No one knows the benefits of updating tech to fit the modern world more than the Big Guys, like Disney. However, if your company is like most small-to-medium-sized businesses, you have been using the same old legacy software because why ruin a good thing, right? Or maybe you’re the first in a long line looking to make a change — after all, the world has changed and will continue to do so without anyone’s approval. It may be time to move to the cloud. Here are five reasons why moving your legacy software to the cloud could be a good shift, and what we can learn from The Pixar Story:
- The Cloud is perfect for a remote workforce
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, many businesses moved employees from the office to their homes as a necessary but temporary shift. However, it soon became apparent that COVID-19 was here to stay and with it the remote workforce. If your business, like many others, has wholly or partially made the dive into remote work then the cloud could be the difference between sinking and floating.
Legacy software is stored on computer hardware; therefore, an office space where people have their own computer stations is necessary. Cloud-based software is accessed through a browser. Anyone with an internet connection (and, of course, the right password) is able to access important company software. Not only can someone work from home, but if they have a portable and internet accessible device, they can work from outer space (or, in the absence of a rocket ship, a local coffee shop)!
2. The cloud increases productivity
The cloud makes remote work possible, and remote work eliminates many common distractions and hold ups. Say goodbye to commute times, tired office workers, and treks to the coffee pot. The cloud also saves time by limiting the number of technological bugs, viruses, and other issues that come with legacy software. If the cloud is experiencing a problem, it is likely the developer is already working on solving this without any need for outer support.
3. No More Updates/Backups
Have you ever heard the story of how Pixar almost deleted Toy Story 2? The Best Sequel Ever was once lost to cyberspace when almost all footage was deleted, leaving the Pixar storytellers with about 10% of the film. It was pure luck and one animator’s maternity leave that kept the movie from being totally trashed, but the message remains clear: technology is fickle and legacy backups only take you so far.
With the cloud, this no longer becomes an issue. The publisher installs all backups so that data is automatically saved. The software is also always updated to the current version because the publisher releases the newest update to all users at once. It’s safe to say that had Pixar been on the cloud, the Great Toy Story 2 Loss of 1995 might never have happened.
4. Cost decreases
Save on maintenance and time by cutting the need for hardware updates and IT expenses. In general, increasing cloud storage costs far less than purchasing extra hardware storage. You can also save money by no longer requiring professional help in the office to deal with cloud installation and tech issues. All cloud maintenance can be done within a company; however, if transferring your data from one software to the next grows too wearisome, ACI Consulting is always here to help!
