The number of enterprises adopting a cloud computing strategy is continuing to grow with it estimated that 75% of organisations will adopt a hybrid cloud strategy by the end of 2016.
For those who have already adopted a cloud computing strategy, they have seen an increase in productivity and flexibility whilst having the ability to scale up and down in terms of users and applications. This removes the need for higher demand on in-house IT staff reducing recruitment and training costs. With all of this available with cost efficient per-user-per-month pricing, it’s clear why cloud computing is becoming the norm for enterprises.
A major reason why some businesses have not yet adopted the cloud is simply that they don’t know how to go about it and fear that it will decrease productivity having to undergo implementation. The process doesn’t need to be time-consuming and daunting. Here are 3 simple steps to adoption:
1. Assess your situation
It’s easy to back away from the idea of cloud computing if you do not fully assess how it would affect your business. Think of issues your business faces and review how the cloud can ease this. For example, working on a project with colleagues? Sick of sending files back and forth via email? The cloud eliminates this with live documents allowing for one version of the truth to be worked on.
2. Know your goals
Why does your enterprise want to adopt a cloud computing strategy? It’s essential to know how your enterprise would benefit from adopting a cloud computing strategy and what your goals would be. You need this information to establish a realistic cloud adoption strategy. Businesses should plan to leverage existing collateral with software as a service (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS) strategies. Things which should be considered when determining goals include:
- Are services or applications currently constrained due to time to market needs?
- Is there a need for improved scalability?
- Are there requirements or needs to provide constant access to consumers, customers or devices?
3. Choose your provider
If, after planning and assessing your enterprise, you decide that you are ready to adopt the cloud it is then down to you to choose your own cloud service provider.
A common misconception with regards to cloud computing is that there is only one cloud as it is referred commonly as “the cloud”. Each cloud is developed and maintained by its own provider who establishes what their cloud offers.
It is important to research cloud providers that specialise in the applications you need. At Atlas, our speciality is providing industry-leading solutions that support 3D and graphically intense applications available on any device from the traditional desktop to iPhones and iPads.
Once your search for the perfect cloud service provider is successful it is then important to assess their portfolio whilst considering their standard of:
Flexibility
Can the cloud provider supply seamless mobile working to optimise productivity and make the most of the adoption?
Security
When an enterprise moves to the cloud they are trusting a third-party provider with crucial data, do they have registered security standards? At Atlas we were the first UK managed services company to become ISO 27001:2013 certified.
Experience
It is essential that your cloud service provider has enough experience to perform efficiently with zero errors. Atlas Cloud has a proven track record in managing enterprise data centres.
Technical expertise
Be sure your provider offers the levels of customer service you are accustomed to. Atlas was awarded the Services Award at this year’s regional North East Business Awards for our tech team who combine professional support with friendly customer service.
It’s necessary for businesses to keep up with technological progress in order to remain competitive- you don’t want to be left behind.
If you are debating the adoption of cloud computing consider these 3 steps and feel free to get in touch.
