Companies and small businesses that are considering to integrate cloud computing solutions into their business model should do some “serious homework” before locking in with a cloud computing platform.
While cloud computing offers a myriad of benefits, migrating to the cloud is not always easy. On top of ensuring all your software and systems are compatible with the new cloud platform, finding the right cloud computing solution also involves avoiding frauds, mediocre cloud providers, and more.
Here are some tips that will enable you to intelligently invest in a solid cloud computing solution.
Understand the Benefits and Challenges of Cloud Computing
In many ways, cloud computing has successfully reduced company spending on technology infrastructure, while globalizing the workforce with its streamlined services and innovation. According to a recent Oxford Economics and SAP collaborative study of 200 senior business and IT executives, 67% of the surveyed enterprises have already migrated their marketing, purchasing, and supply chain to a cloud platform. Fifty-eight percent predicted that cloud computing integration will improve not only top-line revenue growth, but also worker collaboration and customer service in the next three years.
However, cloud computing also comes with its challenges. As David Day, director of WorkPlace Services at Dow explains, switching clouds isn’t always easy: “Providers don’t talk to each other, and the market needs better ‘orchestration tools,’ as well as standards, to allow companies to move more easily from one supplier to another.”
Realize Your Cloud Computing Options
To fully benefit from cloud computing, businesses must effectively reconcile their unique business model with a cloud computing platform that promises to meet those needs. PC Magazine was right when it says that finding the right cloud computing solution takes more work than some may realize: “There is an entirely different ‘cloud’ when it comes to business.”
Some businesses may choose Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) by subscribing to an online application like Salesforce.com. Others are attracted to Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) for the convenience of creating custom applications for various companies. Finally, there are businesses that love Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), “where players like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Rackspace provide a backbone that can be ‘rented out’ by other companies.”
Identify the Characteristics of a Great Cloud Computing Platform
When it comes to picking the best cloud computing solution for your business, you want one that can offer 24/7 support, user-friendly interface, and an easy-to-opt-out system. In other words, you should maintain the flexibility and freedom to switch to a different platform without being penalized.
Atlanta-based IT consulting company Innovative Architects also suggests that companies choose long-standing cloud computing providers for security and reliability purposes. For example, unlike other cloud computing platforms that have gone out of businesses or suffer great losses, Microsoft cloud platforms have survived and maintained its good standing with businesses around the globe.
The platform “is so integrated into the business world already that you can be sure it will be here for the long haul.”
This is why investing in an established cloud provider always offers better security than smaller, new cloud services. Doing so is also a great way for your company to avoid cloud scams and invest in providers that can truly scale your business.
Seek Professional Help From a Consultant
Discover the right cloud computing solution for your company by first understanding the nature of cloud computing (its benefits and challenges). Next, research about various cloud computing platforms to identify the ones that can seamlessly meet your business demands.
If you have any question about what to pick, you can always contact an experienced consultant to discuss your options and invest smart.