What is Cloud Computing? – Facts Every Small Sized Business Should Know

It takes great flexibility in order to run and sustain a growing business. Thanks to new developments in technology, e-commerce solutions, and more advanced software options, business owners have a way to control all aspects of their organization and operations. Just the same, vigilance must be practiced as the needs of the market change and as more challenges arise in running the business.

Greater growth often entails greater operational demands for a business. This is why it is important to invest in technologies that can help you organize and manage each aspect of the business efficiently. Cloud-based technology is the way of the future as cloud computing platforms provide business owners and managers unparalleled control over different aspects and components of business, enabling different business functions to intermingle with each other in one cohesive system and interface that allows access anytime and from anywhere. Here are the key facts that business owners should know about cloud computing and cloud adoption:

1. Cloud software systems are easier to set-up and install (as well as deploy) than many on-premise alternatives.
2. At least three quarters of cloud services are enterprise-based or are built for enterprise.
3. Cloud adoption has steadily been increasing since 2015, and a mass transition can be expected in the years to come.
4. One of the key motivators for cloud adoption is cost reduction.
5. Innovation is another key factor for businesses that decide to switch to cloud systems.
6. More and more small businesses now turn to cloud computing for file back-up, risk reduction, and disaster recovery.
7. More end users approve of cloud computing and are getting more accustomed to cloud services.
8. Cloud computing facilitates efficient and reliable real-time collaboration.
9. Software updates that improve functionality and security are possible with minimal cost through cloud computing.
10. Cloud computing helps simplify ERP and CRM customization.

Making yourself aware of these facts and benefits will help you better understand why cloud computing is a worthwhile investment for your business and why cloud adoption could very well be the best decision you will make for your own company.

What to Expect from Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a family of business applications designed to help businesses turn their operational processes into the very business edge that they need to stay ahead of their rivals. It includes over a dozen applications and add-ons that address ERP or enterprise resource planning, CRM or customer relationship management needs among many other business process requirements that many companies face.

Dynamics 365 include licensed apps that work together to provide businesses the flexibility, stability, and extensibility that they need to sustain business growth. The same flexibility combined with rapid development and innovation makes it possible for Microsoft Dynamics 365 to adapt and fit the needs of most any business.

The best way to understand Dynamics 365 is to separate its ERP components with its CRM solutions. Dynamics 365 ERP focuses on the core accounting, distribution, and manufacturing needs of a business, while providing even more extensive functionalities to help manage other business-critical processes. All in all, the value of these apps can be measured in the way that they help increase business efficiency, automation, control, and scalability.  The Dynamics 365 ERP solution can be subdivided into 2 main categories—Business Central and Finance & Operations, the first of which is ideal for small to medium sized businesses, while the latter is designed to meet the needs of much larger operations.

Dynamics 365 CRM on the other hand, consist of 5 different apps that are designed to fulfill an organization’s customer relationship management needs. These are apps that work to help business teams make a sale, dispatch support, ensure customer retention, and keep track of all these processes. The five Dynamics 365 CRM apps include D365 Sales, D365 Marketing, D365 Customer Service, D365 Project Service Automation, and D365 Field Service. Leveraging any combination of these systems and integrating them with Dynamics 365 ERP and furthermore with Office 365 can help ensure a robust business strategy for your most critical business processes.