By Intronis Guest Blog 2_2

software version control

Whenever you install software, it requires a certain amount of downtime for the program to reload and updates to be implemented. Sometimes this is a quick process, just a few minutes per computer or server. But other procedures can takes hours to upload and configure to meet the specific needs of the business. Downtime can be significant, though often it’s undertaken during the company’s off-hours or the operations are temporarily transferred to another machine. Either way, implementing a new version of critical business software can be disruptive and require a significant amount of time to complete.

That’s one reason the cloud is gaining traction so quickly. With automatic updates for every user, innovation and improvements are typically available on the next log in with no downtime. Some services require an online download, but it’s typically a one or two click procedure that can be completed remotely by a solution provider or onsite by the user. Downtime is minimal or non-existent.

Dated Software Can be Costly

Companies typically make frequent updates to their software or cloud applications to add new features and fix issues that may have been uncovered after previous releases. These changes are often made to improve the user experience or productivity, often streamlining the processes or creating a more intuitive interface.

Software enhancements to solution providers’ business-critical applications are particularly valuable, often leading to improved employee efficiency and labor cost savings. CRM, PSA and accounting platforms fall into that category, with each helping the company control vital parts of the organization’s operations. Despite the significant nature of these systems, it can be days or months before a solution provider has the resources available to upgrade to the latest version of software

Delaying a system upgrade wouldn’t seem to be a major problem for most companies, with few repercussions and little associated cost. But when the latest version of the software includes important productivity enhancements, every hour that the implementation is postponed could be considered a lost opportunity.

Consider the situation where an accounting package update included a new integration with your company’s PSA system, which would reduce the billing department’s labor cost by $500 per week when implemented. While a month-long delay wouldn’t create any real costs on the organization’s financial ledger, the business would definitely miss out on $2,000 in office staff savings. That’s the cost of version control.

Instant Benefits from the Cloud

Now consider how hard it is to manage a significant number of critical programs that many larger companies run, ensuring each is up to date and operational. While a solution provider can make a good living offering that kind of continual support, cloud solutions are making that role somewhat obsolete. Physical software isn’t dead, though the number of offerings will likely continue to decline over the next few years.  The point is, version control isn’t likely a long term business opportunity for solution providers. The cloud offers more benefits today, as a part of a services portfolio as well as for a VAR organization’s internal use.

There is no good reason not to have the latest version of applications these days, within hours of their release. The cloud makes this possible, automatically pushing updates out to users without interrupting their work activities or causing significant downtime for their business. The hardest part is communicating the changes in a clear and concise manner, so customers know what is new and how to use it. It’s really not magic. It’s just the best alternative to version control.

Ted Roller is VP of channel development Intronis, the cloud backup specialist. Monthly guest blogs such as this one are part of The VAR Guy’s annual sponsorship program. Read the archived Intronis guest blogs here.