If your organization is like the majority of global companies, your operations and workflow are being increasingly transitioned into the cloud. This reliance on service models -- commonly known as System as a Service (SaaS) -- is causing companies to explore both onsite and commercial services to achieve cloud access.

However, if you have legacy technology that your organization has a substantial investment in, you will need solutions that allow you to integrate your solutions into the newest processes. A cloud systems integrator is a critical resource if you plan on evolving your technologies.

There has never been a time when integration was more crucial. As technologies mature, the companies who can successfully manage their systems integration will be the ones who can capitalize on the agility of as-a-Service software to compete and win in the market.

Systems as a Service (SaaS)

In today's economy, it is no wonder why companies across a broad spectrum of industries have embraced an as-a-Service model to meet their IT requirements. Unlike installing, producing, and running a software product, the advantages of software as a service can be seen as follows:

• It is less expensive upfront. It will not require capital expenditures in infrastructure, software licenses, and large-scale implementation projects. Maintenance costs will not be a concern either. Instead, everything will be paid for as it is used.
• There is a lower risk involved. Organizations can experiment with new processes and functions. They will not have wasted their entire budget and become entangled in their own mistakes if they fail to achieve their desired results.

• Faster and more efficient. Traditionally, software systems are complex to implement and costly to maintain. Solutions available as a service can be put into operation within a short period.
• Flexible in the way that you operate. Cloud services help companies to take risks more quickly. There is no stigma attached to experimenting with features that do not turn out to be effective. Cloud services are scalable on a pay-as-you-go basis and can grow alongside the business as the need arises.
• Results that are achieved faster. Effortlessly and reliably, the As-a-Service model helps you move from strategic planning to business execution. The result is a winning combination for stakeholders, clients, and your company.

As a result, as-a-Service dispels the fractured reasoning that can result from standard investments in software, which might be the most important advantage. Many organizations feel that their investment in producing, installing, and running their current software signals that their money was wasted. As-a-Service strategies allow for greater flexibility and willingness to upgrade and evolve as markets and consumer demands change.

The process is not as simple as it appears.

However, SaaS is not without its challenges. The most obvious challenge is vendor lock-in. It can be challenging to make a change if you have built your business around a core application provided as a service or if you have a lot of business resources tied to a single cloud provider. That very same fact can give an advantage to the as-a-Service provider - making it easy for them to hike their prices without having to worry about losing you as a client.

As mentioned earlier, shadow IT is a problem as well. It is the ability for lines of business to use their credit cards in order to purchase as-a-Service offerings immediately, even when these services are not the best choice for the organization or have no fit within their IT approach and environment.

Cloud systems integrator services -- preparing for the future.

An effective cloud system integrator can play a very important role in solving these problems. The purpose of a cloud systems integrator is to act as a trusted associate who is cloud-agnostic and familiar with SaaS solutions. Your approach can include deciding which SaaS and cloud offerings to select, dispersing your investments across services as needed, and ensuring that you achieve the best return on your investment.

Cloud system integrators are providing pre-built solutions and managed services more regularly. To develop proven solutions, innovators with extensive experience can integrate best practices, industry knowledge, and lessons learned. Technically, operationally, and commercially it can evaluate the solution.

Furthermore, a systems integrator can assist you in developing an integration strategy that can link your legacy systems with as-a-service solutions while ensuring a seamless interconnection and flexibility in the future.

Integration of this kind will become increasingly important. SaaS and cloud services need to be flexible in our increasingly dynamic world. We will always have to deploy multiple platforms and applications simultaneously and execute numerous tasks quickly and seamlessly. By integrating them efficiently, exchanging them when necessary, and tailoring the features to your needs, your systems will work for you.

GCSIT offers specialized services, acting as your dedicated cloud systems integrator and finding the best solutions for your organization's unique needs. To learn more about how automation might offer numerous advantages for your organization, please download our whitepaper.

If you have any questions about how cloud systems integration could benefit your operations, please contact our team today.

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