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Friday, February 24, 2012

Part 1 of what an Accountant's Cloud means

By TC Griffin


On a regular basis, accounting professionals will be hit hard with tons of literature, e-mails, and conferences that tell them to get into the Cloud." They think they know what it means and they know there are some benefits to the technology, but have a hard time grasping exactly how it can benefit their firm, and more importantly - their clients. In an attempt to gain a competitive advantage over their competition, they want to stay ahead of the game, offer the latest in services, technology and security while minimizing costs during a global economic downturn. This conundrum has led to many questions that will be addressed here, but first lets answer the most important question, what is Cloud Computing?

The cloud is a fancy way of saying the internet, it is one big virtual infrastructure that is the backbone of hosting YOUR software and service online. The benefit of using Cloud Computing that the end user does not have to know anything about the infrastructure that supports their data.

A conventional client-server based architecture and purpose of IT, is being replaced with IT as an utility based service. Cloud computing allows all sizes of businesses the same solutions available to large sized companies. While the software and data are stored on servers at a remote data center to provide common business applications online that can are accessed through Internet, the Cloud Computing has caused a shift to have IT on demand.

Keep in mind that while Cloud Computing is a normal component of many business of all sizes, this analyzed data will focus on specializing Clouds for Accounting Workers. Accountants are not looked at as just someone who does your taxes or manages your books, but instead as a valued consultant and intermediary between the business owner and their IT needs. Because of this, the focus and special attention needed by Accountants in their technology solutions should not be minimized. Accountants should choose experienced It professional to assist their clients, because with each recommendation, they put their reputation on the line.

Most businesses purchase a Cloud to replace their in-house server or give them an online edition of a product that they need anytime, anywhere access to. Their chosen Cloud stores their data, necessary applications and internal users. Due to the fact that the Accountant Cloud hosts clientele, it is slightly more challenging. They are expected to perform the way they would if they had to do it for themselves. A demonstration of how simple the Cloud is to use, as well as its performance, speed, security and attraction is included. It's important for the Accountant to recognize that when their network is down, it is also down for their clients. This could be disastrous for the client as well as the Accounting firm and makes the decision of which Cloud Computing provider to use, an even more delicate choice.



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