The clouds in the sky are distant, vast, epic, and have power we cannot see. That’s actually a perfect analogy for how cloud computing works.
Cloud computing is always available—essentially on-demand computer system resources, especially data storage, emails, and computing power. Most major businesses and industries now utilize some sort of cloud computing—even though it means trusting something you can’t see.
Using a cloud-based system is essential not only for its effectiveness and versatility, but also because it allows on-demand availability from any computer at any time.
Photos, data, email, and more that are stored in the cloud live in the cloud, allowing access from personal computers, laptops, mobile devices at multiple locations, even in the field. That creates efficiencies never before thought possible for funeral homes, cemeteries, and their vendors and suppliers.
For example, cemeteries and monument dealers can streamline their monument permit process with OpusXenta’s byondcloud. With an easy-to-use online form, automated applications, and a straightforward approval process, this process saves time and ensures adherence to rules and regulations.
In cloud-based computing, the provider handles all the data—customers just have easier access. Servers, databases, network setup, and everything else are taken care of by the provider, completely invisible to the customer. That customer—such as a funeral home, cemetery, or monument dealer, accesses the software by simply opening a web browser. Good to go! It’s much more than software—it’s seamless, and secure, service.
Cloud computing offers many benefits.
- Financial. Users have access to high-performance software at a lower cost because they’re sharing the space with multiple users. And while there are monthly subscriber costs to using a cloud provider, it is often cheaper than paying for stand-alone software upgrades and maintenance.
- Flexibility. The cloud provides convenience customized to each user. Subscriptions (and space) can be adjusted based on a business’ changing needs or capacity.
- Accessibility. No more bulky filing cabinets or other outdated storage systems are needed. The cloud can safely and securely hold scores of data without having to keep paper copies on site. Cemeteries can pull up a single record or search a whole section, all with a few clicks.
- Accuracy. Having storage in the cloud reduces the chance of filing errors, such as accidentally filing the “Smyth” records under “Smith.”
- Mobility. In the past two years, many companies transitioned to stay-at-home work schedules. With cloud-based management software, employees could work from home and access the software, and all of their data, via the cloud.
- Security. Using the cloud for data storage offers safety from the loss of valuable data. But most computers have a short lifespan, and back-ups can go awry—with no warning. Data stored in the cloud is automatically backed up and accessible, even when personal computers fail. Storing data in the cloud also means that it’s safe from disasters—not just fire or flood, but also from personal mishaps, like spilled coffee on a keyboard.
- Cybersecurity. When stored in the cloud, data is also highly secure from cyber attacks. Cloud service providers are highly trained and financially backed to prevent cyber breaches, but individual office computers have a higher risk of being compromised.
While there are a bevy of benefits, cloud software and storage does come with challenges—first and foremost is an internet connection. A reliable connection with fast speed and appropriate bandwidth is essential. Internet outages mean downtime and lack of access to data, until the internet service is restored.
Cemeteries and funeral homes—along with their suppliers—must know the terms of their agreement with their cloud provider to learn how much control they have over the system and service. It’s important to maintain full ownership of all of the company’s data, at all times, forever.
Moving to the Cloud
It’s easy to spot cloud computing today; it’s everywhere. Zoom is essentially cloud-based meetings. Dropbox is ultimately just cloud storage. Netflix? Cloud movies.
With the cloud ubiquity, there’s never been a better chance to make the change. OpusXenta’s cloud-based software for the death care profession can change the way your company does business—for the better, and the easier, and the faster, and the safer…
In other words, look to the clouds for your next generation of next-level service.