If you look at both small and large businesses in your vicinity, you will see most of the firms using the cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to manage their sales, purchases, and many other aspects of their business. Gone are the days when all the firms used a traditional on-premise computing infrastructure. For those who are wondering what cloud ERP software is, it is nothing but an enterprise resource planning software that allows you to share and transfer your highly confidential business data through a secured Internet space.
Are you a new entrepreneur and wondering whether you should use cloud ERP software for your new venture?

What are the advantages of using a cloud ERP software?

• The main advantage of using a cloud ERP software is that it cutbacks on the budget that you will otherwise have to allocate for the computing infrastructure.
• Another major reason why many entrepreneurs are switching to cloud-based software is the security that it promises. All the top cloud ERP software programs provide high-end security and they have advanced features like disaster recovery back up plan that makes you be carefree even if there is a glitch in the system and all your data vanishes, as you can always retrieve all your data back.

What are the major drawbacks of using a cloud ERP software?

• Just like in case of any other software, cloud ERP software comes with its own set of drawbacks.
• One of the major drawbacks of using cloud ERP software is that you have very less control over the whole process of computing the data, as the ultimate power stays in the hands of the provider.
• Another limitation of the cloud ERP software is that compared to the traditional on-premise computing infrastructure you cannot customize your computing procedure.

What to keep in mind before you buy a cloud ERP software?
Before you decide to buy one of the top cloud ERP software, there are several factors that you need to keep in mind. Here are some of the determining factors that you need to pay heed to:

• Customization option- Make sure that you choose a software that provides specific features that will help your small business.
• User interface- As you would be carrying out your business through the software, ensure that you pick a software that has an easy-to-use interface.
• The frequency of updates – The best thing about cloud software is that once you install them then you will receive regular notifications that will notify you of the latest updates. Having said that, choose a software that is known to get all the latest updates as soon as they are up in the market.
• Security- As all your confidential business data will be in the virtual space, choose a software that gives you a high level of security.

Why should you consider using cloud ERP solutions for your small business?

• One of the main reasons why small businesses should consider using cloud ERP solutions is for cost-cutting.
• In case of the traditional computing that uses on-premise infrastructure, you need money for the hardware and the server. The expenditure does not end there as you need money to also maintain the computing hardware, software license fee, and other I.T. support expenses.
• You can cut back on all these mentioned expenses by simply buying a cloud ERP solution for your small business, where you just would just pay for the software.
• The money saved by switching to a cloud ERP software for managing your small business can be used to grow and expand your business.

Before you choose a cloud ERP solution for your small business, understand the nature of your business and know exactly what your business needs. Once you are clear on what you want, browse through all the top cloud ERP solutions for small businesses, compare their features and prices, and then choose the best software.

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