--- title: What should the ongoing support model look like for a Cloud Application? description: AltaFlux Corporation is a global services provider, helping companies solve their business challenges and deliver transformational results leveraging cloud technologies. Since 2006, AltaFlux's recognized ability to deliver impactful value is directly correlated to effectively partnering with our clients to understand their business and to evaluate, advise, seamlessly deploy and integrate SuccessFactors Cloud solutions. As an SAP Recognized Expert in HR Cloud Solutions with over 100+ successful deployments, we do not consult you on what to do - we make sure you get there. image: https://www.altaflux.com/hubfs/AF_Stock_Images/Backgrounds/AF_Support_Blog.jpg --- [![AltaFlux Logo](https://www.altaflux.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AltaFlux%20Logo_Blue.jpg?width=183&height=50&name=AltaFlux%20Logo_Blue.jpg "AltaFlux Logo")](https://www.altaflux.com) - [Home](https://www.altaflux.com/) - Services - Resources - Company - [Schedule a Call](https://www.altaflux.com/contact) # **What should the ongoing support model look like for a Cloud Application?** By [AltaFlux Corporation](https://www.altaflux.com/blog/author/altaflux-corporation), Nov, 16 2015, in [SaaS](https://www.altaflux.com/blog/topic/saas), [SAP SuccessFactors](https://www.altaflux.com/blog/topic/sap-successfactors) In my sales role, I am often asked this question by prospective customers, as they evaluate a cloud application for the first time: “what does/should the ongoing support model look like?” Their question is understandable, given that they are moving from a proven model where they could “pet their server” in their own data center, to relinquishing that control and relying completely on 3rd parties to keep the lights on. I answer this question by recommending they consider more than one mode of support, and take care to ensure they have complementary support “lifelines”.  The basic lifeline is the common break/fix support that the application vendor typically provides as part of the subscription contract.  The depth and breadth of this break/fix support varies widely by vendor and by product, so it’s important for customers to take the time to fully understand what is and is not included. The second support lifeline is the most overlooked one.  Our firm calls it “Expert-on-Demand Consulting.”  Simply stated, it is an on-call consulting service for customers to use on an ad hoc basis for numerous reasons (refresher training for users or sysadmin, configuration changes to match business changes, etc).  Cloud applications are not installed in a customer’s data center, nor are they heavily customized, and consequently customers do not have the burden of training internal resources on how to do the daily sysadmin or make configuration changes.  However, customers inevitably will need to modify or extend the functionality that has been set up as their business evolves.  Because the frequency by which this will happen is unpredictable, customers tend to neglect their readiness to accomplish these tasks until they have an urgent need.  Establishing an [Expert-on-Demand consulting](https://www.altaflux.com/cloud-consulting/on-demand-expertise-on-demand) arrangement is a cost-effective way to ensure they have the lifeline needed when the time comes. 0 [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/464827/f184984d-cca0-498d-99a0-dce70798fd72.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/464827/f184984d-cca0-498d-99a0-dce70798fd72) [Previous Learn the basics of SAP Cloud - Part II ![Learn the basics of SAP Cloud - Part II](https://www.altaflux.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AFX_STOCK/SAP_Cloud_Basics.jpg?width=150&name=SAP_Cloud_Basics.jpg)](https://www.altaflux.com/blog/sap-cloud-basics-2) [Next Learn the basics of SAP Cloud - Conclusion ![Learn the basics of SAP Cloud - Conclusion](https://www.altaflux.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AF_Site_Images/icons/symbol-placeholder.jpg?width=150&name=symbol-placeholder.jpg)](https://www.altaflux.com/blog/learn-the-basics-of-sap-cloud-conclusion) ###### **Solutions** [Process Automation](https://www.altaflux.com/hr-transformation/process-transformation) [Connect Applications](https://www.altaflux.com/cloud-consulting/dell-boomi/integrations) [Migrate Applications](https://www.altaflux.com/cloud-consulting/dell-boomi/data-migrations) [Provide Project Governance](https://www.altaflux.com/hr-transformation/implementation-roadmap)   ###### **Our Expertise** [SAP SuccessFactors Implementations](https://www.altaflux.com/services/successfactors-consulting) [SAP SuccessFactors Support](https://www.altaflux.com/successfactors-support) [Dell Boomi Integrations](https://www.altaflux.com/cloud-consulting/dell-boomi/integrations) [Dell Boomi Master Data Management](https://www.altaflux.com/services/successfactors-integration-data-migration) ###### **Quick Links** [Request a Demo](https://marketing.altaflux.com/successfactors-demo-request) [Request Support](http://support.altaflux.com/support/login) [Contact Us](https://www.altaflux.com/contact) ###### **About AltaFlux** AltaFlux Corporation is an enterprise cloud technology consulting services firm. We help clients to automate, transform, and optimize their business processes. We have expertise in leading Enterprise Cloud Platforms, such as SAP SuccessFactors, Dell Boomi, Microsoft PowerBI, WorkForce Software, and Benefitfocus. [Learn more about AltaFlux (+)](https://www.altaflux.com/about) ###### **Contact Us** Troy | Charlotte |  Chennai + 1 248-850-2298 infoaltaflux.com ### We're Social [Privacy Policy](https://www.altaflux.com/footer/privacy-policy/)   |   [Terms of Use](https://www.altaflux.com/footer/terms-of-use)   |    [Immigration Notices](https://www.altaflux.com/footer/immigration)  © Copyright 2015-2025 AltaFlux Corporation. Featured logos are trademarks of their respective owners. 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