We are excited to share Cloud insights from our guest contributor, Kerri Bouffard of
Add-Vantage Bookkeeping. Kerri will be providing advice and solutions to help you determine if the Cloud is right for your business. 

Originally posted in the Add-Vantage Bookkeeping Blog, republished with permission.

It seems that no matter where we turn we are being bombarded with the word “CLOUD”! Cloud Servers – Cloud Software – Cloud Storage – Cloud Everything! Cloud does not seem to pertain to the weather any longer!

It is popping up everywhere and many businesses, accountants and bookkeepers are contemplating taking that big step and transitioning their accounting and bookkeeping to the cloud. But just because you want to work in the cloud doesn’t mean it is an easy transition. Often once you start the process you will have one question answered but seven more will pop up!

I have been working completely in the cloud – very happily – for almost three years now and I could not imagine working any other way. I have such peace of mind over the safety of my data, but also the ease of use I have for accessing my data whenever I need to do so. This however was not a step I took lightly and there are still a lot of things I have to consider on an individual client basis and what their specific needs are.

My recommendation would be to really analyze what you are hoping to accomplish with moving to the cloud – be it better security of your data, having someone else look after your technology, ease of access so you can get out of your office, collaboration with clients with their bookkeeping, etc. Once you determine your top five reasons for wanting to move to the cloud – then you will need to analyze the different offerings that are out there. Would Cloud software suit your needs better than a Cloud server solution? Would a Cloud server solution offering direct support to accountants and bookkeepers be preferable to a Cloud server solution that offers space on their server farm but you are responsible for everything else? For this you need to analyze your requirements – as well as your client’s.

As I mentioned – one question will lead to seven more – and one solution is not a one size fits all solution. You could determine that you will use a combination of all three!

Over the next several weeks, I will tackle some of these questions and solutions to help you in determining what may work best for your individual situation! If you would like a more personalized approach please feel free to contact me by email to have a private cloud consultation!

The Cloud is a wonderful thing – let’s clear up some of the unknowns together!

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