Cloud adoption

Cloud adoption continues increasing worldwide each year. More companies are seeing the benefits of using cost-efficient, world-class technology that is accessible from anywhere to drive successful business in the long term.

In 2018, we conducted a survey in some of our biggest markets to investigate intentions towards cloud adoption. On average, up to 40% of prospects and 50% of Visma customers expected to deploy cloud software over the next two years.

Just one year later, we see that actual adoption numbers are already above expectations. In Norway for example, our November 2019 Digital Index Report shows that Norwegian companies, organisations and government agencies are 54% on their way to fully digitising their processes through the cloud.

So what are the reasons for this speedy transition? What are the main benefits, and is the cloud adoption happening quickly enough?

Piece of paper on a clipboard, illustration

Better operations

As cloud-based solutions run on servers maintained by specialised service providers, they are on average more reliable than local servers, often with uptime close to 100%. Cloud solutions are also less error-prone: locally hosted server set-ups are more likely to overlook software bugs, while cloud providers have monitoring in place to discover bugs the minute they arise and experts on standby to help if something should go wrong.

Better flexibility

Cloud solutions give better business flexibility as they reduce the amount of money needed to invest in systems to run the business. This allows companies to spend money on more vital needs, such as skilled employees, to grow the business.

Flexibility is in many ways equal to scalability in business, and scalability is one of the main benefits of using a cloud-based system. This is because it allows companies to quickly and cost-efficiently scale up and down users and functionality according to business needs. This is a game changer for many businesses: when upscaling requires minimal up-front investment and costs related to physical infrastructure, risk is greatly reduced.

Better work-life balance

Improved mobility by working from anywhere with any device provides a direct benefit for employees due to better work-life balance. Giving employees the flexibility to work from anywhere is beneficial, as they can complete tasks such as signing documents digitally in between meetings. They also benefit by making their own schedule, for example by spending valuable time with family and friends in the afternoon and continuing final work tasks in the evening. This results in happier and more productive employees, who are critical to every business’s success.

Better environment

Cloud solutions not only take the onus of data storage away from their customers, but also require fewer physical servers, which cuts costs for companies at multiple levels. In addition, digital tools and efficient collaboration help the bottom line thanks to reduced need for paper and other materials. These advantages are also good for the environment; they reduce waste and emissions while giving companies the opportunity to meet environmental legal requirements and communicate their efforts to customers.

Computer screen with statistical graphs on it

Better resiliency

Many companies have already recognised the flexibility that cloud services bring⁠—but over the last month, they have come to see the cloud’s resiliency as well. Companies of varying size and focus have discovered how digital replacements for tasks previously done in person or by hand, such as invoicing, e-commerce, and online services, are providing a welcome lifeline at this time. Restaurants are able to continue deliveries; vendors can keep selling their products and services; desk workers can maintain productivity from home.

At the same time, those companies that have been caught off guard by recent global measures are recognising that their digitisation rate is vital. Despite lower budgets, companies are taking necessary action to connect their employees and workflows. Cloud services can be a suitable solution, as they require little financial investment while providing the needed stability and flexibility to keep businesses running.

The solutions proving most useful

Digital signature

Digital signature keeps transactions flowing from a distance, allowing organisations to digitally sign documents with high security, flexibility, and customer satisfaction.

See how

Digital invoicing

Digital invoicing makes sending and receiving payments significantly easier, ensuring time savings, cost reductions, and above all peace of mind.

See how

For more information about products and services specific to your country, please visit our national Visma websites: