Cloud Myth # 5: The cloud is one-size fits all

After dispelling a number of myths surrounding cloud computing it is time to conclude the series.

If you want to see the series continued then by all means let us know what you consider are some of the biggest misconceptions and we’ll look to address them!

Would you choose a grocer for you family’s requirements that only sell vegetables in 50kg bags? Would you frequent a café that only sold fried eggs, forget tea, the sausage, bacon and mushrooms?  As both fail to cater to individuals’ requirements it would be highly likely that they would not be very busy. For many their experience and understanding of business cloud computing is based on pretty much the same ‘one size fits all’ offering.

If this were the reality for all cloud solutions it would be totally unacceptable. Firstly the inability to adjust software would not be received well by executives who require solutions that support evolving strategy and organisational nuances. Additionally the business community would not want to be wholly tethered to the vendor’s philosophy on how best to adapt to the fast-pace nature of external markets.

While this is still the model for some vendors, it is not the case for all, if it were I think cloud ERP would be non-existent. While some processes are commoditised many of the business services that ERP underpin are complex, they are impacted by internal and external forces. We realised this early on at UNIT4, in fact we market ourselves as “the global leader in software that supports business change”. So it will come as no surprise to you that early on (our first cloud solutions date back to 1998) we did everything we could to incorporate flexibility to our cloud solutions, we are the antithesis to one size fits all. Our clients can configure the cloud the way they need it.

It has to be that way; the organisations we work with provide diverse services in incredibly changeable sectors.  Of course other vendors who jumped on the cloud bandwagon are also belatedly jumping on the flexibility message. We would advise any potential ERP buyer to road test promises and ask for any associated change costs. For UNIT4 the unique architecture of our software allows organisations to make extensive configurations largely in house without the need to call upon external consultants. Similarly configurations are fast and with minimal business disruption.

So as this series draws to conclusion I think it fitting that we have addressed perhaps the most damaging myth and highlighted that the truth, in combination with cloud’s other benefits, is perhaps the most powerful of features, you just have to choose the right vendor!

Learn more here about cloud computing with UNIT4.