Hardware refers to everything physical, and tangible of a computer system. It is the physical support formed by cables, peripherals, computers, hard drives … Within these elements we find the software, that is, the intangible part of the computer that makes possible the operation of the computer. An ERP service belongs to the management software part, and this can be hosted on hardware or in a cloud service.
Currently, there is the possibility of moving the software to cloud or on-cloud systems. This resource is a centralized, clustered server that is hosted and distributed over a network (usually the Internet). This possibility can present us with several advantages, especially in the case of ERP. Below, we present Dynamics 365bc point of view on the disadvantages that result from physical hardware, and the advantages of cloud systems.
Main disadvantages of physical hardware
Owning a machine, whatever it is, ends up having disadvantages everywhere. As they are machines, they can be damaged at any time, and that entails an expensive maintenance and maintenance work.
The main problem with the hardware is its obsolescence, or the possibility that it can break at any time for no apparent reason, or because of external damage. In the worst case, the hardware that is aggrieved is the hard drive, either in its entirety or in a small sector. And besides, there is none that lasts forever.
When any type of damage to the hardware is caused, the software can also be affected, ceasing to work, or not operating correctly. This can cause us to not be able to access the data or result in a loss of important data with its consequent problems for our ERP.
In addition, in the case of the computer program, it is added the fact that it is exposed to cyberattacks, which are extremely common today.
Main advantages of on-cloud systems
Hosting the server in an on-cloud or cloud system can significantly improve its security and safeguarding. Although it is still exposed, the hosting it is on is more (and better!) prepared to protect itself in case of receiving cyberattacks. This is because a hosting handles hundreds of servers, and these have cybersecurity professionals. In this way, a local facility will never be able to compete with this type of equipment.
In addition, another point to take into account are the backups that can be made in cloud services. This possibility is already included by default in many hosting. In this way, the possibility of losing data is reduced, and it is less likely than with a physical system, since it is an intangible resource that cannot be broken.
The safest
To house our ERP, the safest thing ends up being to have rented license as in the case of Microsoft Dynamics 365bc Business Central. In this way, the licenses are on Microsoft’s own servers, and are very difficult (if not impossible) to hack.
Thus, it is the most recommended option, since it allows access to the ERP through a web link and, thus, we can forget about servers susceptible to being hacked or damaged.