What is the use of an Accountant’s Cloud? Part I
Jan 17, 2012 Networks
Many professional accountants are constantly getting swamped with information about getting in the cloud.” They think they know what it means and they know there are some benefits to the technology, but have a hard time grasping exactly how it can benefit their firm, and more importantly – their clients. These businesses try to be the best in what they offer in technology and security, while keeping costs down. This has led to many questions that will be addressed here, but first lets answer the most important question, what exactly is cloud computing?
Cloud is used as a metaphor for the internet, when you combine the “Cloud” with Computing, you get a virtualized IT infrastructure that is hosting your services and software online. The benefit of using Cloud Computing that the end user does not have to know anything about the infrastructure that supports their data.
A conventional client-server based architecture and purpose of IT, is being replaced with IT as an utility based service. The extensive solutions and available resources provided by Cloud Computing are invaluable to small and medium sized businesses. Providing common business applications online that are accessed via the Internet while the software and data are stored on servers at a remote data center, Cloud Computing has caused a shift in IT to be on demand.
It needs to be noted that although Cloud Computing is utilized by businesses from all industries and sized, this particular research will pertain to specialized Cloud for Accounting professionals. Accountants can help you save moneyas a valued consultant and intermediary between the business owner and their IT needs. Accountants should not compromise on the focus and special attention that they would give for their technology solutions because of this As the Accountant puts their reputation on the line by recommending services, they need to ensure their clients interact with seasoned IT specialists.
Many business minded people purchase a cloud product to replace an in house solution, and give them the opportunity to get their data anytime anywhere. Their chosen Cloud stores their data, necessary applications and internal users. The Accountants Cloud is a bit more difficult because it is also hosting their clients. They should provide service to their clients in the same way that they would perform for themselves as their performance is a reflection of their firm This includes the presentation of what the Cloud looks like, the speed, security, ease of use and of course performance. It is very important to understand the differences, for example if an Accountant is using Cloud to host client information, and Cloud goes down for some reason, not only is their firm down but their clients are also down. This could be disastrous for the client as well as the Accounting firm and makes the decision of which Cloud Computing provider to use, an even more delicate choice.
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