Cloud Computing

Many have tried to define it but have not succeeded due to the fact that “cloud computing” means different things to different people. What we’ll attempt to do is define cloud computing from an Axiom perspective for the SME (Small to Medium Enterprise).

Cloud computing includes, hosted solutions, SaaS (Software as a Service), managed services, facilities management etc. Thanks! You managed to take one fuzzy word and break it down into multiple fuzzy bits.

What it all means is that a business could run its ERP system, its finance and distribution system or its manufacturing systems without even having a server. It means that businesses can focus on their core competencies and not need to worry about IT backups and disaster recovery plans or any of the other minor day to day issues around infrastructure.

It means that companies can run the best, fastest and most reliable hardware money can buy without buying it. It means that upgrading from an off-the-shelf financial package to a bigger more robust system with better capabilities, no longer requires capital investment in hardware or software as the software need not be purchased.

Great so I can get it cheaply but any Tom Dick and Harry can access my data.

Not true…Well do you do internet banking or e-filing? Do you have a gmail account, Facebook maybe? These are examples of cloud computing in a more personal capacity. Many businesses use online banking, then I ask you, how is creating a purchase order over the internet (on your hosted ERP system), more dangerous than actually paying for the resultant invoice over the internet?Axiom uses state-of-the-art technology and security to protect data and systems from outside attacks.

How is Axiom active in “the cloud”?

We have Financial and Distribution systems (Infologic and Agrilogic) that we develop, host, support, backup, secure and maintain. These systems run on the best midrange platform ever built and are extremely scalable, robust and reliable.

We offer SVN repository services which in simple terms amounts to an offsite filing system where you can store all your documents, and record any changes to them. Contracts and business templates are a great example of documents which are often kept on servers under your desk which are subject to and susceptible to countless threats.

We have a BMS Application which allows business to track their “calls” (service calls), billing, expenses and Sales documents.

Easypages.com and Amaeasy.com are email systems that we provide along with domain registration, webhosting and management.

We will develop and host specific applications for which there is no off the shelf application. This development can be done in several different languages and for any platform necessary.The benefit of this is that there are minimal upfront capital costsand then a monthly fee for the use of the software and associated services.

The monthly “rental” nature of “the cloud computing model” allows for better financial planning and means that if you need to scale up in the middle of a financial year for which software has not been budgeted, you can do so very easily and the cost-benefit becomes very easy to quantify and hence justify. 

Hope this has helped clear things up for you, if not please give us a shout, we’d be happy to chat to you.

Contact Ryan Altern at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call +27218501700 for more info.