Businesses have been hard-pressed to develop innovative ways to support and facilitate growth these past few years. One of the fastest-growing ways companies are making this desire a reality is through the cloud.
According to a recent estimate from Gartner, spending on cloud solutions should reach $500 billion globally by the end of this year.1 Businesses hoping to make a digital transformation are looking to the cloud because it offers the flexibility, efficiency, and scalability needed to stay competitive in 2022 and beyond.
Switching to cloud services over traditional technologies also delivers better support for remote or hybrid workers since it’s easier for employees to access the same data and apps wherever they are. And since 58% of Americans work remotely at least part of the time, that ongoing consistency is critical.2
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of cloud technologies your business can benefit from and what you should consider when planning a move to the cloud.
Technologies Supported by the Cloud
It’s not just the remote work support that makes cloud solutions so appealing. Companies that work with a cloud provider pay less for initial setup costs compared to businesses setting up on-premises data centers, hardware, and technologies.
Here are some technologies you can move to the cloud to see immediate benefits for your business:
- Desktop as a service (DaaS): Instead of managing your own backend, DaaS solutions help businesses offer employees virtual desktops running through the cloud.
- Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): This service offers all the storage, networking, and computing resources your business could need at your fingertips, hosted securely in the cloud.
- Disaster recovery and cloud backups: Having data backed up on-site leaves it vulnerable to loss, damage, or disasters. Storing this information in the cloud ensures it’s always safe – and still accessible whenever you need it.
6 Factors To Consider Before Planning a Cloud Migration
Planning a cloud migration on your own can be complex. However, an expert cloud technology advisor can guide you through designing and implementing a customized solution that meets your needs.
Keep these six factors in mind to ensure your cloud migration is a success:
1. Consider your overall business goals
What goals does your company hope to achieve with this move to the cloud? Ultimately, cloud migration should facilitate future growth through optimized IT performance, better storage, or improved communication. Determining where you’d like to improve can help your team design the right solution.
2. Study how implementation will affect business operations
Managing change is never easy. As you look into what a potential move to the cloud would look like, make sure to examine how implementation will affect your business operations. Once that’s known, it’s easier to minimize downtime and disruptions.
3. Make a plan for cloud cybersecurity
The best cybersecurity is baked into every level of your technology stack, including your cloud. Designing a cloud strategy with cybersecurity top of mind will ensure your setup and data are as secure as possible.
4. Evaluate whether your network can support more cloud-based apps and services
Are there apps and services your team has always wanted to try, but has never had the opportunity to? The availability of many cloud-based apps and services makes the period before a cloud migration the perfect opportunity to explore new options and determine whether the time is right to make a switch.
5. Find a cloud solution that meets your needs and budget
There are many different cloud services available, ranging from the public cloud to a private cloud, and many hybrid and multi-cloud options in between. The balance between your needs and budget will dictate which option is best.
6. Partner with a supportive cloud provider
Determining the best cloud solution for your company isn’t always straightforward. Working alongside a technology consultant that can help offer advice, expertise, and support will ensure your business finds the best cloud services for your needs.
Firefly Can Help Manage and Support Your Cloud Migration
The process of evaluating your needs, finding the right cloud provider, and completing a full data migration isn’t easy. A trusted technology consultant like Firefly can help you find cloud services that support ongoing business growth and continued flexibility, all while staying within budget.
Scaling your business and staying competitive in an ever-changing landscape is easy with a custom cloud solution. Firefly provides expert guidance to help you select a cloud solution that grows with your business, along with support to navigate that growth every step of the way.
Not sure if your organization could benefit from upgrading its cloud services? Navigate through our free checklist to find out. If the answer is “yes,” we’re here to help! Contact the Firefly team today to get started on a cloud migration plan for your business.
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