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Will Forced Updates From the Cloud Break My System and Disrupt My Business?

Carla Miller

Mar 29 2021

3 min read

One of the best and most efficient benefits of moving from an on-premises ERP solution to the cloud is the fact that all of the updates for the ERP are automatic. There’s no configuring on the customer’s end, no need to schedule potential downtimes, etc. However, it’s because these updates are automatic that gives many on-premises clients pause. How much will these automatic ERP updates from the cloud disrupt business? Is it possible that these automatic updates could break our system?

Will the Cloud ERP Upgrades Disrupt Business?

In most cases, the answer is no. One of the key features of Cloud ERP the concept of a “version-less software.” Most of the Cloud ERP solutions have two primary releases throughout the course of the year. So, two times a year, the ERP application is updated to incorporate the latest and greatest features and functionality available in the market. According to Gartner, major system changes for on-premises solutions take place roughly every three to five years. However, when these systems run as a cloud-based software service, change is constant. Companies can take advantage of this endless software evolution to become ever more valuable, competitive, and accomplished.

In addition, Microsoft uses a managed version upgrade process to minimize business disruption. Customizing ERP applications in the cloud is a lot faster and easier than on-premises solutions, because the code base is standards-based instead of proprietary. So, when the cloud application is upgraded to a newer version, customized components are brought over to the new version seamlessly, without the need for painful re-programming or development. This drastically differs from upgrading Dynamics GP or other on-premises solutions, as business critical customizations do not automatically migrate over with the newest upgrades. As a result, both the cost and complexity of the upgrades increases with on-premises ERP.

Are these Cloud upgrades important?

Many companies never upgrade their on-premises systems after the initial deployment, as they are wary of going over budget or business disruption. As a result, these companies delay any upgrades as long as possible, often until they have a backlog of years of upgrades. By remaining unwilling to upgrade their on-premises systems, they are always behind the technological curve. Even if the company’s products are cutting edge, it will always remain a step behind competitors with Cloud ERP.

With Cloud ERP, your business will never have to worry about upgrades, since they will all take place in the background. Therefore, the business will always stay on top of the best technology available, keeping at least one step ahead of competitors.

In addition to not having to deal with big upgrade events, the Cloud ERP is a far more seamless way to continue to evolve your use of the ERP.

Are you ready to take the leap to the cloud for your ERP system? Or do you have general questions about migrating to the cloud? Please contact us at any time!

This publication contains general information only and Sikich is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or any other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should you use it as a basis for any decision, action or omission that may affect you or your business. Before making any decision, taking any action or omitting an action that may affect you or your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. In addition, this publication may contain certain content generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) language model. You acknowledge that Sikich shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by you or any person who relies on this publication.

About the Author

Carla Miller

As a Sr. Account Executive at Sikich, I bring my experience, education, and knowledge to help clients innovate and address their challenges. The software industry is rapidly changing and so is the way people learn and interact with applications. My goal is to help my clients address their challenges and bring a team of people to change the paradigm from "business as usual" to "innovative thinking."