Why local clouds are better.

We even have New Zealand based online accounting start-up Xero grabbing the column inches.

So why aren't we hearing more about locally owned and managed application providers like ABT Online? 

ABT Online is part of the ABT Group (Applied Business Technology) and have been providing hosted business software in Australia for more than fifteen years.

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.

"Contrary to what some companies may tell you, there are huge advantages in choosing a local application provider," says ABT Group, Chief Executive Officer, Reg King.

"Really simple stuff, like what happens when you have a problem with your online app?" said King.

"Does your cloud provider have a local office? Do they even have a phone number you can ring? Or are they telling you, its fine, we can do it all over the Internet? " King added.

It is at this point that ABT Online starts to make a lot more sense, with a single point of contact for all your service and application issues.

And that single point of contact is with an expert in that application. No passing the blame. 

ABT Online is able to run a complete front to back office suite of applications, including Retail POS, CRM, ERP and eCommerce apps. All on state of the art Tier 1 hardware from an industry leading, Australian data centre.

"One of the problems clients can run into if they go with a third party hosting provider, is that the host may have little or no application knowledge," says ABT Group IT manager, Tristan Pascoe.

Which is particularly a problem when you particularly need help. As we all know with software, online or not, there will be issues.

"Generally what happens," Pascoe said, "Is that the host alerts you - there is an issue here, please advise your software provider," says Pascoe.

"They (the hosting provider) just don't know what to do with the issues, I understand that, but it makes it very hard for the client," said Pascoe.

"At the end of the day, the Pronto suite of applications is our bag. We monitor them, we maintain them," he added.

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." said King

"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.

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)