Even software can be stored or accessed via the cloud now. Solutions can come in different shapes and sizes, but they can give you access to what you need without having to host it all locally. That includes data, documents and other resources. Hosting in the cloud allows you to access everything you need over the internet, without having to install it on your server or office PC.
Typically, you need to install our central service management software, Clik Service, locally. But there are a few other ways you can host it, without having to manage it all yourself. We’ll go through a couple of ways you can host Clik software in a cloud environment and what the benefits are of hosting in the cloud.
How to Host Clik in the Cloud
There are a few different ways to host Clik software remotely. You might want to work from home with the NICEIC Cert Software or run Clik Service over a VPN. You could also use Clik Remote Manager on any device via a web browser so you can manage your business if you’re away from the office.
But if you’re looking for a cloud-based solution to help you work on your certificates and job sheets, here are the two main ways you can host your software.
Cloud computing
This solution is like VPN, but you install Clik on a hosted cloud server instead rather than your own one. This is typically run using the Microsoft Azure platform, or a similar cloud computing service. This will give you all the functionality and speed of our desktop software, plus the connectivity of a cloud environment. Potentially the optimum solution currently available to the service industry.
It works by every office user logging into the cloud server from their machine via Remote Desktop Services (RDS). This way, you can use Clik Service, NICEIC Cert Software or Clik Cert in the same way as if it’s installed in your office.
You do need to pay for the rented cloud server (this is usually a monthly cost). It gives you access to a full Windows environment (such as Azure), so you get a physical desktop on which you can then run Clik software. Like VPN, Clik itself doesn’t set this up for you, but your IT support company may be able to do this.
Hosted desktop
Alternatively, you could use a hosted desktop solution. The result is essentially the same as cloud computing. You don’t need to host Clik Service on your local machine, and you just need to log on via the internet to access everything you need.
We partner with Your Office Anywhere, which can help you set up and manage a dedicated virtual server to access the software. With this hosted desktop solution, your remote desktop server is safe inside a secure data centre (certified for ISO 27001 information security management system).
Benefits of Hosting Clik Software in the Cloud
Choosing one of these options can give you all the functionality you need from Clik Service, whilst also providing the connectivity of a cloud environment. But there are so many other benefits of cloud-based job management software.
If you are looking at the cloud server route, there are a few advantages to this:
- You no longer need to own and manage your own server, and its security.
- You are no longer responsible for your server to be always running.
- Speed-wise, it can be lightning-quick. It can potentially be faster than if Clik Service, NICEIC Cert Software or Clik Cert was installed in your own office.
1. Speed up your work
Regarding speed, we’ve had clients who have said hosting on a cloud is quicker than Clik Service being in their own office. This is due to a couple of things:
- The machine itself will be physically in a controlled/secure server centre, which generally has the fastest available internet and hardware speed.
- The server will be of a high spec and is doing all the work; so it’s likely if it’s more powerful than your existing hardware (and your internet is adequate).
For many businesses, a slow connection can cause delays and further problems with job management. In many cases, a cloud connection can be a faster alternative to having Clik Service running in the office.
FME Services Ltd uses an Azure cloud server to host Clik Service to ensure a speedier connection to their database. “The whole Clik system is running 80% faster, including the remote site which was a huge delay for the field staff.” Says Brian.
2. Work from anywhere
When hosting service management software in the cloud, you don’t need to be tied to the office to work.
It’s especially worth considering if you’re looking to replace your own server or if your current VPN connection isn’t quick enough when trying to access outside the office. If you’re in an admin-heavy role and you want to work from home, anything over a web browser might not be viable if you need access to Clik Service’s functionality day to day.
With a hosted server, such as Your Office Anywhere, you will be able to access the software from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. This flexibility also means you can check on jobs from a PC, Mac, tablet or Chromebook.
In summary, you currently have three options to use access your software from home or outside the office:
- Logging in to your own server/PC via VPN.
- Using Clik Remote Manager via the web.
- Logging into Clik via a cloud server or hosted desktop.
Ultimately, it is up to you and your business to decide on which solution is best for you. These are just a few examples to consider if you want a cloud-based management experience. Each cloud server provider and solution will have its own benefits, we would recommend researching this factor to find the best suited for your business setup and server requirements.
If you want any more information on how you can host Clik in the cloud, please get in touch with your account manager, who will be able to walk you through some options.
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This post was first published in April 2020 and has been edited with updated information.
