Cloud technology is everywhere today. People across many industries have adopted it in place of their on-premises servers to improve their business. In fact, Google predicts that “by 2027, more than 50% of enterprises will use industry cloud platforms to accelerate their business initiatives”. But what is the cloud, and why is it so popular?
Put simply, the cloud is a global network of servers. From streaming music to storing photos, people use these servers to store all kinds of information over the Internet. They can enjoy the convenience of accessing data remotely without having it confined to their computer’s hard drive. The COVID-19 pandemic largely accelerated the technology’s adoption, says TechTarget, because of this remote access.
In addition to making data easily accessible, cloud technology provides advanced security against cyberattacks. A study commissioned by Sales-force reported that 94% of businesses that migrated to the cloud reported significant improvement in data and systems security.
It also provides more space for data. On-premises servers need upgrading to get more storage space, which often requires hardware purchases and server downtime. Resizing your server space on the cloud, meanwhile, is immediate. Door, frame and hardware distributors are using the cloud to run job estimating software and project management software.
While many businesses have migrated to cloud technology, the construction industry has lagged. Many door, frame, and hardware companies delay adopting new technology because of cost concerns. However, today those concerns are largely not valid as operating software in a cloud environment has become less costly than on-premises.
For Software for Hardware, the benefits of cloud are clear and now proven with over two dozen clients using SFH CloudTM. Since we launched this cloud-based version of our project management software, every cloud customer has reported total satisfaction. It is for this reason that SFH CloudTM will be replacing the SFH Server fully by January 1, 2026.
Chris Caudell, General Manager of Building Specialties Co., Inc. migrated to SFH CloudTM mainly for maintenance and upkeep. He says, “Software for Hardware manages the IT on their end, and we don’t have to worry about our server constantly being updated and running out of space.”
Marty Vaughan of National Door Center migrated for a similar reason. Due to their internet setup, they’d often get kicked out of their software. With SFH CloudTM, they saw a dramatic improvement in fast, dependable access. “It has literally been night and day,” he says.
As cloud technology grows, Software for Hardware will be on the lookout for innovations that further improve productivity and efficiency for its customers.
In an industry that often lags with technology, door, frame, and hardware distributors could benefit from exploring options like the cloud. You may discover a tool that lifts your business to new heights.
Anna Litofsky, Marketing Coordinator, Software For Hardware, Atlanta, GA.
