Cloud computing is revolutionizing different businesses across multiple industries on many levels. With cloud technology, businesses and even individuals can easily access computer files, tools, and other data stored in a remote site. Organizations and individuals can cut down on the overall computing costs and work with less computing power by keeping the applications and data on remote servers. This article discusses the importance of implementing a solid cloud strategy for an effective cloud computing solution.
Importance of Implementing Cloud Computing Strategies
A well-executed cloud strategy provides lots of incentives for your business. It saves your business time and money through increased productivity as well as enhanced collaboration. It also promotes innovations, hence placing your business at the forefront. Additionally, an ideal cloud strategy provides the following cloud computing solutions:
Data Accessibility
Businesses and organizations can access data anywhere with any device that is compatible with cloud computing. Instead of storing data on your device or a server, cloud computing safely stores your sensitive information on the internet.
The information is made available in a central web-based hub. With the necessary login credentials, you can access it anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
Enables Consistency
When several people work on the same digital file simultaneously, mistakes are bound to happen. Given that cloud-hosted files are kept in one central location, the result is automatic syncing of data across multiple devices. This ensures that your team will be working with the most up-to-date file versions while maintaining consistency.
Ideal for Remote Programs
Businesses typically depend on software as well as tools that are not readily available at home. Specialized software can only be installed on the company’s computers in the office.
A good cloud computing strategy gives all workers direct access to all files as well as digital resources. Whether working at home or the office.
By providing a cloud strategy that ensures direct access for the whole team, you can improve your team’s productivity as well as efficiency even if they’re working from a kitchen table.
Safe Data Backup
Data loss is inevitable and can happen anytime. Power outage, hardware malfunction, as well as natural disasters can all contribute to catastrophic data loss. When this happens, it can result in devastating financial losses to your company. With a cloud strategy that includes backup to store critical data, you can rest easy knowing that sensitive company files are safe in the face of a threat.
Cost-Efficient
An effective cloud strategy enables you to invest in a reliable cloud computing service that guarantees both value as well ROI. Hence it’s cost-efficient, unlike if you build your server which is susceptible to downtimes.
Types of Cloud Computing
As we have seen, your business benefits a lot from cloud computing for web hosting, storage, business longevity, as well as customer relationship management (CRM). Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with the three cloud computing models to allow you to choose the one that suits your business needs. These three models include:
Public Cloud
With public cloud, you can connect your business to an external cloud computing site where you pay a monthly subscription fee. Public cloud services allow you to grow your infrastructure over time. The only downside is that since it’s a public service that multiple companies share, you can’t control infrastructure hosting.
Private Cloud
Private cloud offers better incentives than public cloud. The service allows you to control your computing infrastructure. It also stores your data in a firewall. A third-party company hosts the cloud; however, you retain complete control of your data infrastructure.
Hybrid Cloud
Hybrid cloud combines the best of public as well as private cloud ecosystems. With a hybrid cloud, you can access data in your private computing infrastructure for routine use as well as access the public cloud for advanced load requirements.
Steps to Implementing a Cloud Strategy
Developing an effective cloud strategy is not a simple task. There are factors to consider as well as resources to put in place. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a cloud computing consulting firm to ensure a smooth and seamless process with a professional touch.
Among the factors to consider is whether your core business activities can accommodate the process. You might also want to ascertain if your business needs a cloud computing solution and why, if you have the necessary resources, finances, human resources, as well as compliance with the existing regulations.
If everything ticks yes, then with the help of a cloud computing consultant and following these steps, you can implement a successful cloud strategy.
1. Understand the Project
Not every application, as well as infrastructure, can be put on a cloud. You must understand what you are working on and what needs to be moved in a cloud, then decide if the project is feasible.
2. Choose the Right Platform
Select the platform that you deem satisfactory in terms of reliability, efficiency, as well as safety. Ensure the platform is flexible and can grow together with your business from the bottom up. The key is always to start small then scale up.
3. Settle on the Best Service Level Agreement (SLA’s)
Besides uptime, ensure you agree with your cloud service provider on the ideal SLAs and what works for you depending on your business model, objectives, growth plans, as well as budget.
4. Understand Your Responsibilities
Outages will be bound to happen, so ensure you understand who between you and your service provider will be responsible for data recovery.
5. Upgrade in Phases
Gradually migrate in phases as well as double up the load while minimizing risks and maintaining business growth.
6. Set Long-Term Goals
When choosing a cloud computing solution, think of where your business is headed as well as where you expect to be in a few years. Your business needs may change at any time. So pick a flexible cloud solution that can accommodate and support your growth. You might even need to upgrade to better services, so you may opt for another service provider.
Get Free Cloud Consultation Services
Overall, it takes time, effort, as well as resources to create and implement a cloud strategy. Choosing the right cloud strategy will go a long way in helping you explore new market opportunities, propel your business forward, and maintain customer loyalty.
You can achieve all this with expert help and guidance from a professional cloud computing consulting firm like Xodyak. We assist both small and medium-sized businesses to implement the best cloud strategies that work seamlessly with their business models and requirements.
Contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation. Let us discuss the best cloud strategies for your business.