How-to Integrate Cloud Services in Your Business Operations

The cloud has become a powerful hub for businesses to connect with employees, customers and partners. The most appealing aspect of the cloud is that it can dramatically cut costs on hardware, since it involves using third party computers for computing rather than your own. Here are important concepts to keep in mind when planning your migration to the cloud. 

How the Cloud Replaces Old Equipment

Startups embrace the cloud because it means less expenditure on industry software. Once you sign up with a third party cloud provider, preferably one based at a large data center, you can pick and choose cloud services, which provide a vast array of business tools. One of the most successful cloud service models is Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), in which centralized hosting of software is licensed as a subscription. This model reduces the need to buy multiple software licenses for multiple machines. 

The rise of the cloud has paralleled the disappearance of fax machines and land line telephones for obvious reasons. You no longer need to invest in last century’s machinery that has merged with the digital world since many of those functions, including faxing, have been integrated with newer digital technology. You still may need a printer, but you no longer need a variety of office equipment that takes up space and energy if the functions can be performed with software tools. 

Choosing the Right Cloud Services

Another benefit to moving to the cloud is that you can try out a variety of applications for free before deciding on which ones work best for your company. Many cloud services have a brief trial period that allows you to test the tools for compatibility with your business needs. A high quality cloud service provides at least the following:

• Robust security
• Government compliance
• Centralized controls for management
• User-friendly tools
• 24/7 tech support

Certain organizations such as hospitals and law firms must put a heavy emphasis on government compliance to ensure privacy protection of clients. To ensure that these needs are met, it’s important to ask a cloud provider about certifications and standards. Take some time to research the company to make sure it hires well trained experts rather novices. The most experienced cloud providers offer migration support and clearly worded Service Level Agreements (SLAs). 

Planning for the Cloud

Cloud migration is not an easy task, which is why many companies turn to IT specialists for help. Some companies elect the hybrid approach in which only part of the infrastructure is cloud-based, giving migration a chance to occur at a more steady pace. Since the cloud allows for unlimited scalability it’s an efficient place for planning business growth, as you can easily add or subtract services as you need them. 

Prior to initiating a cloud migration it’s best to take inventory of all your office equipment then conceptualize how to make these functions more efficient with digital tools. You will also need to consider the amount of bandwidth you will need for the transition.

If you cannot find a cloud provider that specializes in your industry, you can go with one of the two most popular cloud services, which are offered by Amazon and Microsoft. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure both provide access to servers, storage, databases and application services. Both companies have formed expansive partnerships with software vendors to handle a wide range of business needs. 

Choosing the right cloud provider also involves gauging the company’s passion for innovation. Ideally, you should work with technicians who care about evolving with new technology while focusing on cybersecurity. The company should be able to articulate the types of technologies it plans to adopt in the future. Automated services have become common among top cloud providers, which is important to know for enhancing productivity.