How to Select the Right Cloud Computing Support

Managing your business's IT infrastructure can be challenging, but without proper management of these resources, you cannot provide the amazing service your customers expect from you. As cloud technology becomes increasingly common, more and more businesses are opting for cloud computing support solutions that allow them to utilize this type of technology to help them in this area.

As you may already know, there are seemingly endless benefits of cloud computing, from cost savings to enhanced security to improved flexibility. But, while these benefits may be incredibly tempting, you may feel intimidated by the huge variety of options and services available. This article will explore how you can easily determine which support options are the best for your business based on your particular needs and desires.

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of different services through the internet. Resources include tools and apps such as servers, data storage, networking, databases, and software. The point of these resources is to store files and information in a remote database rather than a local storage device or hard drive. This means that as long as a device has access to the internet, it can access the software and data on that database (given the ability to access it in the first place).

The five key characteristics of any cloud computing environment are as follows:

• Internet access
• On-demand self-service
• Measured service (like a utility bill, you are charged based on what you use)
• Shared resource pooling
• Rapid elasticity (easy scaling up and down for businesses)

Now, while all cloud services rely on these basic characteristics, there is quite a bit of variation between service providers as well as specific cloud services. For example, there are four types of cloud deployment models. These are public, private, community, and hybrid. The best model for your business will depend on your particular needs and requirements. In addition to the types of cloud deployment models, there are also different cloud service types (which we will discuss later).

How to Find the Best Cloud Computing Support for Your Business

These variations can make finding the best cloud computing support for your business extremely challenging and dissuade you from even beginning your search. But, as mentioned above, cloud computing not only provides additional flexibility but also improved security as well as cost savings.

So, if you are looking for a way to select the right cloud computing provider for your business without getting overwhelmed, simply consider the following points as you assess potential options.

Choose Cloud Service Type

As mentioned briefly above, there are a few different options for cloud service types. These include:

• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) — the cloud service provider manages the cloud infrastructure (data storage, network, servers, and virtualization) for you via an internet connection. This is the typical service type for cloud storage providers.
• Platforms-as-a-Service (PaaS) — the cloud service provides the hardware and application or software platform. The user manages the apps running on top of the platform and the data the platform uses. This is the typical service type for app development and management.
• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) — the cloud service delivers a software application to its users, who can access it via mobile apps or web browsers. The users can use the application through a dashboard or API, and they do not need to have a particular application installed, making it a much more viable option for group or team access to the solution.

Knowing which one of these service types is the first step in selecting the right cloud computing support provider for your business.

Examine Certifications, Security and Compliance Practices

After determining what type of service you are looking for, you can begin assessing individual cloud service providers. To begin, you will want to look at a provider's certifications and compliance practices. This will help you determine whether the provider can provide the specific type of support you need.

In other words, does the provider have the required credentials and security practices in place to offer the type of service you need for your business? If the answer is no, move on to the next option.

Evaluate the Cost

There are numerous financial benefits of cloud computing for businesses of all sizes and industries. But, not all cloud computing support providers will offer the same level of service for the same price. Finding the best service for the best price can be crucial to ensure you get the best option for your business.

Luckily, many providers offer pricing estimates based on your projected usage and needs, and you can use this information to compare options before selecting the perfect provider for your business.

Explore the Tools and Features

As mentioned earlier, many different cloud computing service providers are on the market today. Each provider will offer its own set of tools and features that may benefit you. Picking the right cloud provider is all about finding the right balance of tools and features that are actually useful for your business.

Consider Business Compatibility

The final factor that you should consider is how compatible a particular cloud computing support provider is with your business. This factor is a bit more opinion-based, but think about it how you would for any new service or solution for your business. Your goal should be finding the solution that will make your cloud migration easy, efficient, and problem-free.

Use your instincts here as well. For example, does the provider communicate in a way that works for you? Do they offer features or tools that you value? Do they have similar business cultures or goals as your business?

Looking for Cloud Computing Assistance?

So, how can you tell which cloud computing support provider is best for your business? By evaluating any potential providers on the criteria mentioned above, you can efficiently determine whether or not that provider will be a good fit for your business. Remember that to ensure that you are selecting the right cloud computing support for your business, you will want to consider a mixture of hard and soft factors — such as credentials and compatibility.

If you want more information about cloud computing support or want to get started finding the best type of cloud support for your business, contact us at Integrated Computer Services today! As New Jersey's leading Managed IT Service provider, we at ICS use a multifaceted approach to ensure that your business IT infrastructure is proactively monitored, supported and secured every second of every day.