5 safety points to avoid an online software disaster
May
How secure is your online software?
With the popularity of online software growing there is a concern that it is not as secure or reliable as desktop-based applications. GPS fleet tracking software is generally run online so it’s of particular interest to fleet managers to know that the infrastructure used by providers is both robust and secure.
But before you make the switch to online software, it’s important to check a few things about the provider to make sure they are taking the best care of your data and you can enjoy a reliable software service, something that is vitally important when you’re looking at running mission-critical applications.
Here are five things you should check with your online software provider before you buy.
- Do they have a Plan B? – You might not be familiar with failover systems but all you really need to know about it is that it means in the event of a problem with the computer that runs the online software you are using, another, identical, computer is setup to automatically take over. For you as a user you most likely won’t notice anything has happened – you will carry on using the application without interruption and without the loss of any data. Essentially it provides a seamless safety net should anything happen to the computer that is hosting your software.
- Have they been independently reviewed? – Similar to the ISO 9001 standards that businesses will often strive to achieve, online software providers also have certifications that they can meet. In the service industry (online software is generally viewed as SaaS, or software as a service), organizations can choose to undergo a SAS 70 audit. Being successfully audited means an organization can be trusted to have effective controls over its operations and that the business is operating effectively. If you are considering different online software providers, asking if they are SAS 70 certified can provide you with reassurance that your data is in safe hands.
- Do they use top-of-the-line hardware? – Unless your software provider has the size, scale and financial resources of Google, they will generally work with a data center to handle the physical storage of both their application and related data. The hardware used by most professional data centers is far beyond what your average IT department could afford or manage. Data centers not only invest in high quality web servers that are both fast and powerful but also focus on making sure both the data and the hardware is secure. Measures such as 24-hour video surveillance, fire-suppression systems and UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) ensure that problems are minimized or avoided entirely.
- Do they have an effective backup system? – With traditional desktop applications, the responsibility to backup is on the user. While this may not seem like a problem, the reality is that most users don’t take the time to backup regularly until it’s too late. A major loss of data is sometimes the only situation that reminds a user of the importance of having an effective backup system, and has them ruing the lack of one. With online software, all of this is taken care of by the SaaS provider. And because they take care of everyone’s data they make it their business to do it right.
- Do they have a robust link to the network? – Like any network, online software depends on a continuous connection between the end-user and the application. Fortunately, the networks that online software applications run on utilizes high-end cabling and network connections, and not the ‘less-than-reliable’ Ethernet cabling your 18-year-old cousin may have installed in your local office network. These networks are built to provide the most secure and reliable connection between the application and your office, wherever that might be. One example of this is the multiple NIC cards that provide an instant backup in case one entry point to the network fails. Data centers are usually built in a way and in a location that minimizes the possibility of being affected by any connection problems, from both natural and man-made hazards.
Online software is a partnership
When you partner with a quality online software provider you don’t have to worry that you’ll be left out in the cold, stressing about how to make sure your data is secure and your software running reliably. Online software is not ‘sell and forget’. Your online software provider should work with you every step of the way to improve the service they can offer, utilizing the latest technology and hardware advancements to make sure your application performs, even under the toughest conditions.
This alleviates a lot of the anxiety normally associated with looking after business-critical applications, and can improve your company’s bottom line by reducing your IT spend.
So if you’ve been holding back on switching to online software for your business because of security concerns, then now is a great time to talk to providers about a solution that will help your business perform more efficiently, profitably and securely. Use this checklist to make sure they are a professional provider that can give offer you the peace of mind you need when running important business software applications.
Telogis® solutions should be of particular interest to any business that manages vehicle fleets, since its range of fleet management tools are delivered as online software. Telogis have built a robust infrastructure that enjoys the high level of reliability and security discussed in this article.
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:26 am
In the case of security programs, particularly for companies, I have to agree with you entirely. You’ll find so many options in the marketplace, it really is critical for a professional to know what is most effectivefor his or her scenario and as well as particular office building. The remarks you are offering remain a terrific assist to companies in addition to security experts similarly. Thank you again!