As businesses acknowledge the need for cloud computing and embrace cloud infrastructure services, the question is no longer about whether or not cloud technology is essential. Instead, the question is – which cloud platform should my business use?
In this article, we look at the top cloud platforms and help you choose the best one that suits your business objectives and existing IT infrastructure.
Top 6 factors to consider while choosing the right cloud platform:
- Security
Cloud infrastructure services are a boon for businesses across industries, and cloud computing makes it easy to store and retrieve data. Yet, data security is a concern for businesses that rely on public cloud services. Create a clear picture of your security goals and take the time to understand the security measures and mechanisms offered by each cloud platform.
For example, Microsoft’s Azure cloud services isolate and compartmentalize different parts of the cloud network so that even if a particular segment of the cloud server is under attack, the rest of the data is still protected.
You can consult cloud advisory services providers to help you understand the security mechanisms of different cloud networks. While comparing cloud platforms, consider each vendor’s security features and check if these features are accessible out-of-the-box or if you have to pay extra to avail these security features.
- Architecture
When choosing cloud infrastructure services, consider the compatibility of the cloud architecture and your existing IT infrastructure. For example, if your organization uses Amazon services primarily, you can opt for the AWS (Amazon Web Services) cloud platform for ease of integration and consolidation. If you’re a heavy Microsoft user, it’s better to proceed with Azure cloud services.
You may also want to consider whether you prefer public, private, or hybrid cloud storage. The right choice depends on your organizational needs and storage requirements. Get the help of trusted cloud advisory services to understand the different cloud storage architectures and choose the best one that fits your business needs.
- Compliance
Next, ensure that any cloud platform you choose complies with the regulatory requirements of your location and industry. For example, if you handle medical data, it makes sense to choose a platform that complies with HIPAA. While choosing cloud infrastructure services, ensure that your data is not compromised by moving it to the cloud.
- Ease of manageability
This is another crucial factor to consider while choosing a cloud platform. Look for cloud infrastructure services that are easy to manage and operate. The success of your cloud migration rests primarily on efficient adoption. A cloud system that is easy to handle encourages employees to switch from proprietary systems to the cloud. Also, consider the time and effort it takes for your team to manage the various aspects of the cloud system before you make a final decision.
- Support
This is another crucial factor that plays a significant role in your decision. For example, if you face any issues during or after the cloud migration, will your chosen cloud advisory services provider resolve them quickly? Look for service providers who offer you support via your preferred communication channel. Some platforms provide you with a dedicated resource, making it easy to resolve your issues in real-time.
- Finally, the Cost
Ensure that you look at both the out-of-the-box pricing and other associated costs while evaluating cloud infrastructure services. Here’s a quick look at the different pricing structures offered by cloud providers:
- Pay-as-you-go: In this model, there are no upfront costs. You are charged as per your usage time.
- Volume discounts: Here, you receive volume discounts for availing specific services.
- Reserved: Reserve your cloud services for a specific period. Here you pay an upfront cost based on estimated utilization.
As you can see, comparing different cloud platforms is not a simple apples-to-apples comparison. Instead, consider all the factors involved: services, storage, security, architecture, compliance, cost, and ease of use to determine the best cloud platform that fits your business needs, budget, and timeline.
to know more click here.
Add Comment