Transferring your business processes to a cloud service can reduce costs, streamline operations, and eliminate the need for a costly in-house IT department. With cloud service, you can conveniently collaborate with remote workers, and your employees can easily and safely access important information.
This can free up staff in small businesses to focus on their core competencies as the cloud-based service handles their complex IT needs. There are numerous cloud service providers out there, and picking the best one can be a challenge.
To help with this, we present to you five things you should consider when choosing the right cloud service provider for your business needs.
Security
Security is a critical concern in the cloud. It’s important to ask questions that are relevant to your specific uses, industry, and regulatory requirements.
You need to understand precisely what your security objectives are, the security measures being offered by your potential provider, and the solutions they have in place to ensure the security of your applications and data.
Also, consider the security features that are offered for free by your potential provider, the features that you need to pay for, and where you may need to supplement with third-party services.
Your Business Objectives
You want to work with a cloud provider that understands your business and the specific objectives you’re looking to achieve with cloud services.
Before you sign any contract, be sure you understand what the provider has to offer. Avoid providers that only boast technical achievements. You’ve probably come across those providers that have nothing to offer but 99.9 percent uptime.
You should choose an IT company cloud service provider who offers much more than just technology results including increased customer retention and streamlined service delivery.
Architecture
How the architecture of your potential cloud provider will be incorporated into your operations now and in the future is also important. If your business relies more on Google services, for example, you should choose a provider that offers those services to ensure smooth integration and consolidation.
Choosing a provider that offers multiple storage options so you can choose the best one for your needs is ideal.
Costs
Cost plays an integral role when deciding on the right cloud service provider. You should always consider both sticker price and associated costs, which include staff you may need to hire to manage your cloud operations.
Certifications & Standards
You want to choose a provider that complies with recognised standards and quality frameworks. Such providers usually adhere to industry best practices and standards.
These standards may not definitively determine which cloud provider to choose, but they’ll help you in separating the wheat from the chaff. If security is your primary concern, for example, you’ll be better off with a provider with certifications such as ISO 27001.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right cloud service provider can make a significant difference in the success of your business. While the five factors above won’t provide everything you need, they are a great place to get started in your mission to find a reputable cloud service provider who can serve your business needs effectively.
