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Some business owners are still waffling over whether to move to the cloud, while others are racing to get ahead of the game. The reason? The cloud is more than just cool new technology. It offers a suite of web-based products, tools and services that can be configured and deployed with minimal effort. It provides a long list of valuable advantages and a reliable way to manage all your applications.
In spite of the great advantages of the cloud, there are still drawbacks. Below, we go over 5 Big Challenges that businesses deal with when moving to the cloud.
1. Is this a complete enterprise cloud platform?
Some companies don’t do their homework when it comes time to migrate to the cloud. They don’t ask the right questions, then end up having to partially monitor and maintain their IT infrastructure. Look for a complete enterprise cloud platform that contains the monitoring and management solutions you need so you won’t have to spend time managing your IT infrastructure. Ask your IT service provider what responsibilities you’ll have once everything has been moved.
2. Is the public cloud secure enough for your data?
Though many business owners are worried about security in the cloud, it is by-and-large, more secure than in-house servers and there are several reasons for this. Most cloud systems use encryption and encryption methods utilize complex algorithms to conceal cloud-protected information. Though it is not 100% impenetrable, decryption would take massive computing power and hackers are basically lazy. They would move on to something easier to decipher. And there are plenty of computers and servers out there that are easy to hack.
3. Are all cloud providers the same?
Business owners today who are considering the cloud have lots of questions about how and where their data will be stored. With the cloud, you don’t need to use a local provider. You could use someone thousands of miles away. But how do you know that this is a reputable place that uses the best security measures? What if they go out of business? What if their building burns down? In order to ensure the highest quality of service and security, be sure to look for a top cloud provider. Make sure they’ve been in business awhile and have strong positive feedback from users. Don’t be tempted to use some fly-by-night company that sends you an email saying they’ve got a BIG SALE on their cloud services.
4. Can you use cloud storage if you’re in a regulated industry such as healthcare, legal or financial?
The short answer is “Yes, no problem!” The longer response has to do with how the provider encrypts their data. Authenticated encryption is the best method for cloud storage because it not only encrypts the files but the additional metadata. Encryption authentication prevents attackers from getting your encryption key by using digital signatures. An authority must confirm that the signature and key are authentic, providing an additional layer of security for all documents and data. For all regulated industries, this is the best method.
5. How much are you spending on your cloud services?
One of the major concerns for today’s business owners is their cloud spending. They go into it thinking everything’s going to be handled for one low monthly payment and then there are all these hidden charges that keep cropping up. This can really spoil a business owner’s day and take a huge chunk from their technology budget. It’s important to make sure you get everything in writing. Your service level agreement should outline the services provided, the costs and any additional costs.
What Are the Different Cloud Platforms?
Public Cloud
The public cloud is probably the cheapest. This is where everyone’s data is stored by third-party providers over the public Internet. Customers pay only per usage for the CPU cycles, storage and bandwidth they use. These are available to anyone who wants to use or purchase them.
Private Cloud
This is a secure, dedicated environment that ensures maximized performance, security and functionality for your business applications and employees. Best used by compliant-driven businesses such as healthcare, legal and finance.
Hybrid Cloud
Dedicated cloud computing resources on Office 365 and Azure Stack with an extension to on-premise resources for maximum performance, control, security and functionality. For businesses that require maximum control and scalability at their location(s) and in the cloud.
ICS Is A Leading Cloud Provider
ICS will design customized cloud hosting & cloud-based solutions to save you money, increase your productivity and provide the anywhere access you need.
Every dollar you make counts. You can’t afford to waste a single penny. With Cloud Computing, your IT expenses can be controlled. You pay one fixed monthly fee for access to the hardware and software resources you need.
Excellent Customer Service
When you work with ICS, you can always expect skilled techs who respond and resolve your issues promptly. You’ll have the peace of mind knowing that your technology will run efficiently and be available when you need it. Our Help Desk Services are manned by IT professionals who act within an hour to resolve your problems.
Contact the team at ICS in Houston, Austin or San Antonio and find out why businesses rely on us for their IT Partner.
Further reading
ICS is a Texas-based 40-year-old technology company specializing in Managed IT, VoIP, Video Conferencing and Video Surveillance solutions for US and International businesses. ICS has over 4000 regional installations and specializes in multi-site businesses between 25 and 2500 employees. ICS’s customers enjoy the experience of ICS’s Total Care program which provides clients flat fee services with obsolescence and growth protection. Whether a customer elects to deploy their IT, Video Conferencing or VoIP in the cloud or on the customer’s premise, ICS can provide a full turn-key solution for our clients under one flat monthly fee.