Instead of focusing on that strategy exclusively, it can be informative to take a step back and look at the actual range of choices available to move an existing GP on-premise solution to the cloud.

Let’s start by thinking about the existing server or servers that are currently tucked into a spare closet or utility room in your office used to run your current on-premise GP implementation. The servers with the rat’s nest of wiring in the back that you pray never get accidentally unplugged. Cloud computing simplified just means sticking those servers and rats nest of wires into someone else’s closet and paying rent for them to “host” it for you.

Consider this; if you have a traditional GP on-premise implementation and like thousands of companies, have utilized a standard technology such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to have remote users “dial into” that on-premise system, then you are hosting GP in the cloud. You’re just not getting paid for it.

Here is the critical point, if you are happy with the business functionality that you are currently getting from your GP software, then there are much better options to move to the cloud than implementing a new ERP solution. Consider these options:

• If your hardware is old and in need of a refresh, you can rent servers in the cloud, install your GP software on those hosted servers and access it remotely.
• If your hardware is relatively new, you can locate your existing servers in a co-location company that specializes in having ideal environments to secure, monitor, and manage your hardware.
• If you don’t want any of the headaches associated with maintaining your servers, then there is an excellent option of moving your GP implementation into a hosted environment run by companies that specialize in running traditional or existing GP solutions in the cloud for you.

Any of these solutions can be an acceptable long-term strategy or can buy critical time before making a move to a new ERP system. The new and improved commitment by Microsoft to supporting GP makes this a safe option if GP fits your requirements.

Upcoming podcasts will delve into the specifics behind each decision of these cloud decisions and provide valuable insights to help you make a more informed choice.

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