Whether you have a large business or a startup, using cloud services can give the company access to different tools, software, and applications. In the end, your business can reap the rewards like reduced costs, streamlined workflow and elimination of in-house IT hardware as well as personnel.
Many vendors offer different platforms but when you look at it closely, it is challenging to find the best solution in line with your company requirements or strategies. Simply put, the process of picking the right cloud service is complicated.
As a newcomer, it is easy to get lost in the world of cloud but you can trust the following steps to jumpstart your journey:
Step 1: Define your cloud needs
Before anything, it is important that you are cognizant of your cloud needs because it can give you an idea of the kind of service you are looking for. You must understand that there are different software-based cloud solutions.
Do you need something more than regular storing of data? If you need particular services, you should look for solutions like access to applications, software, virtual services, IT networking and many more. You can consider Amaze Cloud Services as a start.
Step 2: Determine the safety and security of cloud
After defining your cloud needs, you should deal with the safety and security of the service. Without a doubt, online safety and security are vital when it comes to storing data. Ideally, you should look for vendors that possess many security measures from anti-virus detection to firewalls, multiple user verification, and data encryption.
Step 3: Check the data center and where it is located
You should know where is the physical location of the data centers and check if it is safe and secure. Keep in mind that the security of the data servers is of the same importance as their online safety. Start by asking the vendor how it plans to protect the servers from natural disasters like floods and fires. Aside from that, you should ask different kinds of breach protection on-site.
Step 4: Assess the pricing structure
The pricing structure is the main deciding factor for many businesses. You should be mindful of the huge upfront charges or lock-in clauses. As much as possible, the pricing structure should be that of a “pay as you go” with additional room for extra services – when required.
You must know that the cost will depend on the provider – it can be charged on an hourly or monthly basis. When it comes to the prices, it can be between $1 per user to more than $100 every month. In the end, you should only pay for what you are using.
Step 5: Evaluate if the provider can adjust its services
More importantly, you should consider if the provider could adjust its services according to your business needs. This is important because business needs change. It is practical to choose a flexible vendor.
This article is Written By Sites By Design.
About the Author
Janine Catadman is a writer for Sites by Design. She loves to write about technologies that drive the business world and the future. When she is not writing, she prefers traveling and smelling the roses.