Choosing the right cloud service provider is a big deal, so you need to carefully select the service that can provide a package tailored to your specific business needs.
Think of it like choosing a car for a journey. You should have a good idea what you need, a map of the journey ahead and where that journey will lead your business. And if you’re not sure? Look for a service provider who can help steer you in the right direction from the very beginning.
You’re probably aware October is the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Cyber Security Awareness Month. With this year’s theme of ‘Be cyber wise – don’t compromise’, we wanted to put together a guide to help you choose the right cloud computing service for your business.
What is cloud computing?
Our friends at Microsoft tell us:
‘cloud computing is the delivery of computing services – including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics and intelligence – over the internet (‘the cloud’) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources and economies of scale. You typically pay only for cloud services you use, helping you lower your operating costs, run your infrastructure more efficiently and scale as your business needs change.’
Don’t compromise on cyber security
ACSC’s theme for 2023, ‘be cyber wise – don’t compromise’, serves as a constant reminder that security should always be your top consideration. Choose a cloud service provider with a strong record and the ability to adapt to emerging threats.
What does your business need?
Think about the size, features and capabilities that best suit your business. Consider what’s ahead and make sure the cloud service you choose can scale with your business growth.
Certifications and standards
Certifications and standards are like road signs – they guide you toward trustworthy providers. For example, The IT Agency is an authorised Microsoft partner holding a range of industry certifications, including the coveted ISC2 CISSP CISSP security accreditation.
Compliance with certain certification and standards indicates a provider’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding your data.
Service dependencies and partnerships
A cloud service doesn’t operate in isolation, it relies on a network of dependencies and partnerships. Look at the network of partners your cloud provider works with, making sure they align with your business goals and don’t compromise your security.
For example, we partner with globally recognised and respected businesses such as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard (HP) and Lenovo.
Data security, governance and business policies
If data fuels your business, ensure your cloud provider offers robust data security and governance measures. Look for options such as encryption, access control and data recovery. You should also ask about their business policies regarding data ownership, retention and portability.
Can your cloud provider keep up?
With the cloud evolving so rapidly, you need a provider that can keep up. Ask about their investment in innovative technologies and how their business roadmap aligns with your business’s future needs.
Contracts and SLAs
You should always carefully review the terms and conditions of any new contract. For a new cloud service agreement, pay particular attention to Service Level Agreements (SLAs) as these explain the provider’s commitment regarding uptime, support and data recovery. These need to align with your own business SLA’s.
Migration support, reliability and performance
Your cloud provider should offer robust migration support, be reliable and keep your business moving without disruptions. Ask for uptime statistics and performance benchmarks while understanding how the provider manages maintenance and downtime.
Choosing the right cloud computing service is a critical decision with the potential to shape the future of your business. Remember, the cloud isn’t just a means to an end, it’s the path your business will travel. Make it a safe and rewarding one.
If you have any questions about your current cloud situation or feel ready to move your business into the cloud, please contact us to schedule a meeting.
