Cloud Technology For Accounting Firms
Adopting new technology tends to feel risky when you take into consideration the potential impact that it could have on data security. You have regulatory requirements to meet and an obligation to your clients to protect their confidential and private information. A responsibility like that makes taking a chance on cloud technology seem like the wrong choice.
That being said, a large number of accounting professionals have discovered that relying on the Cloud is actually a safer option than relying on onsite IT solutions. It actually offers greater security along with other notable advantages that can help accountants grow their firms.
Cloud computing does more than just keep your clients’ data secure. It allows your team to be more productive and saves your firm money on technology expenses. Accounting professionals in and around Vancouver rely on Compunet InfoTech to provide cloud solutions that meet their firms’ needs.
Data Security
Your data is continuously under threat from hackers and malicious viruses. The Cloud provides an additional barrier between hackers and your data by storing your files in an offsite location. Even better, your files are encrypted and therefore only accessible to designated members of your team.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
An enterprise-grade cloud solution is the best way to store confidential information. Cloud solutions like virtualization allow you to recover your entire IT infrastructure quickly, applications and all. Servers, desktops, files, and apps are all stored in a secure offsite data centre, which is essential for effective business continuity and disaster recovery.
Whether you’re faced with something as minor as a brief power outage or as major as weeks-long disruption, your IT assets will stay available to you 24/7. You can pick right up where you left off in minutes.
Cloud Computing Saves Money
As more software and IT solutions move to the Cloud, the opportunity for cost savings increases. You can avoid paying upfront fees for software licensing or hardware purchases, and you can make use of per-user subscriptions and hosted solutions. Cloud computing also helps smaller firms compete with their larger counterparts by offering them access to the same enterprise-grade technology at a budget-friendly price.
Compunet InfoTech offers both Software-as-a-Service and Hardware-as-a-Service on a subscription basis, letting you take advantage of cutting-edge technology as a business expense, rather than a capital expense.
Work When And Where You Want
Cloud computing allows you and your team to work whenever and however your schedule allows, as long as you have access to an internet connection. A huge part of staying competitive in the world of accounting is bringing the right talent on board, and holding on to that talent. Keeping your employees happy is crucial if you want them to stick around, which today means giving them as much flexibility as you can.
The modern workforce is more tech-savvy than ever. They expect to have access to up-to-date files and resources both in and out of the office. Their jobs may take them all over the city, and they need to have continuous access to their files in order to be productive. They also expect BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) plans to be an option, which means that you’ll need to provide reliable and secure mobile applications for them.
Enhanced Collaboration
Hosted Cloud Solutions let authorized team members access and edit documents in real-time, at the same time. This is a valuable asset when, for example, you have accountants working on financials together, but from separate locations. Compunet InfoTech offers a variety of Hosted Cloud Solutions that include:
- Hosted QuickBooks
- Microsoft Exchange
- Hosted Microsoft SharePoint
- Custom Application Hosting (Sage, Cantax, CaseWare, etc.)
Document Control
Collaboration is a fantastic tool, but it makes document control a necessity. Emailing files back and forth gets confusing, and makes it next to impossible to keep track of which version of a document is the correct one. The Cloud prevents this.
When a document is stored and edited on the Cloud, there is only one version of that document in existence. This guarantees that your team is always working off the right information.
Scalability & Flexibility
The ability to scale cloud solutions up or down to fit the needs of your team means you don’t have to waste money on resources that you don’t need, or fork over a large sum to bring more resources on board. Because cloud solutions are billed on a per-user basis, you only pay for what you use.
Increased Competitiveness
Cloud computing allows you to be more competitive by not only helping you get more out of your firm’s technology budget but by leveling the playing field between small and large firms. When you can use the same enterprise-level software and solutions as top tier firms, your team can easily hold their own in the eyes of potential clients.
More Time For Clients
Cloud technology excels at streamlining processes, which boosts productivity and efficiency in a noticeable way. You and your team will have more time to spend focused on your clients and their needs without sacrificing any of the behind-the-scenes work that’s required for your success. Impressing your clients is the best way to increase your firm’s visibility and build the kind of reputation that leads to long and successful accounting careers.
To learn more about why Cloud Technology is recommended for accounting firms, schedule a FREE no-obligation review of your IT needs with the Compunet Infotech team. Contact us at (604) 986-8170 or info@compunet.ca.
