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Many organisations have found that working through an Application Service Provider or ASP, removes the irritations that are part of managing IT & computer needs. Furthermore, by outsourcing this function, organisations have not only benefited their bottom line, but it also has enabled them to spend less time sorting out technology problems, leaving them more time to concentrate on the important matters of running and growing their business. With the Figtree Application Service (FAS), you have the power of the Figtree software without the upfront investment. The FAS model provides organisations with an array of benefits: - From an asset showing in your balance sheet to a predictable fixed on-going expense
- Affordable monthly payments
- Rapid software implementation & delivery
- Lower hardware costs
- Automatic back up service provided
- Web encryption
- Access to your system from anywhere via the Internet in real time
Figtree Application Service (FAS)FAS deliver a service to our clients by hosting, managing and providing access to business applications. There are many variations to the model from simply hosting a custom application online to providing a full IT infrastructure, all of which are generally supplied on a subscription basis. How does Figtree Application Service work?All data and Figtree applications are managed, stored, protected and maintained at a facility other than the client's site and are accessed securely either via the Internet or a Virtual Private Network (VPN). To the person sitting behind the computer, there is no obvious difference to what they would see on the screen if the application were installed on their infrastructure or desktop.
By outsourcing a Figtree application to an ASP facility, the need to have costly hardware and equipment on your own premises is removed, as well as offering far greater security than a traditional setup and removing the costly efforts associated with set-up and maintenance, along with most of the hassles normally associated with running an IT system. Why outsource to FAS?A number of advantages are available for Figtree clients by outsourcing to FAS:- You no longer have to purchase and maintain your own servers, computer rooms, virus protection, back up and security systems (this is all taken care of by FAS), removing the overheads normally associated with internal IT systems.
- FAS can normally offer the option of subscribing to, as opposed to purchasing, the Figtree Software Application.
- The financial benefits from the conversion of high-tech capital-intensive expenses into predictable, fully tax-deductible, monthly pricing plans. This alleviates the ups and downs of IT expenditure.
- The responsibility of managing the infrastructure is removed (FAS assumes full responsibility of the IT system).
- Remote access, network security and disaster recovery issues equal to that required by Figtree clients with sensitive data are just some of the other services offered.
Organisations with complex requirements or multiple officeThis is where using FAS can be most advantageous. On the whole, Figtree clients and their respective offices within the industry spend an excessive amount of money on technology in an effort to maintain an efficient and secure working environment.
For example, some of Figtree clients operating over multiple locations have experienced that the number of offices multiplies the cost in the area of IT. This is due to the fact that much of the infrastructure needs to be replicated at each office. This is where a centralised system offers massive advantages over a spread IT infrastructure. In effect you only pay for the ‘one system', regardless of how many different locations are being serviced. How could this improve my current IT setup?The table below shows how technology affects business operations and the difference that FAS solution makes: ISSUES AFFECTING CORPORATIONS | THE FAS SOLUTION |
Information Security
Protecting Data and preventing loss of information |
FAS offers a high level of security, information confidentiality practices and disaster recovery resources |
Remote Access
Is expensive and sometimes not feasible, meaning employees are confined to accessing data in office or by carrying confidential information on an insecure notebook that could be lost or stolen. |
FAS offers each user the ability to access the Figtree Database securely via the Internet around the world at any time. |
IT Infrastructure Support
IT usually requires heavy capital investment to set up, and ongoing resources to maintain and monitor. |
FAS system means no more spending on high-end servers, security, backup systems and other systems normally found in computer rooms.
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Software Licensing and Upgrades
As Figtree release new versions, organisations are responsible for the upgrades. |
Easy acquisition and upgrades of software by subscribing to a ‘Pay As You Go' service, where IT administrators are no longer required to update software - This is all taken care of by FAS. |
From Variable Costs to ...
Organisations might find difficult to put a dollar value on their IT expenditure, as there are so many hidden costs. |
...Fixed Costs
FAS allows clients to monitor exactly how much IT costs for each employee, and gives the flexibility to scale up or down as necessary, depending on staff and business requirements. |
Responsibility & Accountability
As well as growing the business, organisations also have to ensure that the IT system works continuously, as well as monitoring all the right back up, security and maintenance measures (for IT staff and systems). |
With FAS, the responsibility of running & maintaining your IT is transferred to FAS whose job it is to ensure that the system works on a minimal downtime basis. Additionally, FAS is legally obligated to meet confidentiality security and commitments. |
Information Sharing
A network that allows employees to share data is an integral and expensive part of most organisations. If employees are located in different offices this becomes even more costly. |
With FAS, Figtree clients can set up virtual networks, enabling a common platform for all offices within an organisation. Benefits include conformity to a best practice and industry standard platform for technology, and users can be added to the network regardless of location. |
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