Network and Internet security. Every company needs it – and in today’s digital environment, you need to be ever vigilant. But as you may know, the conversation around security is changing due to Cloud computing. I recently wrote an article discussing Cloud computing, and why I think the industry is headed in that direction.
NetSuite is a security leader. By visiting their website, you can find that they are using the highest standards for maintaining their application. They have the highest commitment to producing security around it, including SAS 70 Type II audit, which illustrates that they have 3rd parties come in and assess the control environments. They also have PCI security, which is used by financial institutions to protect credit card initiatives. NetSuite is also using redundant data centers, which allow for an architectured solution to constantly maintain security and up-time.
Why is there Hesitancy with The Cloud?
Many business owners have liked their security solutions to be in close proximity or within their four walls – that is, they feel more secure if they can see it. This is one of the main hurdles to get over when using Cloud computing. And the truth is, we are already there – we just may not fully recognize it.
Today, all businesses, in some way or another, are connected to the internet. The internet is the public network that allows people to communicate electronically. When we create our own server and IT environment in our physical space, we still have to connect it to the internet to let the business operate. There are many mechanisms to make this relatively secure. But the common denominator is that you will have to invest in getting experts to help you design and implement your own custom security. And the special way you configure your homegrown security system is only going to be as secure as it is designed to be, and will only be as safe as long as it is constantly monitored by highly skilled (expensive) professionals.
For most businesses, it is hard to invest in security and compete with companies that focus on security as a core competence for a living. Meaning, if you are in business to sell widgets, is it realistic to think that security that you have designed and implemented will be better than a $1 billion+ market cap public company who must produce secure services to reliably deliver on their offer? This is what makes NetSuite, and other cloud services, such an appealing option. Rather than having to invest in hiring experts to handle the security, it makes sense to buy services from a company that is always on the cutting edge of security technology. Think about it – a small business does not have the time or energy to invest in the most up-to-date security practices. Thus, it would behoove them to switch to a third party like NetSuite, which only continues to make more security investments.
As it stands now, NetSuite is a secure web application that is fully https compliant, using 128 bit SSL security, which is what top financial institutions use, such as Bank of America and Chase. The software also has a strong mechanism for role based security, which means it allows for limited access to specific areas of the application, as needed. NetSuite only allows you to use the application from one browser at a time, and will help you understand if you have a breach. It will let you know that there are multiple users logging on, as well as lock you out if you’ve tried to log in too many times with a bad password.
The Cloud Security Difference
What’s important in this discussion on security is this: if you can minimize your internal IT footprint, save money, and then embrace the Cloud, you’re effectively moving your security from a small group of people into the hands of many whose sole purpose is security. Companies that are committed to the Cloud recognize that if their prospects and customers don’t trust their digital offering, they will move away from their application and the Cloud. Because of this, Cloud based companies, like NetSuite, are working diligently to build and maintain trust as a core practice so that their businesses can continue to grow.
This is why even large companies, such as Sony, have had breaches. They simply are not in the business of supplying Cloud based services. You don’t hear about significant breaches at major Cloud based organizations.
Are you going to be able to compete by spending your money on your own security or going with an economy of scale solution such as NetSuite? I suggest you will save both time and money embracing a Could application, like NetSuite. Both now and in the long run, the Cloud solution will be the option that always makes business risk and economic sense.
Marty Zigman
Holding all three official certifications, Marty is regarded as the top NetSuite expert and leads a team of senior professionals at Prolecto Resources, Inc. He is a former Deloitte & Touche CPA and has held CTO roles. For over 30 years, Marty has produced leadership in ERP, CRM and eCommerce business systems. Contact Marty to set up a conversation.
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Thanks for providing this information!
I have read lots of research papers on a topic of data security and have to say that no one has invented universal protection system for cloud repositories. I also know that today ideals data room services seem to be the most reliable.