Time Out! When Load Speed Isn’t Everything

When Cloud Hosted Application & Load Speed Isn’t Everything

It’s funny the things that are “deal breakers” for firms looking to move to the Cloud. Recently, a colleague asked me about the approximate connect time with hosted solutions. “Is it 3 minutes, 2.5, under two minutes?” I believe this was her exact question. In fact, she had been testing multiple hosted solutions and recording and evaluating connectivity speeds. She was so focused on this one small factor that she was completely missing the true value that cloud-based applications offer.

The benefits of moving to web-based cloud solutions far out weigh the extra seconds it may take to connect—

Especially when you consider the overall time saved by operating in a virtual environment. The Cloud eliminates the need to manually backup client data, update and maintain software onsite, or coordinate data exchange with clients. Trust me…this adds up to hours of time savings! But wait! There’s more. Within my cloud system, I can collaborate with my clients in real time— accessing files and data simultaneously, while assured that I’m always working with the most current data. I no longer have to ask a client to close a file when I need to get into it, or log in after hours to avoid disrupting the client’s workflow.

The Cloud enables me to work the way I want to work, while also providing clients with the convenience of 24/7 access to their financial information…and to me when they have a question or concern. The Cloud opens up so many opportunities to better serve clients, boost firm efficiencies, and grow!

At the end of the day, I know firms understand the value of the Cloud. I think it comes down to a few items for most—fear and cost. And I get that. It can be scary to move not only to a new application, but one supported within an unfamiliar platform. But like any other change within a firm, you do get past the initial fear and learning curve. Initial startup costs can also be disconcerting. But what I’ve found is that it’s easy to sell clients on the value of moving to an online platform…in fact, they prefer it and are willing to pay for it.

So, forget about connectivity. Forget about cost and that initial nagging fear. Take a quick time out and really examine the value of the Cloud and the monumental improvements to firm operations these advanced technologies can make. Trust me; the move is worth it!