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The last frontier of cloud computing is finally giving way as ERP systems—the mission-critical applications that businesses depend on—migrate to cloud environments. In this revealing conversation, Kevin Beasley, CIO of VAI, takes us behind the scenes of this significant shift in enterprise technology.
With 47 years of experience as an ERP software vendor, VAI has witnessed the transformation firsthand since launching their cloud offerings in 2009. Kevin explains why ERP systems were traditionally the most resistant to cloud migration: "ERP runs everybody's businesses. It's the heart and brains of everything." This critical role made organizations exceptionally cautious about making changes, but that resistance is now dissolving as cloud platforms prove their reliability, security, and value.
What's particularly fascinating is how the motivation for cloud migration has evolved. While early adoption was primarily cost-driven, today's businesses are moving to the cloud for enhanced security capabilities, greater availability, and seamless integration with other systems. Kevin describes sophisticated security measures like quantum-safe encryption and the operational advantages of cloud-native architectures that would be prohibitively expensive for individual companies to implement independently.
The conversation doesn't shy away from challenges. Kevin emphasizes that human factors—realistic expectations, comprehensive planning, and clear responsibilities—remain the biggest potential obstacles to successful migration. He also offers a crucial reminder that cloud adoption doesn't eliminate security concerns but transforms them: "Just because you move to the cloud doesn't mean your local network security goes away."
Looking toward the future, Kevin provides balanced insights on how AI is influencing cloud operations and the IT workforce. Rather than eliminating jobs, he sees AI as an enhancement that will transform roles while creating new opportunities—much like earlier technological revolutions. His perspective offers valuable guidance for organizations navigating these parallel transformations in how enterprise software is deployed and operated.
Whether you're considering your own cloud migration strategy or simply interested in how technology continues to reshape business operations, this episode delivers essential insights from someone who's been at the forefront of the evolution. Subscribe now and join the conversation about the future of enterprise technology.

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