Consider hosting your Sage 100 ERP in a secure cloud environment to get the best possible value on your implementation and software investment. Despite the name change to Sage 100cloud (formerly Sage 100c, as well as MAS 90 and MAS 200 previously), the base subscription version of this application only provides cloud connectivity and is not natively hosted. However, moving to a modern digital infrastructure is possible with a preferred cloud service provider (CSP) and Sage partner such as SWK Technologies.
Hosting your ERP applications and network infrastructures through a trusted provider gives you flexibility in how you deploy your software, including better managing ROI on implementation. Eliminate costs from traditional on-premise deployments and provide your employees with the means to access your system from anywhere and at any time. Migrating your Sage instance will allow you to capture your software and IT resources digitally instead of having to rely on costly physical equipment.
Here are the top 10 reasons to considering Sage 100 hosting in the cloud:
1. Sage 100 Cloud Hosting Aids Remote Work During COVID-19
The new normal of work from home environments during the COVID-19 pandemic would not have been possible without significant investment in digital infrastructures, including cloud-hosted networks. Hosting your Sage 100 software online allows instantaneous remote access and real-time file sharing without having to manually interact with a workstation. Virtual databases enable your remote workers to continue to collaborate and work directly with their business data while social distancing.
2. Protect Your ERP Data with Native Cybersecurity
The shift to majority remote workforce has generated new cybersecurity concerns across the world; however, with cloud-hosted software and networks providers are able to proactively monitor data online unlike ever before. With real-time endpoint protection and human cyber intelligence deployment, CSPs armed with a security operations center (SOC) can quickly identify and address hacker footprints in your Sage 100 system. Implementing a secure cloud hosting and IT service is the most cost-effective way for SMBs to employ cyber protection for ERP.
3. Gain Flexibility with Application Hosting Deployment Options
There are multiple cloud deployment options for Sage ERP customers to choose from, from hosting software, IT infrastructure and development platforms as a service to a hybrid of on-premise and online resources. As-a-service (AaS) consumption models grants end users flexibility in how their technology is delivered, ranging from a mix of onsite and remote hardware to completely web-based applications.
This model is loaded completely digitally, like a Netflix account accessible through a common web browser.
This model hosts your IT and network resources in the cloud while you maintain control of your Sage 100 application onsite, with additional options to how resource loads are balanced.
- Platform-as-a-service (PaaS)
This model loads a development environment for you to custom build applications
- Hybrid Cloud Deployment
Deploying your Sage software in a hybrid cloud environment lets you choose which on-premise IT and server resources to keep on and which to migrate to your digital technology stack
4. Remove On-premise Hardware Needs and Costs
No matter which method of deployment you choose, the simple reality is that moving your ERP to the cloud will enable you to significantly cut down on your hardware investment. Physical workstations, servers, and all the other equipment needed to use them come with upfront costs in addition to the price of regular maintenance to keep the working. All of these expenses inevitably go out the window when technology shifts and competition force you to invest in another expensive upgrade for any of your on-premise resources.
5. Scale Your Sage 100 Environment to Resources Available
Migrating away from onsite implementations also removes the burdens placed by physical IT equipment, which in addition to static costs includes rigid capacity limits. Having your Sage 100 instance hosted online provides an enhanced level of scalability and makes it much easier to build your environment according to your actual needs. Network resources in the cloud can be modified as needed without the huge shifts required for on-premise set ups, and without paying for expensive hardware to increase your bandwidth capabilities.
6. Develop Your Cloud Infrastructure According to Your Needs
Without the strict installation requirements of a traditional implementation, you have the freedom to develop your Sage 100 environment much more strategically. Working with your CSP and software reseller (especially if one partner fills both roles), you can build out the IT infrastructure for your ERP based on the mission-critical functionality your business requires now. Create one seamless instance for your software without having to splice together a system from siloed applications.
7. Capture Real-time Visibility into Operations and Inventory
Once you have hosted your Sage 100 ERP in the cloud, you will be able to leverage file sharing and access to capture data in real-time. Deploying this functionality for comprehensive yet fast reporting gives you on demand insight into your operations, no matter where you are. Combined with advanced analytics, you will gain the visibility required for immediate decision-making on your product or related services, and be able to quickly pivot for developments as they come.
8. Consolidate Sage 100 Support Touchpoints to One Provider
Engaging a partner who can provide cloud, software and IT services for your hosted Sage 100 infrastructure will streamline your support, simplifying the process for order requests. Known in the industry by the cynical tongue in cheek term, “one throat to choke,” relying on one vendor for ERP, hosting and network services consolidates the amount of touchpoints you must go through to handle issues. More importantly, it ensures that your provider will have access to all the relevant information and tools for your environment and will be able to seamlessly perform upgrades and correct issues without serious disruptions.
9. Deploy Mobile Tools for All Local Devices
Hosting in the cloud gives additional options for making your software device-agnostic and opening it up to deployment across multiple interfaces. This enables your users to access Sage 100 data not only from any desktop or laptop computer from anywhere, but also from a smartphone, tablet or other mobile computing device. You will be able to manage the same files and get the same level of security no matter where or which machine you use to load up your ERP.
10. Back Up Your Sage 100 Data Daily and Keep Your System Updated
Real-time connections through SaaS, IaaS or hybrid environments will ensure that your data can always be backed up to the cloud, as well that your technology remains up to date. As part of your security package, a good CSP will capture and load up backups regularly to prevent data loss from any unforeseen events. Additionally, software upgrades are carried out in the background as your system stays connected to the internet and keeps your applications patched for the latest cybersecurity threats.
Learn More About Secure Sage 100 Hosting in the Cloud
Hosting Sage 100 in a secure cloud environment is the best way to capture your ERP investment’s true value and stay up to date with modern technology features. Cast off the costs and limits of traditional implementation and guarantee the best return of your software stack.
Contact SWK today to learn more about moving Sage 100 to the cloud and get started on your migration to a more optimized and cost-effective infrastructure.