Cloud software – the right thing for skilled trades

As the name suggests, Craftcloud stands for craftsman software from the cloud. That also has its reasons. With this article, I would like to explain why, from my personal point of view, there are many advantages to using software from the cloud – especially for the trades.

What cloud?

In order to get into the topic, we should first clarify the term cloud for our context. Because the cloud is often equated with a single, special service. Since in the beginning, it was primarily file storage on the Internet that was able to assert itself and was used by a large mass, this is symbolic for many as the cloud. Even if the external storage of data and documents on the Internet is an important aspect of this, this picture clearly falls short.

Basically, the cloud or cloud computing stands for the provision of infrastructure in the field of information technology. We understand this to mean access to this infrastructure or the services based on it via the Internet.

You can find out more about the technology related to the cloud in this article.

What does software from the cloud mean?

The most common definitions and categorizations of the term distinguish between three levels, depending on the provision of the service:

• Software, i.e. applications for the end user.
• Platform, i.e. environments for the development of software or higher concepts.
• Infrastructure, i.e. the basis of computing and storage capacity.

The infrastructure, the lowest level so to speak, is all about the provision of computer hardware, i.e. computing power and data storage. With modern technologies, especially virtualization, it is possible to separate software, especially operating systems, from the underlying hardware. It can therefore be operated independently of specific hardware. This means that capacities can be increased and decreased flexibly. This flexible adaptation to actual needs is called scaling.

Platforms offer technologies based on this, which makes it possible to develop your own applications on this platform. The platforms offer general and comprehensive concepts, which make it possible to develop software faster and easier based on it. The underlying infrastructures are combined in services and packages. They offer technically simplified and clearly defined interfaces for this. This is the principle of abstraction.

The third and last level is the software used by the end user. Without having to worry about the technical details, i.e. the underlying platforms and infrastructures, we use software that is operated in the cloud in everyday life and use its services via standardized interfaces, especially the Internet browser, and apps.

What advantages does software from the cloud offer?

All of these concepts offer great advantages over the traditional provision of IT resources. We would like to take a look at some of them below. Some of these aspects could also be implemented with the conventional provision of software and infrastructure. However, the approaches typical of cloud software suggest, presuppose, and build upon these more modern concepts. Some aspects can only be implemented in a meaningful way with software from the cloud or radically simplify their consistent implementation.

Connection and use of other software

Modern software in the cloud usually has a very modular structure and is connected to one another by defined interfaces. We often talk about so-called microservices, i.e. the smallest software modules that work independently. This also makes it possible to integrate other software modules more easily than before. This makes it very easy and quick to access specialized services from other providers. These are integrated according to need and application and thus enable outstanding solutions that are unthinkable in closed systems.

Less administrative effort

Anyone who has ever had to deal with the introduction of conventionally delivered software knows about the difficulties of the underlying, necessary hardware. Complex servers often have to be provided and operating systems and databases installed. This in itself requires a great deal of effort and is associated with high investment costs. These acquisitions must then be maintained and serviced on an ongoing basis. As a rule, this requires expert knowledge and must therefore be outsourced to external service providers.

Since the cloud software is provided on an underlying infrastructure, the end user no longer has anything to do with it. He does not take care of the technical aspects and the necessary infrastructure himself. The software provider is responsible for this on his own responsibility and makes it available to the end user as part of his service.

Can be used anywhere – mobile software use

As already mentioned, standardized and universally available interfaces are consistently used. Access to the cloud software itself is also clear and defined. Wherever there is the Internet, this is easily possible. Almost every conventional Internet browser, regardless of whether it is operated on a PC, smartphone, or tablet, enables the use of the software. Without complex installation or prerequisites. Since all data and files are stored on the Internet, they can be accessed from anywhere in the world with any Internet-enabled device.

Flexibly adaptable performance and sharing

Thanks to the virtualization already mentioned, the hardware infrastructure can be flexibly ramped up and down. Since this infrastructure can be shared with other platforms and the software is used by several companies at the same time, the infrastructure provided can be better adapted to the actual needs at the moment.

Updates are imported immediately

Since a software provider does not have direct access to the software installed by the customer, it is often difficult and complicated to import updates. In most cases, the user has to become active himself and, in addition to the effort, also has the associated risk. If updates are missed or go wrong, there may be significant failures, functional disadvantages, or even security risks. Support from the provider is also significantly more complex. He must constantly clarify which version is in use, if necessary, request updates again or at some point completely refuse support for old versions.

