In today’s rapidly growing digital landscape, businesses across the globe are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations, reduce costs, and remain agile in the face of market changes. One of the most transformative methods enabling this evolution is the cloud, particularly when it comes to ERP software. Traditionally hosted on-premise, ERP systems are increasingly moving to the cloud, and with good reason.
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Cloud-hosted ERP solutions offer a host of advantages: scalability, real-time access, lower IT overheads, improved security, and faster deployment. Whether you’re a smaller business or a large enterprise, the cloud allows you to focus more on strategy and growth, rather than managing hardware and infrastructure, as well as reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
To explore the cloud further, we sat down with Liam Freeman, Klipboard’s Infrastructure Director, who holds 20+ years of experience in technical architecture, implementation, and commercial leadership. In this interview, Liam shares insight into Klipboard Managed Services, our specialist Microsoft Cloud service that supports customers across their ERP, infrastructure, and cybersecurity requirements. Find out why moving your ERP system to the cloud might be the smartest move your business makes this year.
"Unfortunately, we're seeing more businesses of all sizes come under attack, and as a result, more organisations want to get ahead of a potential business-impacting event, such as ransomware. The data backs this up, and the attacks are becoming more complex to defend due to things like generative AI. The cost to businesses who are attacked with ransomware isn’t just being down for a weekend or a week. It’s proven that companies that are attacked in this way are potentially affected for up to several years after, not just on the business, but on the individuals who are part of the efforts to restore service, too."
What is Generative AI? This type of artificial intelligence can create new content, such as text, images, audio, or code, in response to a user’s prompt. Unlike traditional AI, which focuses on analysing existing data. Generative AI models are trained on vast amounts of data and learn patterns to generate original content. This new technology has enabled hackers to compose text for phishing emails and to create strings of malicious code, allowing them to optimise parts of their attack.
“While the outcomes when successful are always the same - extensive disruption and commercial impact - the vectors of attacks continuously evolve, which has long been the challenge for defenders. Generative AI has started to impact these areas with attackers utilising these tools for things like specially crafted phishing emails or even for employee impersonation.
Examples of historic good practices, such as applying Multifactor Authentication to your email account is now no longer enough with attackers finding innovative ways to bypass these types of protections. There is a constant evolution of protection required, which means dedicating time and energy to this kind of activity is needed.
Because of this, more customers are interested in solutions that govern and control administrative access to IT systems like Privileged Identity Management (PIM) or Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions as they engage with a wider range of internal and external consultants, software vendors, and third parties. These systems help to limit the scope of privileged admin accounts – the kind that attackers seek to find.
At the same time, more businesses are beginning to engage in or moving further forward with their cybersecurity journey. Whether that means cyber-insurance, a form of compliance such as Cyber Essentials or ISO27001, investing in cybersecurity training for staff, or something else, cybersecurity is on the agenda more than ever. We at Klipboard find ourselves frequently engaging with our customers to identify and strategically address any gaps or risks that arise because of the dynamic nature of the threats we face."
If you’re looking for a scalable, secure environment to eliminate these risks, then Klipboard Managed Services could be your solution. This cloud-based managed desktop runs apps such as your dedicated ERP solution, other Windows apps, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and more. Beyond the integration side, this service includes a managed environment, cybersecurity, compliance, and backup with a dedicated environment and virtual desktop. The complete all-in-one package when it comes to protecting your business that helps safely migrate from on-premises or data centre infrastructure.
“I would be asking the leadership team of my business:
Beyond the strategic questions, I would also be putting myself in 'assume-breach' mode, and I would be asking either myself, my IT team, or my MSP the following key questions:
If you are in a position where you do not have the answers to any of these questions, arrange a call with the team today to discuss how Klipboard Managed Services can support your business.
To get the most out of your transition to the cloud, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what’s possible and avoid unnecessary trial and error by leveraging best practices:
“Performance is a critical consideration. You need to ensure the transition doesn’t degrade system performance. This involves right-sizing your environment to avoid both overspending and under-provisioning. Establishing clear metrics and methods for measuring performance will be key to improving current standards.
Security must be built into the foundation of the cloud strategy. Is there any kind of compliance framework you need to adhere to in your infrastructure (or aspire to hold)? In addition, you need to consider how to deal with remote access, WFH, remote or third-party vendor access – are you able to employ a ‘trust, but verify’ type approach to users accessing your environment?
Resiliency in the cloud involves ensuring all data is properly captured, backed up, and secured. Your strategy should align with the capabilities of the cloud provider, considering high availability, disaster recovery, load balancing, and more. You also need to evaluate the service level agreements (SLAs) offered by the cloud provider to ensure they meet your business requirements.
Management of the cloud environment is often underestimated. While the move itself addresses some IT Service Management (ITSM) needs, it also introduces new tools and processes. Assess current skillsets, identify training needs or partnering with experienced providers will be crucial. Additionally, you should evaluate how the selected cloud platform contributes to operational efficiency and whether it simplifies or complicates your ITSM landscape. “
A successful move to the cloud requires more than just technical capability - it demands strategic planning, expert guidance, and a focus on performance, security, and long-term value. Klipboard Managed Services specialises in helping customers navigate this journey with confidence. Led by experienced professionals like Liam, our team delivers scalable, secure, and cost-effective solutions that extend well beyond Klipboard applications. Whether you're looking to modernise your ERP systems, strengthen your infrastructure, or enhance your cybersecurity posture, we’re here to support your digital transformation. To find out how we can help your business get started, reach out to the Klipboard Managed Services team today
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