Many nonprofits struggle with technology because of smaller staffs and limited IT expertise. For them, “embracing the cloud” is a solution that’s easy to adopt, and could result in better control over technology costs and greater efficiency and productivity.
Remote control
Cloud computing, also known as “software as a service,” uses a network of remote third-party servers made available online. Rather than relying on your organization’s own computers or server, you use remotely hosted software and storage to process, manage and share information.
For many nonprofits, the greatest advantage of using cloud services is lower costs. The technology generally eliminates large capital expenditures and pricey licensing contracts. Instead, cloud customers pay a monthly subscription fee or are billed based on actual usage. What’s more, service providers update their offerings and provide security patches on an ongoing basis.
Another benefit is the scalability of cloud services. You can scale up when you need more storage or data capacity and scale back when you need less. Also, because cloud services aren’t limited to a physical location and can be accessed from anywhere, they make it easy for colleagues, board members and volunteers to collaborate on projects. Finally, cloud services can make it easier to track and report funds over multiple time periods and to analyze budgets, expenses and cash flows. They can also produce specialized data reports.
Rest assured
Most reputable services boast stronger security, including firewalls, authorization restrictions and data encryption, than your own nonprofit could afford to put in place on its own. And cloud services typically offer continuous data backup and disaster recovery capabilities.
That said, your nonprofit can’t possibly have as much control over a cloud system as it would of its own infrastructure. So if control is a priority, you need to weigh it against the benefits of cloud computing.
Vendor options
You’ll want to look for a service that:
- Frequently updates features,
- Immediately responds to security threats,
- Protects the privacy of your data, and
- Backs up data in multiple locations.
Cost is another major consideration when selecting a vendor. But your nonprofit may qualify for discounts or even gratis services.
Get satisfaction
Before leaping into the cloud, be sure to research your options and get recommendations