Since cloud software providers provide this as a service, they are also responsible for all these aspects for their customers. This means that he must always keep his software up to date. Since he has direct access to the entire software and is responsible for its operation, he can manage it relatively easily. Compared to a conventional installation, there are no technical or organizational hurdles in the way.

Cost benefits and usage-based payment models

All of this usually offers clear cost advantages. With traditional concepts, infrastructure was often kept and maintained unnecessarily because it was not always needed. Due to the adaptability and the joint use, only as much performance is called up as is actually required.

Since the advantages already explained make it possible the offers are usually offered in flexible payment models. This means that the payment is dependent on use and can usually be canceled at relatively short notice or extended. You only pay as much as is actually needed and remain flexible. The service can therefore be better adapted to actual needs.

Cons of cloud software?

The main point of criticism that is repeatedly raised in connection with “software from the cloud” is the problem of security. Data stored in the cloud could be lost or possibly get into the hands of third parties unintentionally.

Today there are technically and organizationally sophisticated tools and concepts to protect data from accidental loss as well as from access by third parties. Compliance with the GDPR also plays a major role in this context.

There is no such thing as absolute security, but Craftcloud does everything to ensure it

In the end, what matters is that there is a relationship of trust between the provider and the user and that the provider does his homework. After all, he is responsible for the security of his offer and the data of his customers. At Craftcloud, we do everything we can to protect your data from both loss and unauthorized access.

It is important in this context that software providers for craftsmen from the cloud are not the only ones to face this challenge. Since almost all local area networks are connected to the Internet and even often gates are opened to dock mobile applications to the “home-installed software”, you can consider almost any, even self-operated software, as “part of the cloud”. This exposes them to the same security risk.

Maybe a bit rough, but still a justified thesis – Why shouldn’t you leave the issue of security to the professionals right away?

What about dependency?

The dependency on one provider is often emphasized when processes are switched to cloud software. In principle, it is correct that you enter into a dependency when choosing a software provider from the cloud. Because once the processes have been switched to a provider and everything is set up, you no longer want to do without the working environment you have come to love. Switching to a new provider is associated with renewed effort and, under certain circumstances, direct costs. There’s no denying that.

What is often ignored in this discussion is that this applies to any kind of software. If you buy software and operate it yourself, these arguments also apply. Hardware and software that is expensive and expensive to acquire and set up have to be written off and may even tie a company more closely to this solution. In contrast, software from the cloud is usually relatively flexible, can be expanded at short notice, and can be downsized or even terminated.

My personal experiences in craft and with software

Of course, I didn’t write this article without reason, because I think I know both worlds well. Please don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to tell you that there are no challenges when it comes to software from the cloud. My point is to show that there are advantages and disadvantages to everything, but also technical solutions. In the end, you have to choose a provider you trust and I’m happy if that’s Craftcloud.

In my personal experience and through my career, I was able to get to know both sides and am now convinced that software from the cloud is the right thing for the trade.

Conclusion – Why is cloud software ideal for crafts

In summary, I would like to summarize my conclusion in a few statements. Since, as is well known, one never stops learning, I cordially invite you to discuss your experiences with me. I look forward to your honest opinion.

• The typical craftsman is not a specialist in the acquisition and operation of IT infrastructure and hardware. He should therefore leave this in the hands of professionals.
• Although a craftsman only has a limited budget, he has very high demands on the availability of his software. If this fails, he has a problem and should therefore be able to rely on his systems. However, he himself has little time and skills for this. He should hand this over to a provider who will take it from him at clear costs.
• The world of a craftsman is sometimes very fast-moving and the speed of change continues to increase rapidly. He should therefore be prepared with flexible and adaptable offers in order to be able to “breathe”.
• The craft is mobile. Craftsmen usually work a lot on-site with the customer. We constantly switch between construction sites, workshops, and offices. Here in the morning, there at noon, and somewhere else in the afternoon. It is therefore important that data and files are always with you. This requires consistent mobile solutions.
• A craftsman wants to do what he can and loves: to do his job professionally and leave happy customers. Importing updates, installing the new security patch on the server, and changing the backup tapes are just annoying and keep you from the actual work. It doesn’t have to be that way, because he can leave exactly these problems to his cloud software provider.