Is a cloud-based solution right for your organization?

Managing secure, up-to-date systems with limited IT resources can be challenging. Cloud-based solutions can reduce operational complexity, simplify software management and help break down silos across the technology ecosystem. But is a cloud-based approach right for every organization?

For many long-term care providers and enterprise organizations, technology teams are being asked to do more with less. Systems must remain secure and available, users expect seamless experiences, and software must be kept up to date, often without expanding IT resources.

Cloud-based solutions can reduce this operational burden while enabling faster innovation cycles, helping users benefit sooner from new functionality, performance improvements and security updates. As a result, more organizations are evaluating cloud-based solutions. But when does a cloud approach make sense, and what practical benefits can it offer?

What challenges are organizations trying to solve?

The move to the cloud is often driven by operational realities rather than technology trends. A long-term care provider may operate multiple facilities with limited on-site IT support, making it difficult to maintain systems consistently across locations. An enterprise organization may be looking to simplify software management, strengthen security, and keep up with changing business requirements.

Common challenges include:

  • Limited internal IT resources
  • Managing software updates across sites
  • Maintaining on-premises infrastructure
  • Meeting cybersecurity requirements
  • Controlling technology costs
  • Scaling systems as needs evolve
  • Connecting siloed systems across the IT ecosystem 

For many organizations, these challenges raise the question: Is there a simpler way to manage and maintain critical systems?

How can cloud-based solutions help?

Cloud-based solutions can reduce the effort required to run and maintain technology environments.

Reduce infrastructure requirements

Traditional deployments often require organizations to purchase, install and maintain servers and other infrastructure. With a cloud-based solution, much of that infrastructure is managed externally, reducing the need for local hardware and ongoing maintenance.

API-to-API  integration

Cloud-based solutions can help break down silos through API-to-API integration across the IT ecosystem, reducing the need for additional on-site hardware and integration complexity.

Simplify software updates

Keeping software current is important for security, performance and functionality. When delivered through a Software as a Service (SaaS) business model, cloud-based solutions can simplify software updates, reducing the effort required from internal IT teams.

Support organizations with limited IT resources

Many long-term care providers operate with small IT teams responsible for multiple systems and locations.
By reducing infrastructure and maintenance tasks, cloud-based solutions can help those teams focus on supporting users and strategic initiatives.

Improve cost predictability

Traditional deployments often involve larger upfront investments in hardware, software, and implementation.
SaaS solutions are often delivered through a subscription model, helping organizations spread costs over time and move from upfront capital expenditure (CapEx) toward operational expenditure (OpEx) as a monthly, quarterly or yearly fee.

Scale more easily

Whether opening a new care facility, adding users or expanding services, cloud-based solutions can provide flexibility without significant infrastructure changes.

Cloud and SaaS: what's the difference?

The two terms are closely related but serve different purposes.
Cloud refers to the infrastructure and computing environment used to host and deliver software and services.

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a commercial model for delivering cloud-based solutions that provide access to software for ongoing use, updates, and support through a subscription. In simple terms, SaaS is a method organizations can consume cloud-based solutions.

Is a cloud-based approach right for every organization?

Not necessarily. Some organizations prefer to maintain on-premises infrastructure because of specific operational, regulatory, or business requirements. Others may find that a cloud-based approach reduces operational complexity and better aligns with their available resources. The right choice depends on your organization's needs, priorities, and long-term strategy.

Frequently asked questions

How can cloud help organizations operating multiple sites?

Organizations with multiple facilities often face challenges with software updates, system administration, and maintaining consistent security standards across locations. Cloud-based solutions can help simplify management by enabling centralized administration and reducing the need for infrastructure at each site.

How does SaaS differ from traditional software purchasing?

Traditional software deployments typically require upfront investments in hardware, software licenses and implementation, with internal responsibility for maintenance. With a SaaS model, organizations pay a recurring subscription fee for access to the software, updates and agreed services and support. This can help make costs more predictable and reduce the effort required to manage software throughout its lifecycle.

Do I need to replace all my existing systems to move to the cloud?

Not necessarily. Many organizations take a phased approach, introducing cloud-based solutions alongside existing systems. This can help reduce disruption while allowing organizations to modernize at a pace that aligns with their operational requirements.

What should I consider before moving to the cloud?

Key considerations include your organization's operational needs, available IT resources, security and compliance requirements, data governance, integration with existing systems, and long-term business objectives. Evaluating these factors can help determine whether a cloud-based approach is the right fit.

How do I know if cloud is the right choice for my organization?

The best starting point is to assess your strategic needs and the challenges you are trying to solve. If managing infrastructure, maintaining software, supporting multiple locations, or scaling systems is becoming increasingly complex, a cloud-based solution may be worth considering. The right choice best supports your organization's operational and strategic goals.

Which Ascom solutions are available in the cloud?

Explore Ascom solutions available with cloud deployment options:

What cloud deployment options are available for my Ascom solution?

Depending on your needs and IT strategy, the solution can be hosted in the Ascom Cloud or deployed within your existing private cloud environment. This flexibility allows you to choose the approach that best meets your operational, security, and compliance requirements.

What happens if an Ascom cloud connection is disrupted or the service is unavailable?

The impact depends on the solution design, local capabilities and agreed service levels. Organizations should assess connectivity requirements, backup and recovery arrangements, support processes, and how critical workflows will continue during an interruption.

Who is Ascom's cloud hosting provider?

Ascom utilizes Microsoft Azure as its cloud hosting provider.

Where does Ascom host its cloud solutions and customer data?

Customer data is hosted within the EU jurisdiction and complies with EU GDPR regulations

What cloud security standards and certifications does Ascom's hosting provider hold?

Microsoft Azure complies with all required cloud hosting certifications. Ascom is specifically certified according to ISO/IEC 27001 and is compliant with ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27018.

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