Cloud computing has emerged as a reliable solution for businesses looking forward to digitalization. The technology allows you to access the servers to manage day-to-day tasks from a remote location, store crucial and sensitive business data, have a robust disaster recovery and backup solution, and do a lot more.
Reports say that more than 90% of businesses already use at least one cloud-based application or service for handling various processes. Cloud computing offers a more scalable and flexible IT infrastructure, which is why more and more organizations are looking to switch to a cloud-based system these days.
Integrating cloud computing into your workflow will ensure high secured services and offer 24/7 support. Depending on your company size you can choose between the public, private and hybrid cloud. Integrating the public cloud into the workflow will be a great choice for SMEs as this cloud allows them to rent and use the same cloud with several companies and reduce the cost. However, the companies that need their own cloud can use a private cloud that allows them to have their own storage, data, and software and customize it to their needs.
As the popularity of cloud technology is growing rapidly, the number of cloud service providers is also increasing every day. This makes it very important to do thorough research when choosing a cloud service vendor. Below are 10 factors that you should consider when looking for a cloud service provider for your organization.
Company Profile
Moving to cloud computing is a significant investment for your company, which is why you should choose a dependable and reputed cloud application development services to embark on the journey. Look at the financial stability and overall efficiency of the cloud service provider to start. When at it, see that the service provider has no history of data breaches or legal issues. You should ensure that the vendor you choose would be the best fit for your organization for the long term.
Technologies and Architectures
You need to carefully evaluate the technologies and architectures employed by the cloud service provider to make certain that you get the best services as per your requirements. Check that their platform and methodologies align with your existing IT infrastructure, and would not require you to make any drastic changes. At the same time, make sure that their cloud architectures and standards would suit your objectives and workload preferences aptly.
Data Security
You cannot compromise on data security when migrating to the cloud. Therefore, make sure that the cloud service provider you choose follows strict security policies to keep your data secure. It would be an added perk if they are compliant with security standards such as ISO 27000 certification, Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems, multi-factor authentication, enterprise-grade firewalls, etc. Moreover, the cloud service vendor should be in full control of managing the security at the host, network, and physical setup levels.
Reliability and Performance
Cloud computing is bound to experience some downtime and disruption in the services, so make sure that your service provider offers all the information about it for you to understand. Likewise, see how they are equipped to handle the downtimes and whether they are capable of solving the situation with a reliable strategy. Additionally, make sure that your cloud provider performs regular updates and maintenance to reduce the downtimes.
Partnerships and Integrations
Most cloud providers work with multiple partners to ensure the best service delivery to their clients. Therefore, you should also ensure that their partnerships and integrations are trusted and reliable. You can consult with the cloud vendor to check their relationships with different partners, their accreditation levels, staff certifications, technical capabilities, and more. It would also be wiser to see if they offer other services and integrations that you may require down the line.
Also Read – Cloud Computing Trends
Service Level Agreement (SLA)
It is very important to check the Service Level Agreement (SLA) thoroughly and understand the service standards as well as the terms and conditions of the provider before you sign it. If you are signing up for a custom cloud solution, you should ask the vendor to define an exclusive SLA for you. This will help you to see how the cloud service provider would compensate for any issues if they fail to meet the expected delivery standards.
Migration Support
Check how the onboarding process works for migrating to the cloud platform and whether the service provider offers support and assistance for that. Some cloud providers offer comprehensive migration services and walk clients through the sign-in and configuration process, while others just offer online introductory guides. In any case, data migration and application setup should be included in the contract and the service provider should offer it without any additional costs.
You can also hire a separate migration services provide as per your needs. If an old organization system is being migrated, it can become monotonous. It’s better to get it done under the supervision of experts. There are various companies that can help you migrate to the cloud in a more secure and effective manner and can also help you to get rid of your old data center as well. Companies like Dataknox are great when it comes to offer ITAD services including cloud computing, migration and more. Hire them today for a smooth cloud migration.
Backup Policies
Data backup is offered by most of the cloud service providers as part of their standard plans. However, the backup duration, data size, and other such factors may vary from vendor to vendor. That is why you should check the terms carefully and make sure that you have a steadfast data backup strategy in place. Similarly, check the disaster recovery provisions and policies of the service provider as well to ensure that you will get the right support in the event of a crisis.
Pricing Structure
Pricing is always an important determining factor when choosing a cloud service provider. While low-cost solutions may look tempting, they may not offer the optimum level of support or services to meet your goals. Therefore, you should look for a cloud service provider that can guarantee a perfect balance of pricing and essential features. You should also be careful of heavy upfront charges, which is generally a sign of unreliable cloud providers.
Customer Support
Make sure that the cloud service vendor you choose offers dedicated support to address your queries and issues. Some providers offer customer support during limited working hours or days, while others offer unlimited 24/7 support for their clients. However, round-the-clock support is typically available to premium cloud plans only or is offered for an additional monthly fee. So make certain to choose the option wisely based on your needs.
The above-listed factors are just a few of the crucial ones that you need to keep an eye on when choosing a cloud service vendor. There could be many more depending upon your specific needs as well as the nature and size of your organization. Therefore, assess all your requirements and objectives well before making the choice.
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