Firstly, what is a virtual private server (VPS)?
A VPS is a virtual machine, i.e. in the cloud, that’s sold as a service by a dedicated hosting service.
Cloud-based services in general have for a while been growing in popularity, but businesses wanting to move their accounting to the cloud have been stuck because, in many cases, the cloud-based accounting services haven’t had comprehensive functionality.
VPS hosting has changed that: now businesses can use a VPS to host their own existing accounting software in the cloud. So, instead of using a new accounting package that’s in the cloud but doesn’t have the required functionality, businesses can use their same old accounting package on a private server in the cloud.
VPS hosting also tends to cost less than dedicated hosting while at the same providing more reliability, added security and better performance.
Let’s look at the reasons why VPS hosting makes sense:
You don’t need a physical server anymore
With a VPS, you can do away with the bulky server that either takes up space in your office or needs to be housed somewhere if your office is working remotely. You won’t need someone to manage the server and you won’t need to upgrade or spend money maintaining it. With your server in the cloud, the hosting service will take care of all that for you.
You can access your system from multiple locations
A VPS enables you to log on to your system from any device that has internet access. Because it’s in the cloud, you can access your files at any time from anywhere, knowing they’re safely stored not on your devices but offsite, in the cloud.
Your server will be physically secure
It’s safer to host your server off your premises as it eliminates the risk of power issues, hardware failure and the possibility of theft. Instead, your server will reside off-premises in a three-tier high-security data centre on reliable, redundant hardware with dual power supply, fire proofing, air-cooling, backup generators and internet connectivity.
You’ll be spending opex rather than capex
What you save by not having to purchase a server, or maintain one if you already have one, you can put towards your running expenses and reduce your monthly costs.
Disaster recovery is quicker
Recovering from a disaster is simpler and faster with the disaster recovery support that’s possible with VPS functionality – it comes with automated cloud backup, cyber security and disaster recovery.
Answer to existing accounting and financial systems
IronTree has built a dedicated hosting environment for accounting and financial systems in its own private cloud infrastructure to serve all those wanting to move their current accounting software to the cloud.
This means you don’t have to change your accounting system when you’re wanting all the benefits of a cloud environment.
If you’d like to host your Sage 200 Evolution or Sage 50 Cloud Pastel Partner setup in the cloud, chat to us about a VPS for your business.
