When it comes to security, accessibility, and convenience, cloud-based software is the best way to go. Cloud-based software provides benefits you won't get with on-premises solutions that will save you money and give you the added security your afterschool program requires.
Cloud-based solutions are cost-effective, provide automatic updates, and offer data recovery and backup. They are scalable, offer mobile access, and give you multiple ways to visualize your data and glean crucial business insights.
After a quick overview of cloud computing, we'll take these one by one.
Cloud Computing: An Overview
Cloud computing delivers computing services via the internet. You store nothing on your computer’s hard drive or any private server.
Cloud computing, also called software as a service (SaaS), delivers software applications on demand, typically as a subscription service. Services include:
- Storage
- Networking
- Servers
- Analytics
- Intelligence
- Software
Cloud computing provides everything you need in one place for the price of a monthly prescription, including customer support.
Cost Effectiveness
Cloud computing is a cost-effective way to obtain software that remains up-to-date and secure. You can select packages that include only the services you need and the number of users you want.
SaaS lowers overall expenses because you don't need your own IT department or any additional equipment, just your computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, or other devices you use daily.
No equipment also means no maintenance. All software updates are included in the subscription price and occur on a regular basis. You can schedule them for your convenience, although updating doesn’t necessarily make your system unavailable.
Cloud solutions are highly reliable, quickly deployed, and provide unlimited storage. You eliminate data entry errors that can occur when transferring information from one system to another. Everything takes place on a single system and includes immediate digital entry.
Security
Cybersecurity is today’s watchword. Without constant vigilance, your data is at risk. Using an on-premises solution requires you or your IT department to use the correct settings and monitor for intruders.
Cloud-based solutions do that for you. It’s in the best interests of a cloud vendor to provide the tightest data security possible. When you deploy your subscription, your vendor helps you set permissions and other security parameters to protect your information from hackers and ransomware attacks.
Security also guards against internal data theft. You can set authorizations and permissions per user, so each person can access only the data they need to do their job. Anytime someone accesses the solution or makes any changes in the files, the system captures the activity on a log, providing an audit trail in case of theft or other issues.
Automatic Software Updates
Software updates are critical components for secure software that continues to perform and integrate as time progresses.
The vendor schedules updates for your off-hours, so you and your staff have no interruptions in service. Also, you never miss an update because you don't need to worry about performing one. Automatic updates minimize downtime, and many updates involve upgrading your software security.
Updates may also include added functionality and upgrades to the software’s operation.
Data Recovery and Backup
Disasters happen, both big and small. If your facility should be affected by weather, fire, or other emergency situation, you can rest assured that your data is safe and available for recovery.
Even a minor glitch or power outage that might erase data on your local machines can be recovered without your constant attention to backing up your information.
Scalability
Cloud-based software is eminently scalable. If your afterschool program expands, you can easily add users. On the other hand, if you need to shrink your workforce, you can reduce the number of users you pay for.
SaaS is perfect for expanding across multiple facilities. Since the software is accessed over the internet, you only need a device and a web browser. The software also integrates easily into other systems you may run, creating an interoperable whole.
Mobile Access
One of cloud-based software's most significant benefits is unlimited access. You aren't tied to the computer at your desk. You can use the software anytime, from anywhere, using any device.
Your staff can access it through their desk computers or the tablets or laptops they may use in the classroom and elsewhere in the facility. You can access it on your mobile device, such as a smartphone, even if you are on the run between facilities or away from your desk.
That same mobile access makes it possible for you to use tablets or biometrics for drop-off and pick-up.
User Friendly
Vendors like EZReports and EZChildTrack work hard to make it simple for you to use our software. You can access information via a dashboard, and your staff can easily navigate the various applications within the software.
You can create custom documents or utilize pre-formatted forms for registration, communication, business analysis, and regulatory compliance.
You can create, modify, and store any document on the system and access it later with any device at any time.
Wrapping Up
Cloud-based software provides benefits that improve your bottom line, create work efficiencies, and secure your data against cyber threats.
You have no software to load or update and no need for additional equipment beyond your electronic devices. You can scale your business up or down quickly by modifying the number of users you pay for.
Also, you never have to worry about backing up your data. The system does it for you, and you can easily recover any data you need, no matter what happens.
EZReports is a cloud-based software solution for afterschool reporting. Contact us to learn more.