The document discusses the 10 most common questions asked by accountants about cloud computing. It begins by defining the different types of cloud computing including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). The questions then address topics like the costs of cloud computing, security features, compliance with laws and standards, backup of data, public vs private clouds, reliability of providers, integration of applications, and consequences of late or terminated payments. The document aims to help accountants understand the basics of cloud computing.

1. The 10 Most Common Questions Asked
by Accountants about Cloud Computing

2. Introduction
By Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA, K2 Enterprises
Brian Tankersley (@BFTCPA, CPATechBlog.com) advises firms and companies on accounting technology
issues. He teaches courses in the US and Canada through K2 Enterprises, and has served as a guest
speaker for professional accounting organizations across the US and Canada. Tankersley is a Certified
Public Accountant (Tennessee), a Certified Information Technology Professional, and a Chartered
Global Management Accountant. Brian makes his home in Farragut, Tennessee.

3. What is cloud computing and what kinds of
computing are considered cloud computing?
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), where the operating system, application
software, maintenance and back end configuration, and necessary
computer hardware are all provided for a monthly service fee (which
may or may not include support). Services like Microsoft Dynamics
365, Microsoft Exchange Online, and Microsoft SharePoint Online are
examples of SaaS solutions.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), also called “application hosting”,
generally includes the operating system, maintenance and back end
configuration, and necessary computer hardware needed to run
client-server based applications like tax software or ERP solutions.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), where users rent computer server
hardware to run their applications on a pre-configured operating
system, is provided by large data center operators like Amazon (AWS),
Microsoft (Azure), Rackspace, and Google.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), also known as desktop
virtualization, streams the client desktop operating system to a remote
computer from a centralized server instead of loading the software on
the client computer. The local computer serves as a glorified terminal
for the applications and desktop operating system which are streamed
from the remote server to the local workstation or thin client.

4. How much will cloud computing cost?

5. What about security – do you offer industry standard
security settings like single sign-on (SSO), required
password changes, and two factor authentication?

6. Is it possible to use your service and comply with
rigorous laws like HIPAA or GLB, or comply with
the rigorous PCI standards?

7. What do I do if my internet connection goes
down?

8. How do I back up my data?

9. What is the difference in a public cloud and a
private cloud?

10. How do I assess the reliability of my service
provider?

11. How can I get my cloud applications to exchange
data with one another?

12. What happens if I don’t pay my bill? How long is
my data kept after I terminate my service?

13. Conclusion

14. Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Financials
can help your accounting practice
website
video
Capabilities Guide
USA Canada