There are many good reasons to host your Sage 50 (formerly Peachtree) system in a cloud environment, from the cost savings on hardware to the ability to access data from anywhere, at any time. While your accounting software is already “cloud-connected” if you are on a more recent version (as Sage 50cloud, formerly Sage 50c), this unfortunately does not give you the full range of benefits as migrating to a SaaS (Software as a Service) or private cloud-hosted server does. Unless you leverage the Sage Partner Cloud or a third-party CSP (cloud service provider), your application will remain on-premise and you will miss out on many of the advantages outlined below.
Here are the top 10 reasons to host Sage 50 in the cloud with a service provider:
1. Save on Server Costs
One of the most obvious benefits of migrating to a completely (or hybrid) cloud-based environment is the ability to save money on hardware. On-premise deployments require a server to store the software and its data that usually needs to deployed in-house, but hosting Sage 50 with a cloud provider removes this requirement and loads your resources from offsite. This not only eliminates the upfront cost of the equipment, but also all the expenses that come from maintaining, powering and upgrading it regularly.
2. Remote Flexibility
The transition to SaaS – where the application and data are completely in the cloud – has fundamentally transformed the way many engage with their technology. A hosted Sage 50 environment allows you to tap into the advantages of this kind of model, providing your users with the ability to access the system from devices beyond their desktop computer and from remote locations (as long as those endpoints are secured).
3. Ensure Security and Compliance
Cloud security has been a major topic of discussion even since the technology first became popular, but what may come as a surprise to many is that often a hosted environment is actually the more secure option for certain solutions. Systems based on legacy architecture like the former Peachtree software can become a vulnerable point in your network given its age and lack of modern protections. Hosting your Sage accounting software with a managed cloud services provider will allow them to place it in a private environment, monitor your network and ensure that data is segregated from outside access and compliant with privacy regulations.
4. Update Seamlessly
While newer versions of Sage 50 Accounting are cloud-connected and allow for some automatic updates, you will still need to handle most of the work, as well as rebuilding any custom work (fields, workflows, etc.) in your software. Working with a hosting provider to migrate your solution to the cloud will let you hand off the regular maintenance to them, including keeping your system up to date with the latest features and enhancements, and with the additional control they will also be able to limit the amount of interruption to your ongoing operations.
5. Scale with Your Growth
Being reliant on on-premise resources and bandwidth will inherently present scalability challenges when it comes time to make any changes to your infrastructure. When hosting your Sage accounting software in the cloud, you will be able to tap into almost unlimited levels of scalability as everything is provided through an Internet connection. You can customize how you deploy your system at your discretion, including leveraging existing on-site servers and other equipment while adding more resources.
6. Back Up Data in the Cloud
A hosted Sage 50 environment provides two primary benefits when it comes to backing up your data. The first is that files can be backed up and even restored remotely, not only streamlining the process but also ensuring that no unforeseen local disasters destroy all of your data onsite. The second is that your information can be backed up more frequently as well as copied, granting redundancy and guaranteeing that a copy of your data will be preserved somewhere.
7. Optimize Performance
With the added scalability of a cloud-hosted deployment, you will be able to take advantage of the prospect of virtually unlimited resources to up your system performance. While a traditional on-premise environment is limited in how it is deployed, when you host Sage 50 in the cloud you are able to customize the environment according to what you need. Resources can be scaled up or down, improving upon the performance or removing parts you do not need.
8. Get Real-time Support
Working with a hosting partner that understands your Sage accounting software and its architecture gives you access to expert support around-the-clock. While supporting your deployment remotely, your CSP will be able to monitor the system in the back end and quickly troubleshoot issues that arise.
9. Choose Your Own Cloud
Relying on a SaaS deployment ‘as is’ usually leaves you locked into the default deployment option, which is not always optimal or feasible based on your circumstances. Working with a hosting provider with reliable resources and knowledge will let you choose the type of environment you deploy your application and data into, including in a private or hybrid cloud.
10. Consolidate Services
The most important benefit of working with a CSP that is also a certified Sage partner is the ability to consolidate all of your service agreements in one package. This means that you will have one contract for Sage 50 with your value-added reseller (VAR) and for your cloud service agreement, condensing the number of contact points to access support. It also ensures that your hosting provider will know your accounting system inside and out, and be able to optimize your environment leveraging their technical knowledge and expertise.
Learn More About Hosting Sage 50 in the Cloud
Migrating to a true cloud-hosted environment is the best way to get the best ROI on your Sage 50 Accounting software. As a Sage VAR and CSP – and Strategic Hosting Provider in the Sage Partner Cloud network – SWK Technologies will ensure that you get the most of your solution when it is hosted in our Sage-certified secure cloud. Get in touch with our team today to get started on your migration.
Contact SWK here and learn more about moving your Sage 50 deployment to our secure, private cloud environment.