Is your data protected?
Any amount of data loss can damage a business’s operations and reputation. Data breach incidents cost companies an average of $1,410 per minute of downtime. If you’re looking for a more efficient way to protect your business, consider using cloud computing services.
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of different computing services over the internet. Aside from data loss prevention, cloud computing offers ease of scalability and security.
Are you ready to invest in cloud computing? Read on to know what factors to consider when choosing the best cloud service providers.
1. Software Compatibility
There are different types and models of cloud computing. Cloud computing types include private, public, hybrid, and multi-cloud. For model structures, you can choose between SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.
Each model and type of cloud computing has unique benefits. To find the best solution for your business, consider what works best with your software. An outdated system can cause problems in the long run.
Software compatibility ensures users a smooth and seamless experience. This is crucial if you work across different platforms, like tablets and mobile phones.
2. Service Roadmap and Technologies
Can your chosen cloud services give you long-term benefits? When selecting cloud service providers, ensure the services align with your objectives.
Having a clear idea of the roadmap for your cloud solutions’ development is critical. Some providers offer limited support, so ask your potential provider if they plan to expand and improve their cloud services. Confirm if your cloud service provider works on a service roadmap.
Look for cloud computing services, architecture, and standards that fit your needs. It also helps to get an integrated cloud solution that fits your management preferences.
3. Infrastructure Advancements
Your business will encounter more challenges and develop new needs as it grows. You need to enhance your system to adapt. Find out if your cloud service provider integrates a multi-cloud approach.
This strategy allows the business to split workloads, giving the best user experience. You can also shift from private or public to a hybrid cloud through this approach.
It allows the integration of public and private cloud systems into one infrastructure. Users can enjoy a scalable, real-time model you can access anywhere. As a business owner, shifting to a hybrid cloud can save you money.
4. Uptime/Downtime
Depending on the business size, downtime takes a large sum of money. A report claims an hour of downtime can cost businesses $1 million to $5 million.
One thing to consider when looking for a cloud service is reliability. Despite flaws, the service must be available with all data in the virtual data center.
To avoid downtime, ensure your cloud service provider offers efficient solutions. They must deliver their cloud services quickly unless an expected service disruption occurs.
5. Data Governance, Security, and Backup
Is the cloud solution enough to protect your data? Before investing in cloud technology for business, determine if it’s an efficient solution for data protection.
Your provider must have access to different levels of system and data security. They must practice efficient security governance processes and operations maturity. Their information security controls must support your security processes and policies.
Find out if they have a recovery plan for service disruptions. A good cloud service provider offers layers of security.
6. Scalability
Aside from generating sales, every business strives to expand its operations. Find cloud computing services that can cater to the changes. Ensure they are flexible enough to grow as your business expands.
When discussing the package, ask your provider if they allow adding extra features. Can they grant you more capacity during the peak season of your business?
7. Speed
The faster the speed of a cloud service, the more responsive your business becomes to demands. Storing, managing, and backing up your data should not be slower than your current system.
For fast cloud computing services, ensure your provider offers high-performance computing (HPC) servers. These servers use clusters to split tasks and edge computing.
8. Service Level Agreements
Before committing to a cloud computing service, review the terms of the service-level agreement. It contains service terms, conditions, and standards. The SLA covers services offered, policies, compensation, penalties, and other relevant information.
For custom cloud solutions, ask your provider to draft an exclusive agreement. Before signing, read the content and go over the conditions. You can have your provider add, remove, or change unnecessary points.
9. Cost
Another factor to consider is the cost of the services.
Businesses have different cloud computing needs. The vendor must offer flexible pricing plans that can cater to varying requirements. Cloud service providers provide services depending on how much the client can afford.
Beware of low-cost cloud services. Although you can save a lot, these plans cannot provide the best service. However, this doesn’t guarantee that an expensive offer is the best in the market.
In some cases, providers offer a free trial for their services. If you are unsure of their efficiency, take advantage of this offer. Before signing the SLA, check the refund policy.
10. Company Profile, Experience, and Health
Before finalizing your agreement, ensure that the provider you’ve decided to work with is reliable. Check their profile, financial health, and experiences.
If you have the means, get information about the legal history of the provider. Find out if they got sued before and how they handled the situation. You can also look for reviews or testimonies on their services.
Offering the most efficient cloud solution does not matter if the vendor has a weak business. Remember, the services you plan to get must grow with your enterprise. Ensure the cloud service provider can render their services in the long term.
How to Choose Between Cloud Service Providers?
Organizations face an increasing number of technological challenges. From data loss to malware, weak security can cause irreversible damage to a business.
When choosing between cloud service providers, you must be cautious. Consider the removed factors before signing the contract. Check out our other blog posts to discover more tips on securing business data.
