Every business has a different approach to securing data. Large businesses tend to have more advanced security systems, sometimes even rivaling something out of a “Mission Impossible” movie. Secure locations with armed guards and even biometric (thumbprint) lock and key systems are no longer technologies of the distant future, they are being utilized today! These systems are very effective, but they are simply out of budget for many smaller businesses.
In the past, smaller businesses had to settle with the security systems that their budget could afford. Due to advances in cloud technology, service providers like Microsoft are able to take the responsibility of security out of the realm of the customer and into their own realm. If Microsoft hosts your services on the cloud, you can go back to running your business and let Microsoft worry about mundane tasks like securing data and keeping software updated.
Cloud security has been a major emphasis for Microsoft in 2012. They launched the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Trust Center, a website full of information related to their cloud security practices, and they joined the Security, Trust & Assurance Registry (S.T.A.R.).
Microsoft has continued in that direction with the release of the Cloud Security Readiness Tool (pictured below). The tool determines how much of a security upgrade you’ll realize by moving to the Microsoft cloud.
The tool presents you with several questions about the manner and size of your business. After evaluating the basics, the tool asks 27 security-related questions. Once you’ve answered all 27 questions, the tool generates a custom report based on the answers you provided.
The report breaks down your practices into several definable security sectors, and then evaluates your efficiency in these sectors, providing guidance on how you can improve your security practices. The results of the tool can be a real surprise if your company is one of those that aren’t zealously guarding their data. In many cases, you can improve the security of your data by upgrading to one of Microsoft’s cloud services, such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online or Microsoft Office 365.
If you decide that your business is ready to adopt cloud services, don’t hesitate to try a Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 free 30-day trial. Once you’ve registered for the trial, stop by the Success Portal for Microsoft Dynamics CRM. The Success Portal is full of guided tutorial videos aimed at bringing you up to speed on all processes in CRM Online.