How to Choose the Best Cloud Solution for Your Company

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has swiftly become one of the most used network options for a variety of businesses. From cost saving to data backup, it has many uses. However, cloud computing generally works in a few ways: either it’s a service handled by a third party, or a network created by the company itself. All cloud models have their own positives and drawbacks, so picking the right one is important to get the most out of it. In this article, we’ll offer a few pros and cons about cloud computing so you can decide which one is right for your business.

One thing to initially understand is what you intend to use the cloud service for. There are 3 models: public, private and hybrid. Each comes with its own set of maintenance costs and advantages, so you want to make sure the cloud service fits within the parameters of your company.

For instance, if your company is only looking to expand on data storage, a simple solution would be with the use of a public cloud. While access to files can be dictated by the users, the central idea is sharing various files and media with one easy location. Other options, like cloud services that offer customer service management, are available in the form of cloud service offered by third party. These options however, are fairly different and cater to different needs, so a business needs to determine their specific needs before committing to a cloud solution.

You also have to look at costs. Public clouds and services like Dropbox have professional models that are fairly inexpensive, but cloud services that use private infrastructure are definitely costlier. This is because private cloud servers are created and maintained by the business itself and while they greatly increase security and management of data access, the cost of use is handled only by the organization. Hybrid or other models try to combine the best of both worlds regarding public/private clouds, but typically get handled by third parties. These third parties have their own monthly bills; some charge flat fees and other only by usage. Understanding the budget capacity for a cloud service is important before using one.

Other factors that must be considered are communication, location, and security. A good third party will keep you up to date 24/7. Also, if using a third party, it’s worth noting where their data centers are located, if applicable. It’s a common concern for businesses to feel like their information is “leaving” the company and while this isn’t the case, transparency about where data is stored is still quite important.

There are plenty of other things to keep in mind, such as the reliability of certain cloud services and reputation of companies. Choosing the right cloud service can be tricky, but a proper one has the potential to completely reinvigorate your business.  If you’re looking for more information regarding cloud services and what may best benefit your company, Stratosphere Networks can help.  Call us today or fill out our contact form to get in touch with one of our many experienced professionals.

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