As the construction industry rallies to emerge from economic hardship, many companies are looking to the clouds to trim spending and streamline IT operations. To accommodate this paradigm shift, industry software leader Viewpoint Construction Software inked an exclusive partnership with 3t Systems to launch a cloud computing solution tailored specifically for the construction industry. Using a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model via private cloud, construction companies of any size can take advantage of the benefits of cloud computing while mitigating common pitfalls such as security breaches, corporate governance, and reliability concerns. For an industry historically stifled by its relatively low uptake of IT, cloud computing brings a convenient, affordable and on-demand computing structure that many anticipate will be the turning point in construction IT.
While concepts like SaaS are not new in IT, it is the pricing model, the commoditizing of IT, that gives cloud computing a distinct edge. It’s the idea of convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources for a fixed user subscription fee that makes it a viable option. With Viewpoint Construction Software and 3t Systems, construction companies can apply cloud computing to provision, access and manage various aspects of their daily routine, including but not limited to project management and operations, cost estimating, project planning and control, and accounting and human resources management. Cloud computing provides a compelling draw for construction companies that lack the necessary capital, expertise or IT infrastructure.
“With tighter margins, smaller budgets, and increased scrutiny from bonding companies, contractors are more dependent than ever on obtaining timely, accurate information to properly manage their business,” indicates Jim Paulson, COO with Viewpoint Construction Software. “Viewpoint’s partnership with 3t Systems combines the industry’s best integrated construction accounting and operation software with the construction industry’s most qualified cloud computing provider to deliver best in class service at an affordable price.”
While there are various deployment models available, Viewpoint Construction Software and 3t Systems agreed to create a private cloud model to achieve the highest level of data security and interoperability. By designing a customized proprietary cloud computing architecture, clients receive more data control and can provide hosted services to a designated number of people behind a secure firewall. Advances in virtualization and distributed computing help 3t Systems incorporate the same virtualization and highly flexible and scalable methods used in huge Internet-based datacenters in the private clouds exclusively designed for construction companies.
“Our alliance affords construction companies the ability to focus on their core-business knowing their IT systems are in good hands,” said Ciaran Dwyer, CEO 3t Systems. “Cloud computing is a promising new frontier and we are committed to helping companies fully realize the benefits of this new shared resources model. With our flexible managed services offerings, companies can scale up or scale down IT support to meet their business needs.”
To learn more about Viewpoint Construction Software and 3t Systems’ cloud computing solution, please visit www.3tsystems.com