What do You Want from Your Cloud?

Jun 8, 2017 | blog

Too often, professionals tell businesses what they need. When was the last time someone asked you what your business needs? You are, after all, the person who knows the business best. Forget about what everyone tells you about the cloud, and ask yourself what it is you want from your cloud.

What to Consider When Switching to the Cloud

When you are ready to modernize your business with the cloud, there are a few things you must consider first. An IT consultant can help you understand your needs, map out your operations, and navigate the cloud landscape.

When your company is making the switch to the cloud, ask these few questions first.

  1. Do you have the necessary licensing to make the switch to the cloud? Check whether your existing software permits an easy switch.
  2. Are your company’s devices and existing infrastructure ready to make the switch?
  3. How often do you need regular backups, and how should they be stored? Industry regulations determine demands for privacy, data, and user protocols.
  4. What’s the plan for business continuity if your company experiences a sudden loss – either manmade, technological, or natural?
  5. How does the company offering the cloud service support it? Understand the ins and outs of support, when/how support kicks in, and the expected downtime should it happen.
  6. Where is your data stored? Are the servers in country or abroad? What regulations apply to storing your data there?
  7. Is the cloud services provider an authorized retailer? Some sell by saying they support the cloud computing management system, but they are not offering authorized support.

Making a List of Your Cloud Needs

Now you know what to look for when shopping for a cloud product and a cloud service provider. So it’s time to ask yourself what it is your company needs from a cloud. Sure, the cloud is the cloud, but any cloud computing plan and management system you choose must be tailored around your business and its operations including short-term and long-term needs.

There are three features of the cloud that you will find useful in the cloud: security, flexibility and cost-effective operations.

Security

The cloud improves safety and security not just for possible hackers and virtual intrusions, but for protection against disasters as well. The cloud uses virtual servers to store important data, to eliminate the need for more disk space, and to relocate resources for 24/7 monitoring.

Flexibility

You aren’t planning for your business to remain the same forever. You plan to grow, to adapt and to thrive in an ever-changing industry. Outdated technology, servers and software can slow you down and become costly to rebuild. The cloud is a scalable solution that doesn’t demand costly maintenance or frequent software overhauls or even expensive rebuilds. The cloud can adjust to accommodate your growing business and daily operations, whether you are growing, moving or downsizing.

Cost-effective Operations

One of the most desirable features of the cloud is its affordability. The cloud has the potential to save your company money on software, IT costs, HR expenses, device management, costly data breaches or losses, and server maintenance.

Moving to the cloud allows your business to get back to work without worrying about IT needs and cumbersome infrastructure maintenance. You told us you wanted to save money, remain up to date, and deliver better security. Cloud management with Axxys can help you achieve that and more.

Recent Posts

Cloud Use Cases for Small and Growing Businesses

Cloud Use Cases for Small and Growing Businesses

As you may have heard, the cloud is a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet. But for businesses the world over, the cloud represents the next step in technological evolution. The cloud unlocks speed, flexibility, scale, and cost savings that businesses of...

2023 Cybersecurity Trends for Small Business

2023 Cybersecurity Trends for Small Business

The threat of cybercrime continues to grow each year, and small businesses are particularly vulnerable. The latest cybersecurity trends indicate that organizations of all sizes must remain vigilant in order to protect their valuable data.  In this article, we'll cover...

Security in a Co-Managed IT Environment

Security in a Co-Managed IT Environment

Security in a co-managed IT environment looks a little different than in a traditional environment. Don’t be alarmed. When leveraging a partner to co-manage your environment, you’ll actually have better, more robust security in most cases than if you were to manage...

Five Signs you Need Better IT Support

Five Signs you Need Better IT Support

IT systems can make or break any business. They provide an avenue for communication and collaboration, help with organizational efficiency, and drive improved customer service. Without proper IT support, businesses are often left in despair and experience hindering...

Co-Managed IT Services for Financial Services

Co-Managed IT Services for Financial Services

Financial services companies are faced with the challenge of keeping up with technology because they cannot sacrifice data security or compliance. As a result, more organizations are turning to co-managed IT services as an option that provides a balance between cost...

Co-Managed IT Services for Oil and Gas

Co-Managed IT Services for Oil and Gas

The Oil and Gas industry is an ever-evolving sector that operates in a highly competitive global market. Companies must stay ahead of the competition to remain profitable, which means keeping up with the latest technologies and trends. One way to do this is with...