Cloud computing has been around for long enough to be considered a mature technology, yet there remains a perception among mid-sized firms that cloud is the preserve of large multi-national enterprises.
In fact, one of the most powerful rationales supporting the case for cloud has always been that it brings a far wider range of enterprise-grade software and systems within the reach of businesses that would not have been able to afford them under the old capex model.
But if the benefits of cloud have always been apparent, there is an even more compelling reason for mid-sized firms to consider migrating – especially if they are ambitious for the future. That’s because firms are increasingly recognising that they can gain a big advantage by adapting their operations and their strategy to compete in an ever-more competitive marketplace.
In spite of the long recession and uncertain recovery, when one might expect most businesses to be entrenching for survival, innovation has remained one of the key priorities for the vast majority of UK firms, according to research from Allianz in October 2012.
Having the right tools is vital for successful innovation, and with mid-sized businesses looking at taking market share from larger competitors, it is enterprise-grade technology that will be key. Technology such as analytics and business management software are critical to any transformational change, and the cloud model enables a much wider range of mid-size businesses to afford these systems.
In the past, some mid-sized organisations have shied away from the cloud for a number of reasons, often legitimate. Now, however, cloud is a mature technology, and most providers can reassure customers over issues of reliability and data location.
For ambitious businesses that want to pursue success through innovation, now could be the best possible time to take their first steps into the cloud.
Adrian Simpson, chief innovation officer, SAP UKI
For information on SAP solutions for SME customers visit www.sap.com/uk/sme
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