Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a term for anything that delivers hosted services over the Internet. As individuals you likely already use cloud computing services that allow you to access files and software from anywhere, such as

• E-mail (Webmail offered by Google, MSN, Yahoo, etc.)
• Dropbox (and similar) You access files in the 'cloud' (on a remote computer) and they're synchronized with files on your desktop
• Google docs, part of Google Drive, which lets users access cloud storage, file sharing and collaborative editing
• Google Calendar
• Online backup offered by most  "all-in-one" computer security 'suites', which typically include antivirus software, a personal firewall, phishing protection, and a backup program

On an organizational level, three categories of cloud computing exist. From what I can tell, the NHSBT has opted for the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) cloud model in which the vendor - ServiceNow - supplies the hardware infrastructure, the software product, and users interact via a front-end portal.  A third company, Partners in IT (PiIT) helps NHSBT clients implement ServiceNow's software.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

ERP is software consisting of integrated applications that organizations use to manage core business processes such as customer relations, inventory management, human resources, transportation, etc.

Cloud ERP

Cloud ERP is enterprise resource planning that makes use of cloud computing. The NHSBT's HR software is an example of cloud ERP. Let's take a closer look.

Cloud-based ERP has many advantages, including

• Lower upfront costs and operating costs

• Rapid implementation
• Improved mobility, accessibility, and ease of use
• Scalability
• Increased access to specialized technology
• Easier and cheaper integration with other cloud services
• Shift of resources from IT department (not needed as much as with standard ERP) to core business lines

Disadvantages include

• Security risks
• Subscription expenses (Go on forever, similar to the razor/blade business model used by diagnostic reagent and instrumentation firms)
• Performance risks (e.g., network reliability, outages, limits on data transfer)
• Loss of IT competence
• Customization and functionality limitations

On balance, I suspect most organizations see cloud-based ERP as the cup half full. Note that none of the advantages or disadvantages above mention human factors.

SAP
I mention SAP because Canada's blood supplier CBS uses it. SAP was created in 1972 by 5 former IBM employees in Germany. The acronym derives from  Systeme, Anwendungen und Produkte [in der Datenverarbeitung] (Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing). SAP is now the world's largest inter-enterprise software company. SAP is an example of ERP and has competitors big and small worldwide, most notably Oracle.

Today most large organizations use ERP for its many benefits. One of the better explanations of SAP as ERP:

•  What is SAP? Why do we need ERP?

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