Customer satisfaction has been the key competitive strategy of Figura Leisure Centre. However, there is no clear information management system to help them achieve this. Doing the work manually is quite ineffective and time consuming. The organization is losing revenues because of poor management of data and communication system. There is no customer information and follow up on payments by staff is quite a challenge.
Proper communication among the staff is also missing. This makes it hard for the staff to respond to customer needs promptly and in the right manner. Customer feedback is also hard to get. Data processing, storage and communication are hard because, if done at all, it is through the conventional approach. This calls for the business to adopt cloud computing’s Software as a Service system to enhance communication internally and advance interaction with external customers.
SaaS is quite suitable for small business and organizations like Figura Leisure Centre. With the use of SaaS there will be change in the way the organization conducts its business. When used appropriately, SaaS will decrease use of physical infrastructure, increased implementation speed, and recommendable client experience. SaaS will also save some upfront expenses. SaaS system would help the business in compiling customer information across various channels, and on point of contact between the organization and the customer.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Cloud Computing vs. Conventional IT solutions
3. Key Benefits of Cloud Computing
4. Disadvantages of Clouding
5. Forms of Cloud Services: SaaS, IaaS and PaaS.
6. Advantages of SaaS over the others
7. Use of Free Client Software
8. Easy to Mobilize Workforce
9. Rival Competitors in the Industry
10. Adopting Salesforce.com as a SaaS based CRM for FLC
11. Benefits of Salesforce.com to FLC
12. Challenges of adopting Salesforce.com
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This work examines the transition from conventional IT infrastructure to cloud-based computing solutions, specifically evaluating the implementation of Software as a Service (SaaS) within Figura Leisure Centre (FLC) to address inefficiencies in data management and internal communication.
- The operational and cost differences between traditional IT and cloud computing.
- Core advantages of cloud services including scalability, productivity, and cost reduction.
- Strategic benefits of adopting a SaaS-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
- Analysis of the competitive cloud computing landscape featuring major industry players.
- Mitigation strategies for security and operational challenges associated with cloud adoption.
Excerpt from the Publication
Introduction
Customer satisfaction has been the key competitive strategy of Figura Leisure Centre. However, there is no clear information management system to help them achieve this. Doing the work manually is quite ineffective and time consuming. The organization is losing revenues because of poor management of data and communication system. There is no customer information and follow up on payments by staff is quite a challenge.
Proper communication among the staff is also missing. This makes it hard for the staff to respond to customer needs promptly and in the right manner. Customer feedback is also hard to get. Data processing, storage and communication are hard because, if done at all, it is through the conventional approach. This calls for the business to adopt cloud computing’s Software as a Service system to enhance communication internally and advance interaction with external customers.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: Provides the background on Figura Leisure Centre's operational challenges and identifies cloud computing as a necessary improvement for customer management.
Cloud Computing vs. Conventional IT solutions: Compares the traditional hardware-dependent models against the virtual, service-oriented nature of cloud platforms.
Key Benefits of Cloud Computing: Details the primary advantages including cost savings, improved performance, and global scalability.
Disadvantages of Clouding: Discusses the risks of system crashes, data ownership issues, and the potential for higher ongoing costs compared to traditional setups.
Forms of Cloud Services: SaaS, IaaS and PaaS.: Defines the core cloud categories and explains their specific roles in the computing stack.
Advantages of SaaS over the others: Explores why subscription-based software is particularly beneficial for small organizations seeking cost-efficient deployments.
Use of Free Client Software: Outlines the accessibility of SaaS applications through standard web browsers without requiring heavy installation.
Easy to Mobilize Workforce: Explains how cloud-hosted data empowers staff to work from any location using various devices.
Rival Competitors in the Industry: Analyzes the market dominance of Amazon, RackSpace, Google, and Microsoft within the cloud sector.
Adopting Salesforce.com as a SaaS based CRM for FLC: Introduces Salesforce as the specific CRM solution proposed to streamline FLC's client relations.
Benefits of Salesforce.com to FLC: Lists the organizational gains such as better interaction tracking, improved social media integration, and centralized document management.
Challenges of adopting Salesforce.com: Addresses concerns regarding data security, maintenance control, and subscription costs.
Keywords
Cloud Computing, SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, CRM, Salesforce, Data Management, IT Infrastructure, Customer Satisfaction, Business Efficiency, Virtual Hosting, Digital Strategy, Data Security, Scalability, Remote Access
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work focuses on how organizations, specifically Figura Leisure Centre, can transition from inefficient conventional IT systems to cloud-based solutions to optimize operations.
Which cloud computing service models are analyzed?
The document covers the three main models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).
What is the primary motivation for FLC to adopt SaaS?
The primary motivation is to overcome communication gaps, improve data management, and enhance the customer interaction experience that are currently hampered by manual processes.
What research approach is utilized?
The paper utilizes a comparative analysis and a case study approach to evaluate existing IT limitations versus the potential benefits of cloud adoption.
What aspects of the cloud industry are covered in the main section?
The main section discusses the fundamental architecture of cloud systems, key benefits (speed, cost, scalability), potential risks, and a competitive overview of industry leaders.
How is the success of the transition measured?
Success is defined by improved service delivery, increased sales, and more efficient management of customer information across various channels.
Why is Salesforce specifically highlighted?
Salesforce is chosen as the primary SaaS-based CRM candidate for FLC because it integrates mobile and social media platforms to track client interactions effectively.
What are the identified risks of using cloud-based CRM?
Key concerns include potential data compromise, lack of direct control over data storage, and the long-term impact of subscription-based pricing models.
How does the paper propose mitigating data security concerns?
It suggests that organizations should establish clear service contracts that ensure data security even in the event of provider changes or business termination.
What is the conclusion regarding cloud cost efficiency?
While acknowledging initial subscription costs, the paper concludes that cloud solutions offer long-term financial benefits by allowing organizations to pay only for the resources they actually use.
- Quote paper
- Harry Mwololo (Author), 2017, Use of SaaS (Software as a Service) as a Cloud Computing Solution, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/384391
