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One service that is changing the landscape of business and information technology in significant and far-reaching ways is cloud computing. Cloud computing is an efficient, on-demand service that uses the Internet and central servers to store and access information remotely. It has been around for many years, but has gained visibility recently through applications called integrators. Cloud computing ties each component together to allow users to go from ordering cloud space to using the space in less than one hour. CCH, the developer of the ProSystem Suite of accounting software, is making headway in the world of cloud computing; it continues to work toward using the cloud to house CCH products. Other accounting-related programs, such as QuickBooks, Peachtree, and BNA, can conceivably be hosted in the cloud as well. This article will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of cloud computing and how it can be useful to CPA firms and their clients.
Problems with Servers
Traditional software applications such as Microsoft's Dynamics GP can be complicated and expensive. They run on bulky servers and reside in data centers that are responsible for the powering, cooling, networking, and storage of these applications. Traditionally, IT professionals or consultants are tasked with physically installing, configuring, testing, and running company servers while also providing backup and restore support for any production failures.
The average lifespan of a server is only three to four years, depending upon size and usage. In addition, some accounting firms may not require large amounts of server space for the months of the year outside of the busy season. This could mean they are wasting resources on a system designed to meet the needs of the peak season.
From a business continuity perspective, housing servers and their backup in a single location places organizations at a great deal of risk of losing important data The risk of losing significant information such as client...