At first glance, the cloud may seem like nothing more than an online storage solution. However, the cloud is much more than that. It’s a powerful tool that can help organizations improve their productivity, collaboration, and security. The question of whether to migrate to cloud services really isn’t a question anymore. The answer is an unequivocal yes, and the reasons are plentiful and compelling:
- The average person uses over 35 cloud-based services on a daily basis.
- 81% of organizations have a multi-cloud strategy (or at least one in the works).
- 82% of workloads live on the cloud.
- Public cloud revenue is expected to exceed $330 billion this year.
Not convinced yet? Our ebook, Why Your Organization Needs To Be on the Cloud, shares myths and facts about cloud computing and takes you through steps to a smooth transition.
What To Consider Before Moving to the Cloud
All of this to say that, while moving to the cloud is the right move, it should still be approached thoughtfully and with select criteria in mind.
Security
When considering a move to the cloud, security is often one of the key factors that organizations take into account. And for good reason – cloud computing presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to keeping data safe and secure. One of the biggest concerns is the loss of control that comes with entrusting data to a third-party provider. However, there are a number of steps that cloud providers can take to help mitigate this risk, including data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits for starters.
Cost
The cloud is a great way to save money on IT infrastructure, but it can be an expensive proposition if not managed properly. It’s also important to remember that the cloud is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The cost of moving to the cloud depends on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of your organization, your current infrastructure, and your business needs. And while the upfront costs of moving to the cloud may be higher than maintaining on-premises infrastructure, the long-term cost savings can be significant.
Ease of use
User-friendliness is always a major factor when looking to your organizational stakeholders to adopt a new platform or way of operating. If ease of use does not exist, you are looking at having disgruntled employees (and potentially, customers) on your hands. And understandably so; no one wants to wrestle with a complicated new system when they’re trying to get their work done. User-friendly interfaces and helpful support resources will make the transition as smooth as possible. Ask for these when you’re in the planning phase of moving to the cloud.
Scalability
Whenever your organization is considering moving to the cloud, scalability should always be top of mind. After all, there’s no point in paying for more storage than you need – or worse, not having enough storage to accommodate your organization’s growth. The good news is that the cloud is highly scalable, meaning that you can easily adjust your subscription to meet your needs.
Compatibility with existing systems
When considering a move to the cloud, compatibility with existing systems is yet another important consideration. Many organizations have a mix of on-premises and cloud-based systems, and it is important to ensure that data can flow freely between them. Additionally, some applications may not be well-suited to the cloud and may need to be rewritten or replaced.
Customer service and support
And last, but definitely not least, IT support services should be a factor in your cloud migration decision-making process. It is important to choose a provider that has a robust support service. Even if you have your own IT department, you want a company that works well with your team (co-managed IT) to share their cloud expertise and support your team however you need them to. Otherwise, you may find yourself in the dark if something goes wrong. In addition, make sure to read the fine print carefully before signing up for a cloud service. Some providers may have hidden fees or unexpected charges for customer service and support. By being aware of these potential pitfalls, you can ensure that your transition to the cloud is as smooth and cost-effective as possible.
The Biggest Factor for Consideration When Moving to the Cloud
The single biggest factor in your cloud migration journey is making sure you have the right cloud services provider to guide you through the process. Deerwood Technologies makes cloud computing easy for organizations, with a customized step-by-step strategy designed to align with your unique cloud services requirements.