Choosing the Right Cloud Services for Your Business

Cloud computing has revolutionized how modern businesses operate, offering flexibility, scalability and cost savings. However, with numerous cloud service providers and deployment models available, choosing the right solution can be overwhelming.

This guide will help you navigate the key considerations when selecting cloud services for your business.

Read: 5 Reasons to Move to the Cloud

Types of Cloud Services

Cloud services fall into three main categories:

• Software-as-a-service (SaaS): SaaS solutions provide ready-to-use applications via the internet. Common examples include Microsoft 365 and Salesforce.
• Platform-as-a-service (PaaS): PaaS offers a platform for developers to build, test, deploy and manage applications. One example is Microsoft Azure.
• Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS): IaaS provides virtualized computing resources, such as servers, storage and networking. Examples include Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

Understanding Your Business Needs

Choosing the right cloud services is a strategic decision that should align with your overall business goals. By clearly defining your business requirements, you empower yourself to make informed decisions when considering cloud solutions.

• Inventory your current applications: Listing all the current applications and licenses will provide insight into your IT environment. You can determine which applications are rarely used vs. which ones your staff need, what applications are duplicated or underutilized and what applications your business should be using but haven’t yet. You can also determine any major updates in the near future that will require significant investment.
• Review your business plan: The decision to utilize cloud solutions should be a strategic business decision. Whether your business plan is very detailed or concise, it aims to help you decide where to invest your resources. Ask yourself: What are your primary business goals? Are you looking to improve collaboration, enhance data security, reduce IT costs or scale your operations?
• Consider your IT infrastructure: Consider how any new software will impact your IT network before moving forward. For example, increased use of cloud computing means that employees will need access to the internet, leading to an increased amount of data flowing through your network. Will your IT infrastructure and bandwidth be sufficient enough to handle traffic without compromising access?

Key Factors When Choosing Cloud Services

Many factors are involved in deciding how your business will utilize cloud services. When evaluating cloud solutions, consider the following factors:

• Scalability: Will your business need to scale resources up or down quickly?
• Security and compliance: Do you need industry-specific compliance, such as HIPAA or CMMC? What robust security features do you need, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
• Performance and reliability: What are your uptime and speed requirements?
• Cost management: What is your budget? How does pricing align with your financial strategy?
• Integration: Will the cloud solution integrate seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure, including ERP systems, databases, applications and workflows?
• Customer service: Will you need 24/7 support for business continuity?

Read: A Guide to Seamless Cloud Migration

Making the Right Choice with Thriveon

Selecting the right cloud solution for your business is a strategic decision. More so, successfully implementing cloud services requires skilled personnel. If you need expert guidance in selecting and implementing the best cloud service for you, Thriveon can help. Our proactive IT management services include technology guidance by a Fractional CIO to ensure you make the best decisions about your IT activity and investment.

Schedule a meeting now to discover how cloud computing can elevate your business operations.