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Softworld special: Cloud computing roundtable

14 Oct 2009, Rachael Singh, AccountancyAge

http://www.accountancyage.com/aa/news/1788260/softworld-special-cloud-computing-roundtable

Think carefully before implementing online software, a panel of experts at Softworld said earlier today.

Changing online technology is seen as the way to the future - but users have to be sure before they consider implementation as this is a “new technology”, said David Turner, Coda group marketing director.

“The reality is that this is a new type of technology and we will obviously try to make it easier, but the reality is it is completely new technology,” said Turner.

“Make sure you know what you are signing up for”, added Bryan Richter, UK manager at Mamut.

He added: “Not all cloud providers are created equally.”

The comments were made at a panel discussion at Softworld earlier today on the business benefits of cloud computing.

Turner claimed that while online accountancy software currently accounts for less than 5% of the “on-premise” market, it is growing.

Toby Davidson, director of professional services at NetSuite, the online software provider, said there were three main categories cloud computing can offer that on-premise can’t - flexibility, reduced costs and ability to manage and make the most from their business.

The other panelist was Tim Knight, senior director at salesforce.com, and the event was chaired by Richard Anning, head of the ICAEW IT Faculty.

Further reading:

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Visitor comments

Why so negative?

It's great that you are giving the Cloud panel session yesterday some coverage. I also realize that controversy grabs people's interest more than a good news story, but why have you taken such a cautionary tone about the Cloud. Eventually you get to some benefits towards the end.

Actually, I think this was a failing of yesterday's session. There was too much jargon and not enough to explain in simple terms why the average business person should consider Cloud solutions. Yes there are serious things to consider like any solution, but yesterday's event was a missed opportunity to get the flexibility, 24/7 access, lower costs and less IT headaches of Cloud based solutions across.

Posted by: David Terrar , 15 Oct 2009 | 00:00

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