortunately it’s not that simple. It is almost impossible to compare both solutions “just for once”, since they are tailored to different needs and each variant has its own very specific advantages. Nevertheless, let’s just give it a try:
While On Premise runs on the servers of the in-house data center, the hardware has to be renewed regularly and software updates have to be installed, this administrative management of the internal IT is no longer necessary with a cloud solution.
If the user decides to choose the cloud variant of a particular application, he or she buys Software as a Service (SaaS) from the cloud service provider he or she trusts. The data is hosted by the provider itself. Own hardware is therefore not required and the provider is also completely responsible for guaranteeing data security.
A rethinking in the IT is taking place
A closer look at this area reveals a paradigm shift among IT users. While cloud computing has been seen in recent years as a fleeting, ephemeral “marketing cloud”, it has now made itself at home in the realm of Internet technology and is enjoying increasing popularity, not least because of its flexibility, efficiency, productivity and scalability. This is also the conclusion of the current Cloud Monitor 2019 of the market research institute Bitkom Research. According to the study, 73 percent of German companies use the cloud in 2018. Compared to the previous year, this is an increase of 7 percentage points. The experts expect further growth in the coming years.
This is by no means surprising, as the deployment scenarios for cloud services in companies are versatile and flexible. Decision-makers have the opportunity to gain insight into their process execution in real time and from anywhere, and to use it to make fact-based decisions at any time. This is particularly important in today’s flexible working environment. In addition, the cloud makes it possible to integrate different systems and, by combining and enriching different data, can identify weak points and optimization potential in processes and workflows. The cost advantages achieved by cloud services also enable companies to minimize their overall costs and invest in innovative technologies. This is particularly lucrative for small businesses, such as start-ups, as they are given access to IT technology that they were previously denied due to a lack of capital and which now contributes to their success.
Success with a well thought-out cloud strategy
But despite the fact that cloud computing is increasingly becoming the technical and organizational foundation of the digital society, it also harbours legal, technical and organizational risks that need to be looked at on the road to the cloud. In particular, it is advisable to take a closer look at cloud compliance and cloud security. Because the rules of the game are important. Especially when it comes to shifting responsibility to third parties. To ensure that migration to the cloud does not bring any nasty surprises, it is advisable to work with your team to develop a cloud strategy that includes both the requirements for the provider and indirect and direct effects on different departments and the entire company.
Once this battle plan has been completed, it not only provides a good overview of the future project, but also clarifies possible risks, their consequences and possible countermeasures. This also simplifies the evaluation of possible cloud service providers who are certified according to the relevant requirements and meet the desired service levels. Many DMS solutions from the cloud offer application companies with certifications according to IDW PS 880 and ISO 27001 the opportunity to design their document management according to GoBD and DSGVO and thus act in the sense of compliance in Germany.
Anyone who takes a closer look at the cloud topic, the potential dangers and possible solution scenarios will quickly notice that choosing the cloud is not a choice between plague and cholera, but rather opens up opportunities and paths that were previously not thought possible in order to make daily work more efficient.
Would you like to learn more about AMAGNO as a cloud solution? Our AMAGNO Sales Team will be happy to advise you. Simply contact us by telephone: Phone +49 (0)441 309 123 45 or send us an e-mail to: sales (at) amagno.de. We look forward to hearing from you!
Jana Treptow 
