Today, businesses of every size across all industries are moving their business computing to the cloud. Understanding the ins and outs of cloud computing and how your business can benefit and take advantage of it is often confusing.
Here are the five most common questions we are asked about cloud computing:
What is cloud computing? – The short answer is… cloud computing is the process of using a network of remote servers hosted online to store, process, and manage data rather than hosting it in-house. Essentially, you’re using someone else’s infrastructure and hardware for your computing needs, reducing your capital investment.
How do I know if cloud computing is right for my business? – Answering a few questions can help…
- Services: How important are security, flexibility, and reliability to your business? Is your current IT meeting your needs?
- Technology: How many users are there? Does your team require remote access?
- Cost: Are you happy with the cost of your current “on-premises” solution? Is the cost to scale acceptable?
- Ease of migration: Do you have any contractual commitments that would constrain or prevent migration?
What do I need to do to prepare?
A Cloud Services Provider can seamlessly handle the transition for you. First thing to take into consideration though is your network bandwidth. Cloud computing can strain local connections, so you may want to consider upgrading bandwidth to increase connectivity.
What workloads can I shift to the cloud?
This depends on your business and cloud strategy. You can transition your entire IT to the cloud or just a single task. Most businesses start by using the cloud for long and short-term data backup. However, applications like CRM, marketing automation, and accounting can also be moved.
Will I need to hire additional IT staff to transition?
The short answer is no. One of the major benefits of working with a Cloud Services Provider is that they handle the ins and outs of transitioning. However, having some IT expertise in-house can certainly help!
What about security?
With cyberattacks on the rise, security is a major concern. Providers have numerous security protocols in place including encryption, identity management, redundant hardware, backup generators, and other measures. In the event of an attack, your data is secure and can be easily restored.
Want to learn more? Contact a UBS representative and let us show you the many benefits of transitioning your business IT to the cloud!
