Editor's Note: This post was originally published on October 23, 2017, and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
The term “cloud computing” has become more mainstream, and the acronym SaaS (Software as a Service) is used interchangeably with technology and the cloud. However, many organizations still struggle with understanding how SaaS fits and how they would benefit from “moving to the cloud.”
Are We Moving?
Moving to the cloud does not mean you must pack your winter jacket and sunglasses. In simple terms, moving to the cloud refers to using computers, servers, and applications that run on virtual machines residing on the Internet – or in the cloud – rather than on physical devices in your office. Does the way you interact with these virtual machines change? Does it change how your end users receive data, reports, and applications? No, not really. For most organizations, how they interact with applications and data do not change at all.
“As organizations enter digital transformations, the Cloud plays a leading role in most strategies.”
2017 Field Service Benchmark Report
Benefits of the Cloud
We need to understand what benefits are associated with migrating to the cloud. Most people agree that the benefits and positive aspects far outweigh the obstacles and negatives.
Infrastructure Costs
With traditional physical servers, the costs are high for organizations to purchase the infrastructure needed to run the servers. Between the equipment and staffing, the costs add up. Conversely, with cloud environments, a prominent third-party company – such as Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Amazon, etc. – buys all the hardware and maintains it. They purchase in bulk, spread the cost of using the equipment among multiple customers, and pass the savings to end-user organizations migrating to the cloud.
Faster Implementation
Historically, when an organization set up a new computing environment, it was a long, drawn-out process. However, cloud environments – and SaaS offerings – can be established and configured in a few days. Think of it like ordering off a fast-food menu: once you make your selection and hit submit, your order will be ready in a matter of minutes!
Scaling
Just a few short years ago, as organizations grew, they needed more servers. With the cloud, with a few clicks of a mouse, organizations can allocate more virtual servers, memory, and CPU power – or any combination to meet their needs. With such an easy process, scaling up can be done as needed, and scaling down is just as easy.
Many Field Service Organizations Thrive in the Cloud
While some organizations like to maintain on-premises solutions to keep tight control over IT departments, others recognize the many benefits of moving to the cloud and using SaaS applications. Specifically, many organizations with cloud-based solutions realize considerable advantages when moving. Research supports our internal experiences and observations. The 2017 Field Service Benchmark Report revealed that 72% of executives surveyed have either already embraced cloud-based solutions or are interested in implementing them soon. Among the many positive aspects of SaaS solutions are these:
- SaaS applications are lightweight and designed to run on today’s mobile phones and tablets.
- Technicians can use their mobile phones, install specific apps from the app store, and users are up and running in days.
- BYOD and SaaS let you cut the time in launching a new solution to days instead of months.
- Remember the cost savings and scalability benefits. It doesn’t matter if you are a large organization or a small mom-and-pop shop. A SaaS vendor can scale and maintain your environment for you quickly and efficiently at a fraction of the cost of on-premises solutions.
Here at Gomocha, we’re big fans of cloud environments, but we also understand that one size does not fit all. That’s why we offer SaaS as well as on-premises solutions. So, we’ve got you covered whether you’re ready to switch to the cloud or are still content with your existing IT infrastructure! Contact us today to see how we can help get your field service crew up and running quickly with our ‘zero-coding’ approach.