If you're thinking cloud, think local.

If you're thinking cloud, think local.

For good reason, an ever increasing tide of companies is turning to cloud applications for at least part of their business software needs. There is little doubt cloud applications can offer many advantages over traditional server side software. ABT Online know this better than most with more than fifteen years experience providing managed services delivered business software to a range of Australian businesses.

However some hard questions need to be asked of many cloud providers.

"I'm constantly amazed that companies that should know better, don't," say's ABT Group chief executive officer, Reg King. "Businesses are signing contracts with cloud application providers without ever really asking what we consider to be key, basic questions," King added.

Questions such as, who now owns the data? Does your cloud provider have a real local presence? Why does your cloud provider expect their application to "fit" all companies? Who else can see the data? Can I get my data back easily if I want to move? In what format? Where exactly is my data kept?

"Before you become part of the cloud," says King, "make sure you work out the simple stuff and don't just get caught up in the technology."

ABT Online is part of the ABT Group (Applied Business Technology) and are one of the pioneers of providing hosted business software in Australia. Using the robust and very reliable Pronto Xi platform ABT Online offers clients a fully managed cloud solution allowing them to focus on their core business activities whilst leaving the technical infrastructure to ABT Online.

"Then of course, there is the issue of local servicing and support. Does your cloud provider even have a local office? Or are they telling you, its fine, we can do it all over the Internet? And what about implementation and training?

"Some cloud providers may tell you otherwise, but the truth is, it takes the same effort to successfully implement a remotely accessible system as it does to implement a locally-installed one. You need the same mature implementation methodology, quality/stable software, locally deployed trainers, good data migration and dedicated on-site go-live support."

"You can't just provide classroom training or computer-based tutorials," says King. "Cloud based business applications just don't work like that" King added.

For further information about how cloud applications should work, please go to www.abtonline.com.au/

ABT Online is part of the ABT Group (Applied Business Technology).

The ABT Group have been installing and managing ERP, Business Intelligence, CRM and Retail POS software for over 23 years, and are Australia's leading distributor of PRONTO Xi software.

The ABT Group includes ABT itself (www.abtgroup.com.au), alongside managed systems expert and provider, ABT Online (www.abtonline.com.au) and intelligent business security systems with ABT Security Systems (www.abtsecuritysystems.com.au)

For more information, please contact:

Paul Goldsmith
Tinderbox marketing
M: 0404 871 220
E: paul@tinderbox.net.au

About ABT
ABT Computer Group, (www.abtgroup.com.au) with over 18 years of operations, are leaders in the delivery of professional IT services
Our Applied Business Technology operation provides the full implementation of middle-market Business Software Applications with such quality applications as Pronto Software and COGNOS-10 Business Intelligence systems.
Our ABT Online (www.abtonline.com.au) operation delivers low-capital cost, fully managed,"Cloud-based" IT solutions.
Our ABT Security Systems (www.abtsecuritysystems.com.au) operation augments the synergy between Security and IT with fully managed security and electronic surveillance systems.

ABT Group are also proud supporters of The Lynne King Cancer Care Foundation (www.lyncares.com)