ABM_1 - Flipbook - Page 49
OPINION
RETAIL
high maintenance and more susceptible
to being hacked.
Data access to the cloud can be
achieved through various routes, with
standard terms including nano services
(dedicated data feed) and microservices,
multiple data feeds, and then the term
‘serverless’ environment. This means you
allow the service provider to store the
data in the most efficient way, which
reduces costs as you pay for the data
you use. This scales automatically.
Because data in the cloud is not stored
in a monolithic block, as on-premises
servers are, the cloud is highly secure.
With Native Cloud, your operational
software is also protected.
Native Cloud refers to the software that
has been specifically developed for the
cloud and is flexible and scalable. This
differs from on-premises software, which
is often referred to as monolithic.
Practical realities
OK, hopefully now you understand the
technology behind the software, but what
does this really mean for my business?
As we operate our businesses more
with technology, driven by the need
for speed in data, quick analysis, and
leveraging emerging artificial intelligence
(AI), the demand for greater access at
work, home, on holiday, and in the field,
particularly for mobile workers, is now a
must-have.
Native Cloud software operating
systems are designed to run on mobile
devices to desktops. A term not often
mentioned is progressive web app (PWA).
Companies like jobmate now develop
for access across all devices and any
screen size, allowing you to access your
software through Google or Apple stores
and download it to your mobile device,
as well as through the web using PWA
technology. This means, without you
realising, the software instantly adapts to
any screen size. In fact, when you use a
desktop in the office, you are accessing
your software through the web, utilising
PWA technology.
When selecting a tech software (ERP,
FMS, CRM, etcetera) or specialised
application, ask the right questions about
cloud versus native cloud. Be cautious if
you already have on-premises software
that has been specially developed for you
Because data in the
cloud is not stored in a
monolithic block, as onpremises servers are, the
cloud is highly secure”
and is provided by a local supplier, as the
coding and accessibility may be limited
when transitioning to native cloud.
Numerous connection platforms can
be used to link Native Cloud to onpremises, but these can be expensive to
maintain and can be limiting if you use
multiple software.
Another must-watch when talking to
suppliers is to ensure that their software
is fully Native Cloud; it's not uncommon
for one part to be and the other not,
resulting in 'spaghetti' that makes you
more vulnerable to cyber-attacks and
incurs higher costs.
In summary, if you are seeking new
software, ask the right questions:
1. Is it entirely Native Cloud, meaning the
operating and data is in the cloud?
2. Which cloud provider is the software
provider using? Ensure it’s a reputable
cloud service provider.
3. Review what you are currently using,
and its compatibility; it may be
cheaper to go Native Cloud across the
business, then bridge on-premises,
which increases security risks.
4. Ensure there are open APIs available to
connect with other software services.
5. It's worth noting that many of the
significant software ERP providers are
not yet providing fully cloud solutions,
generally just the FMS, the adaptations
are still on-premises through an
integration.
Final thought
Consider your users. Multiple suppliers
mean multiple user engagements.
How frustrating is that? Technology
is intended to be easier, perhaps
technically, but for the user, utilising
various software can be confusing, and
the benefits are not realised. i
Q4 2025 AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS
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