Cloud-based systems have evolved significantly over the past decade, to the point where it is now the “preferred computing model for most technology enablement,” according to a recent report from KPMG.
Among the many benefits of cloud-based computing are its affordability and accessibility, allowing anyone to access as much computing power as they need for an enormous range of functions.
It has also relieved many restaurants from having to maintain data centers and conduct frequent software installations and updates. In addition, new functionality can be added with a few mouse clicks in a matter of minutes, rather than the days, weeks or months that might have been required for conventional software installations.
According to data from Bernstein Research cited in KPMG’sJourney to the Cloud report, businesses now spend about 10% of their technology budgets on cloud-related services. Software as a Service, or SaaS, has captured the bulk of cloud-based spending, although both Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) have also seen accelerated growth in recent years.
The KPMG report projected that all of these technologies will continue to grow in the coming years, as many of the previous barriers to entry have been overcome or are being minimized.
“Cloud computing will continue to evolve at a rapid pace as new tools and services are introduced, existing tools and services are enhanced, and organizations mature their capabilities based on their previous experiences,” the report concluded.
Business CIOs say their top three reasons for adopting cloud computing are to improve agility and responsiveness (55%), accelerate product development/innovation (41%) and save money (40%), according to Harvey Nash/KPMG research.
Implementing cloud computing is not a slam-dunk decision, however. Restaurant operators need to take several factors into consideration when planning to adopt cloud-based technologies.
What to consider when choosing a provider
Some of the factors operators should consider include selecting service providers that can provide a range of solutions, such as ordering, reporting, dynamic menus, payroll, kitchen management, alerts and even CRM and B2C functions such as customer engagement, loyalty and coupons.
Operators also should select a system that is “bulletproof”—one that will continue to operate without interruption even without an internet connection.
It is also important for a cloud-based service provider to have the ability to function smoothly on multiple platforms and connect with a variety of payment providers.
Heartland’s cloud-based restaurant management platform, Heartland Restaurant, checks all these boxes, and also offers the benefits of being easy to use and affordable. It can be deployed on an unlimited number of terminals without additional fees. Heartland Restaurant runs on iOS, using stationary and mobile iPads.
The app runs locally at each individual restaurant and is backed by local support while leveraging the power and the benefits of centralized data storage and processing in the cloud.
When choosing a reliable cloud service provider, reliability and flexibility is a must—and Heartland Restaurant has what it takes.
This post is sponsored by Heartland Payment Systems