How To Find Suitable Cloud Services For Your Business

Cloud Services

Cloud computing has undoubtedly changed the way we do business, quicker and easier than ever before. With simply a device, a network connection, and an operating system, you can access cloud services for your business. Cloud is rapidly driving all different areas of our work and has proved to boost efficiency, security, and productivity for countless sectors.

A prominent example which most UK businesses are employing today is cloud storage. In only a few short years this option has revolutionized the way we store, manage, and utilize data. Cloud storage is now one of the most popular solutions as it creates an extra layer of security for file copies, and your data remains closely monitored in a remote centre.

So, in this article we cover the basics of the cloud services, to ensure you’re equipped with the right knowledge before choosing a cloud solution. Here we guide you through these points:

The Three Types Of Cloud Services

There are many London IT Support‎ services which offer businesses expert IT services such as cloud. However, when searching for the right cloud solutions, the different terms can be confusing, and it may be unclear what each service includes.

So, as a rule, we can categorise cloud into three distinct platforms:

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
    An IaaS provider offers customers a group of networked systems, which could include virtualisation, storage, or servers. Here only the infrastructure is provided, and no software or platform is given. Examples: Amazon EC2, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines.
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS)
    PaaS provides similar benefits as IaaS, but with the added feature of a platform that can be used to develop software or a computer language. Each PaaS package supports a specific type of programming language and environment. Examples: Google App Engine (supports environments such as Python and Java).
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    An application is provided to customers via a web browser for a subscription. The application is then managed through a remote server. Examples: Salesforce.com, Microsoft 365, Google Docs.

Benefits of Cloud Services

There is no doubt that cloud services will only continue to grow in the next few years. With such rapid growth, we can point to a few reasons why cloud computing is so beneficial for SMBs:

  • Competitive advantage: Cloud services can give small businesses access to facilities similar to those of larger enterprises.
  • On demand services: With the on-demand use of cloud services, this can be a great investment for SMBs as you can benefit from only buying what they need.
  • Less on-premises hardware: Cloud vendors will manage your data and services in remote centres. This means there is less need for on-premises hardware to manage your systems.
  • Reduced spending: As you eliminate your need for expensive hardware/software on-site, your maintenance and upgrade costs are reduced.
  • Accessibility from anywhere: You don’t need to be on-site to access information, benefitting not only remote teams, but your partners and customers too.
  • Less energy consumption: Switching from local data centres to remote cloud solutions is estimated to decrease your carbon footprint.

So, if you haven’t already started using cloud services to leverage your business’ potential, why hesitate?

What to Consider when Choosing a Cloud Solution for your Business

Cloud services come with various features and support functions. While selecting a cloud-based service, your business must consider the following factors:

Delivery models

Cloud comes in three forms – public, private and hybrid. Public models offer a collaborative environment which offers ease of data sharing. Private models, on the other hand, provide greater data and network security. Hybrid models offer options for privacy, but through a public model.

Trial availability

A cloud service that is available to start on a trial basis is typically a better option than not. This is especially true if you haven’t used the cloud service before, as you can learn everything you need to know about the vendor.

Customisation

Certain services will accommodate business process remodelling requirements, while others don’t. Customised cloud services are then more fitting if you foresee major changes to your business processes in the future.

Security

The level of data security in a public model is lower compared to that of a private model. However, sharing and collaboration take a backseat in the private model. Businesses should evaluate what is more important to their work system – privacy or collaboration.

Scalability

There are often three key considerations when selecting a cloud service. These are size of the data warehouse, bandwidth, and data capacity of the server. If you plan on scaling your business, choose a vendor whose cloud services can be scaled easily.

Compatibility

Many businesses are choosing to optimise their websites for mobile. Therefore, it’s important to check whether the cloud service of your choice is mobile compatible or not. Additionally, email and accounting software compatibility are a must these days.

Data recovery

If your cloud service is hosted off-site, it’s important to check the data backup and recovery capabilities of your vendor.

Automatic upgrades

Free and automatic upgrades add a lot of value to a business’ commercial transactions. Choose a vendor who provides regular, automated cloud upgrades.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

It’s imperative that your business goes carefully through the SLAs with your vendor. This will clarify your services and protect your organisation from potential unknown issues or harm.

Cloud implementation training

Implementing cloud services can be a challenge, especially if you are new to the arena. Choose a vendor who has comprehensive training programs in place.

Back-end support

Cloud services often run on complex software and it’s easy to face trouble. It’s important to partner with a managed IT service provider in London who can offer strong back-end technical support.