8 Reasons to Move On-Premises Software to The Cloud Today

Independent software vendors (ISVs) are feeling the pressure to adopt cloud solutions to stay on the leading edge of their market. Cloud is the standard option for software deployment. By 2018, SaaS will be the leading model of application consumption for 80 percent of organizations. If you want to promote growth and stay competitive, you need to transition to a cloud-based software model.

Transforming to a Cloud-First Business Model

The benefits of the cloud are no secret to ISVs. Delivering cloud-based software solutions enables vendors to reach wider markets, accelerate deployments and create larger revenue streams. However, the biggest roadblock ISVs face is transforming their on-premises infrastructure and business models. Complete cloud migration is a lengthy, complex process most ISVs aren’t equipped to handle internally. They believe in the cloud-first culture, but struggle to transition their flagship products and underlying business model to match. Managing on-premises and cloud-based software without technical migration expertise poses serious risks – cost overruns, performance issues and compliance concerns are commonplace. You might be concerned a cloud migration project will disrupt your current license customers and interrupt existing business functions. Migrating to the cloud is daunting, but the benefits are worth it. Adopting a SaaS model opens the door to opportunities that aren’t possible in an on-premises model. Here are some of the top reasons to move on-premises software to the cloud.

8 Reasons to Move On-Premises Software to The Cloud

1. Drive IT Costs Down

A cloud-based infrastructure reduces capital expenditures and recurring maintenance costs. It allows you to scale data storage up or down to meet customer demand. You no longer need to worry about large upfront software and hardware costs. New customers can usually find, acquire and spin up applications on their own, reducing the burden on sales and customer service.

2. Increase Security in the Cloud

Partnering with a SaaS platform vendor opens the door to advanced security capabilities like improved data center security, password management, rigorous VPN features and issue resolution. Implement service level agreements (SLAs) to give your customers peace of mind that their data is secure.

3. Reach Wider Markets

Offering your products via the cloud lets you distribute to the global market for a fraction of the cost of traditional sales and marketing efforts. It sends a message to your customer base that you’re committed to staying relevant.

4. Accelerate Deployments

With your software in the cloud, performance no longer dependent on physical data centers. New software can be ready to launch in seconds rather than months. Users get immediate access to the full version of your software.

5. Increase Customer Satisfaction

Customers can use your product with minimal assistance. They get accelerated access to new features instead of having to wait for them to be rolled out. Cloud software also enables end users to work anywhere, from any device.

6. Simplify the Sales Process

The cloud deployment sales model reduces barriers to entry with pay-as-you-go pricing. Customers pay for what they need, when they need it. They get fast implementation without a big upfront licensing fee. SaaS applications also tend to have higher adoption rates because they are accessible via familiar web browsers.

7. Spend More Time on Innovation

A SaaS platform frees you from a never-ending stream of infrastructure upgrades so you can focus on innovating new products. In the cloud you can develop and test prototypes and release new applications and features on the fly without having to purchase costly new infrastructure.

8. Microsoft is Incentivizing Customers to Migrate to Azure

Microsoft recently implemented an incentive program to help ISVs grow their business. If you deploy your applications on Azure and make them available on the AppSource marketplace, you will receive access to Microsoft tools like PowerApps and Flow at no additional charge. Microsoft will also send you the contact information of users that install your app through AppSource. Those leads can go straight into your CRM so your sales team can follow up effectively. Related Content: Analyzing Azure Vs AWS in Your Cloud Implementation Strategy  Choosing an ISV Cloud Migration Partner

Transitioning from on-premises to the cloud is a huge undertaking. Hiring an in-house cloud team is a big investment that you might not equipped for. But you can’t do it alone. If you want to move on-premises software to the cloud, you need a cloud migration partner to assist across software, billing, support and licensing from start to finish. Agile IT offers award-winning cloud migration services for ISVs. As a Microsoft and Amazon Web Services Partner with 15+ Gold Microsoft Competencies and four Microsoft Cloud Partner of the Year awards, we know what it takes to successfully migrate your business model and software to the cloud. Interested in learning more about Agile IT’s ISV cloud migration services? Schedule a free call with one of our cloud experts today.