Cloud software brings countless advantages. It is where the market is, and should be, going. However, there are considerations that you must keep in mind to ensure that the experience customers have with your software is positive. For example, even though a time is coming when we can count on every store to be online at all times, that time isn’t today. Store operators must also be able to run their operations offline as well, so an offline mode is a must-have during software development.
How ISVs Should Approach Security
For many customers, the idea of critical data being stored in someone else’s cloud causes anxiety. You must consider how to secure customer data and effectively communicate how the data is stored to the customer. Security concerns are hot-button topics, and you will only get one opportunity to gain prospects’ trust.
ISVs should also consider how the customer data will be used for the customer’s benefit. Is the data being used to provide insights and actionable intelligence on the customer’s business? Are APIs being provided to third parties? You must be completely transparent with customers on how customer data will be used, how this use will benefit the customer, and how you ensure the security of customer data, even as it passes out of your direct control.
Does Every New Application Need Analytics or the Ability to Integrate with an Analytics Program?
Analytics is a powerful tool that most modern point of sale solutions offer in some form, especially as solutions move to the cloud and enable easier access to data. Analytics tools have the potential to be powerful differentiators that can turn a POS into something that can grow a customer’s business. As to which is better, arguments can be made as to whether these tools are best made by the ISV the customer already knows and trusts as a homegrown solution, or through an integrated third party that is an expert in analytics solutions.
Protect IP and Licensing in the Cloud
It’s critical that you read the fine print of the cloud platform you are utilizing. All of the major cloud platforms, such as Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud, offer some level of IP protection in the case of a lawsuit. Many also offer to help defend your IP in a legal situation. However, protection can vary based on your platform. It’s crucial to be informed about a cloud platform’s IP protection policies before locking into a cloud platform.
The Most Important Thing to Keep in Mind When Designing Cloud Software
Build solid APIs to allow third-party solutions to integrate easily with your platform. This way your software solutions will never be boxed in by your own development limitations. 
