The Allure of Cloud-Native ERP Platforms
With the growing popularity of cloud-native ERP solutions like Sage Intacct, many businesses using Sage 50 are considering making the switch. While these platforms promise features like greater scalability, automation, and real-time analytics, the decision to migrate is not always straightforward.
Switching from a well-established system like Sage 50 to a cloud-native ERP platform comes with significant financial and operational costs. For many small and medium-sized businesses, the time, resources, and disruption involved in migration outweigh the potential benefits. Hosting your current Sage 50 system in the cloud offers a more practical alternative, enabling businesses to enjoy the benefits of the cloud without losing the workflows they depend on.
The True Costs of Moving to Cloud-Native Software
- Implementation and Data Migration Costs
Migrating from Sage 50 to a cloud-native platform like Sage Intacct involves more than just software fees. Businesses need to clean, validate, and migrate data—a process that is both time-consuming and expensive. Depending on the size and complexity of the business, data migration alone can take several months - Training and Workflow Disruptions
Even though Sage Intacct offers new features, your team will need significant training to adapt to the new platform. Additionally, existing workflows may not transfer seamlessly, and employees may struggle with different interfaces and processes, resulting in lost productivity. - Recurring Subscription Costs
Cloud-native ERP solutions typically come with recurring subscription fees that can add up over time. In many cases, these fees are higher than expected, especially as companies add users and modules. - Customization Limitations
Many businesses rely on custom reports, workflows, or integrations that are easy to manage within Sage 50. However, cloud-native platforms often require additional development or consulting fees to implement similar customizations, making the transition even more costly.
Why Cloud Hosting for Sage 50 is a Smarter Alternative
Rather than switching to a completely new ERP system, many businesses find that hosting their existing Sage 50 software in the cloud offers a more balanced solution. Here’s how:
- Preserve Familiar Workflows
Cloud hosting ensures that employees continue using the same Sage 50 interface and processes, minimizing disruptions and eliminating the need for extensive retraining. - Lower Costs and Faster Setup
Cloud hosting providers can migrate Sage 50 to the cloud in a matter of days or weeks, compared to the months required for a cloud-native migration. Additionally, subscription fees for cloud hosting are often more affordable than full ERP platforms. - Remote Access and Collaboration
With Citrix-powered Cloud Desktops, employees can access Sage 50 from any device, anywhere, supporting remote work and multi-user collaboration without conflicts. - Improved Security and IT Management
Cloud hosting providers offer advanced security features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), automated backups, and endpoint protection—reducing the IT burden on your business.
When Cloud-Native ERP Might Be the Right Choice
For some businesses—particularly those experiencing rapid growth or in need of advanced automation and analytics—a cloud-native ERP solution like Sage Intacct may still be the right choice. However, it’s important to evaluate both the costs and the benefits carefully and plan for extensive testing, training, and change management to avoid failed implementations.
For businesses that are happy with Sage 50’s current functionality and want to modernize without disruption, cloud hosting offers the ideal middle ground.
Go Cloud with Concero
If your business wants to unlock the benefits of the cloud without the costs and challenges of migrating to a cloud-native ERP, hosting Sage 50 in the cloud is the perfect solution. With Concero’s Citrix-powered Cloud Desktop, you can keep your workflows intact while gaining secure, remote access and enhanced collaboration.
Get a free trial of Concero Cloud Desktop today and experience the benefits of cloud-hosted Sage. Opt-in to our newsletter for more tips on cloud technology for Canadian businesses.
