The Cloud with Online50

When we first had the idea of making software available over the Internet, people said we had our head in the clouds.  Various software providers said it was not possible for their software to work over the Internet.  However ten years later we have thousands of businesses using software provided by Online50 over the Internet.

Our proposition is more relevant than ever as businesses continue to look for competetive advantage from intelligent use of technology.  With sensible application Online50 can help to lower costs, increase productivity and deliver real benefit to the bottom line.  Whether you want to host a single core application, or move your whole technical infrastructure into 'the Cloud' Online50 has a track record of delivering real advantage and great value.

Having worked in the Cloud since before it was known as the 'Cloud', Online50 is well placed to help businesses like yours make the transition.

From hosting Sage 50 to locating entire business operations in the Cloud, call the Online50 Sales Desk on 0800 195 0835 today to find out how we can help you.

In This Issue:

Elastic Computing Platform (ECP) - Your Business in the Cloud

Online50 has become best known for providing Sage 50 online.  We also provide a range of other software on our standard platform including Microsoft Office, Hosted Exchange, CRM, Payroll, in fact most software needed by any small business.  And if you need to have specific software hosted that is not available on our standard Online50 platform we can also host that - using the Elastic Computing Platform.

Elastic Computing Platform (ECP) In Brief

The ECP allows you to host almost any software you like (subject to any vendor licensing).  Host a department or your entire business on our servers.  Where applicable software can be configured to link to your data accessed via the Online50 platform (including Sage 50 datasets).  For example an accounting firm can run accounts production software on the ECP, and their clients can access their Sage 50 accounts using Online50.  The accounts production software has access to the datasets in real-time.

Rent Server Hardware As Needed

The ECP is paid for on a calendar monthly basis, based on the resources you use.  If you were to buy and implement an entry level server this could cost up to £10,000 or more.  The ECP allows you to upgrade or downgrade very quickly and easily and only pay for what you need.

Self Managed Software

With the normal Online50 service we manage everything for you.  This typically doesn't suit everyone.  Using the ECP, you can manage the server as you see fit (terms and conditions apply).  Host whatever software your business prefers.  

The servers are located in our data centres.  This means your staff can access your software from anywhere with an Internet connection.  In addition, all servers are fully backed up every evening to another data centre providing a robust disaster recovery solution.

For More Information

Find out more about how Online50 could help your business move into the Cloud.  Contact the Online50 Sales Desk on 0800 195 0835

What is Cloud Computing? New Whitepaper Available

What is Cloud Computing?  How can it change your business?

From time to time a new idea or technology arrives which gives a genuine competitive advantage to those who adopt it.  Called "Disruptive Changes" because they set a new standard rather than simply improving on what went before - like the printing revolution that saw the end of manual typesetting.  Cloud Computing is hailed as being one such change - a change that redefines efficency and cost structures.  Every IT supplier is clamouring about their 'cloud' offerings, but how can you can you realistically and independently assess the benefits of their solutions to make an informed buying decision?

At Online50 we have been 'in the Cloud' since before it was called 'the Cloud'.  Our free guide contains a number of real world examples of how working online is improving businesses.  With the term 'Cloud Computing' now being used to refer to lots of different types of online working we follow the development of Cloud Computing from the first glimmer of an idea back in 1961 to the present day.  It shows how the use of online systems has developed through the terms that have been used and is a useful jargon buster.

Through each of the terms that are covered it explains how the term arose, what it means, and how it is being used.  Benefits and pitfalls are given as well as real life examples of how that particular style of online working is being used.  It also takes an honest view of the impact of that term by asking 'So What?'

If you would like to know more about how working online can help your business, or if you would like something that cuts through some of the jargon and the marketing hype, then this 24 page PDF guide "How To Find The Cloud Through The Fog" will help you to find your way through the fog of marketing hype to understand the real benefits that Cloud Computing can bring your business.

How Online50 Transformed The Financial Systems of a Multi Site Business

A business with five offices was running a local copy of Sage 50 in each office.  At the end of each month, they backed up their data and sent it to the head office where their accountant would collate it.  There were inevitably delays in receiving the backups which delayed the reports.

The managers in each office found it very difficult to effectively manage the business with such outdated information.

Online50 allows users in different locations to work on the same data in real time using standard software - Sage 50 Accounts, Microsoft Office, and others.  Moving to Online50 enabled all users to access up to date information, and eliminated delays.

The accountant told us recently:

"This business was struggling to grow because of their fragmented financial data.  With the ability to bring all the data together across the business, the managers and owner are now making better and more informed decisions.  We fully expect to achieve the growth targets as a direct result of providing the data online in real time across the whole business."