April 2020 - Sandyx

5 important things to know about cloud computing

Add Your Heading Text Here

What is cloud computing?

“The Cloud” is a common but somewhat ambiguous phrase you’ll likely have heard a lot about by now.

Cloud computing is used to describe on-demand computing services, referring to everything from apps to data storage. Not only does cloud-based computing allow companies to save on costs and stress associated with managing their own IT infrastructure, it has also made so many aspects of our day to day life possible, such as email, social media and content streaming.

Below are five important things about cloud computing that you should know.

1. Firstly, the acronyms you need to understand

Before learning anything else about cloud computing, it’s crucial that you know about the three main different types of cloud service models out there and understand how they differ.

– SaaS (Software as a Service)

Sometimes referred to as ‘on-demand software’, SaaS describes cloud software that is run and managed solely by the service provider. End users can gain access via the internet and do not need to worry about the infrastructure or maintenance.

– PaaS (Platform as a Service)

Currently the most popular cloud model, PaaS refers to software and hardware tools across the internet that help users develop their own applications. Google App Engine is a great example of a PaaS platform.

– IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

IaaS means that users typically have a pay-as-you-go contract for services like data storage, virtual servers and networking features.

2. Cloud computing is everywhere

When using the cloud, location is unimportant.

The beauty of cloud computing is that an internet connection is quite simply all you need and you can access your information from everywhere. The applications you use for work, social networking or organisation are likely to be currently running on hundreds of high powered computers around the world, but this will never get in the way of your usage or even support.

Ever heard of Dropbox? Dropbox is a great example of a cloud storage platform that has become a first choice of businesses in recent years, as it offers all users up to 1 terabyte of free storage. Gmail is another example of an even larger cloud storage platform.

3. It plays a huge role in remote working

Working from home is a hot topic at the moment.

Some people will be working remotely for the first time in their careers and undoubtedly are doing so by using cloud based tools and apps, such as Gmail or Outlook.com.

The very nature of cloud computing means it’s easier than ever for employees across many industries to access their work and effectively collaborate with others whilst working from home. Zoom, the online video conferencing platform, is another great example of a cloud-based service and it’s incredibly current at the moment. Research from Learnbonds.com shows that across February 22nd – March 22nd 2020, Zoom was downloaded a record-breaking 17,190,100 times.

4. Security concerns and guarantees

Although it’s often questioned whether we should be trusting a third party with sensitive data, the simple answer is yes. The detailed encryption methods used by the biggest cloud providers offer more safety than the average computer user could ever imagine.

Storing your data in the cloud also guarantees it is safe should you ever lose or damage your device (provided you’ve already enabled password protection). The risk of human error is less prominent however keeping your password and login details safe is your responsibility.

Your cloud computing vendor will be well equipped to protect your data from situations like power outages and have thorough disaster recovery plans in place for unprecedented emergencies. Some vendors or providers will even have security certificates to prove their reliability.

5. Cloud spending is only set to increase

Worldwide spending on cloud computing infrastructure will be worth $284bn in 4 years, Canalys has predicted. This will be due to more widespread adoption across countries and industries.

SaaS will remain the largest market segment of cloud computing and generate revenues of up to $133bn in 2021, Gartner has anticipated. IaaS sales revenue will follow in second at $61.3bn and PaaS is in third place at $48.3bn.

How we can help

If you would like to discuss any aspects of the topics discussed in this article, or understand how Salesforce can help your business, then please get in touch. You can also ring us directly, on 0161 710 3250

COVID-19: An update from Sandyx

Add Your Heading Text Here

Dear customers,

We hope everyone is well and keeping safe during this uncertain time.

The team at Sandyx just wanted to reassure you that the health, well-being and safety of our employees, partners and customers is imperative to us.

Doing our part

We are following Government advice on the Covid-19 pandemic and observing the situation daily to ensure we’re doing our best to support the community, and this has included making several temporary changes to our business.

As a result, our sales, admin, development and account team staff are all now working remotely.

This means we are able to continue providing our clients with the high quality and fast-paced service they’ve come to expect and depend on. We’re incredibly lucky to be able to operate as normal and want you to know that we are eager to help you and all of our clients in any way that we can.

Ensuring business continuity

Our team is on hand and easily accessible through the usual methods of telephone, email or online, should you have any technical support issues at any time. Please be assured queries will be answered promptly as usual. At a time like this, we understand it’s more important than ever to stay connected and we’re using our social media to stay up to date with clients and friends.

We wish all of our customers, friends and family good health as we manage through this time together.

Thank you and stay safe.

Mashukul Hoque

Managing Director

What is the Salesforce partner ecosystem?

Add Your Heading Text Here

The Salesforce partner ecosystem explained

We’re incredibly lucky to be a part of the prosperous and influential network that is the Salesforce partner ecosystem. Composed of thousands of Salesforce partners based all around the world, it can be a lot to wrap your head around if you’re unfamiliar with the way Salesforce works. Our new blog explains it all.

What is the Salesforce partner ecosystem?

The Salesforce ecosystem is, essentially, a network of experts (firms or individuals) who have the ability to add services or products on top of Salesforce subscriptions. Whether they are a platinum-level consultancy or a third-party provider, if they’re enabling more people to use Salesforce, then they are part of the partner ecosystem.

Salesforce boasts a record partner ecosystem like no other tech company in the world.

Whilst the official number of Salesforce partners operating in the UK is unclear, there are over 150,000 registered partners working around the globe and this number is only predicted to grow in the next few years.

The future of the Salesforce ecosystem

The Salesforce partner ecosystem is one of the only ecosystems in the world that grows as it spends.

According to research by IDC, Salesforce partners collectively around the globe are expected to make 5x the annual market cap that Salesforce could make by 2024.

Additionally, the market research giant has revealed that by 2024, cloud computing will account for almost 50% of all software sales – a statistic Salesforce will fit nicely into and most likely benefit from. IDC has also predicted that Salesforce and the ecosystem will create 4.2 million new jobs over the same 5 year period. We have summarised this below so you can see how each industry will benefit from an influx of jobs.

How does Salesforce support the partner ecosystem?

Dreamforce is one example of how Salesforce celebrates the ecosystem’s achievements and brings the community together every year. Last year’s Dreamforce event featured appearances from Barack Obama and Fleetwood Mac and showcased Salesforce’s most innovative plans for the future.

Similarly, there is the Salesforce World Tour which takes place earlier in the year and is essentially a global exhibition of best practices and knowledge from industry experts.

"It's a virtuous cycle that keeps giving back to itself"

To quote Salesforce directly, the partner ecosystem is “a virtuous cycle that keeps giving back to itself”, so why shouldn’t it be celebrated with something extravagant?

Navigating your way around the Salesforce ecosystem

You might be wondering given the sheer volume of consulting partners, how does Salesforce recognise and regulate every service provided? More importantly, how do you know which partner to work with?

Salesforce rank it’s partners predominantly by going off a points-based system, comparing factors like customer ratings, contract value and certifications. In March 2020, Salesforce unveiled the new ‘Partner Trailblazer Score’ which allows consulting partners to improve their point ratings even more.

Regardless of where a consulting partner is based, if they have a registered status, you can guarantee they have been trusted to deliver solutions to the high standard set by Salesforce. Browsing the AppExchange is a brilliant way to find your perfect consulting partner – and you might discover the solution you’re looking for is already made. The Salesforce AppExchange highlights the very best talent and innovative ideas to come from the partner ecosystem.