Whether you call it cloud computing or Software as a Service, it's one of the most significant shifts in the way we use and consume technology – both as consumers and in business. Cloud computing is everywhere, moving from the ranks of Silicon Valley buzzword to a part of our everyday lexicon. But what exactly is cloud computing?
Simply put, cloud computing is using a web browser to access information stored in the Internet cloud. Just like you use a web browser to use Google or Amazon or to do online banking, you can also use a web browser to access your key business applications. Your applications are run on your behalf by someone else out there in the Internet cloud. This frees you from worrying about capital investments in hardware and software or the IT staff to maintain and operate your systems – turning capital costs into variable costs and getting you out of the no value added IT business. When your applications are in the cloud, you can use them anytime and from anywhere – at your convenience – dramatically increasing productivity and decreasing costs.
In my early riser session "Best Practices in Evaluating and Adopting Cloud Computing for Finance", I'll be delving deeper into:
- Why cloud computing is revolutionary for finance organizations
- What's different about cloud financials compared to traditional accounting software
- How to evaluate the total cost of ownership (TCO) of cloud computing
- Critical factors in establishing successful relationships with cloud vendors
- How to negotiate for the best prices
Join me for coffee at 7 AM on Wednesday, November 11th in room Osprey 1. I hope to see you there!
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