How to Choose a Cloud Solution Provider for Your Business

According to the market research company Exploding Topics, about 60% of corporate data is stored on the cloud. This number has at least doubled since 2015. Now, nearly 90% of companies use a multi-cloud approach. So, how do you choose a cloud solution provider for your business?

Get ready to develop your business cloud strategy. Read on to learn how to choose a cloud solution provider for your business. With these tips, you can complete a cloud service comparison to find the right provider!

Determine Your Business Cloud Strategy

Before choosing a cloud provider, consider your business needs and goals. For example, perhaps you want to prioritize:

Accessing files anytime, anywhere
Automatic updates and patches
Impregnable data backups
Infinite storage and resources
Rapid development and deployment
Pay-as-you-go agility
Enhanced security

These are only a few cloud provider benefits you can experience after choosing the right company. During your search, prioritize companies with services that align with your needs.

As you consult with each company, ask what challenges you may face. About 96% of organizations experience significant challenges when implementing cloud technology (digital marketing solutions provider WebFX). For 50%, controlling their cloud costs is challenging, while 42% struggle with cloud waste.

Ask the company how they intend to help you navigate these problems. For example, they may offer scalability to help you reduce cloud waste and costs.

Look for Experience

According to IBIS World, there are 486,170 IT consulting businesses in the US. That’s a 2.2% increase from 2022. Don’t choose a newer business.

Instead, determine how long each provider has offered cloud computing services. Leverage their years of hands-on experience to avoid making costly mistakes. You can rely on their expertise to make informed decisions with your company’s needs in mind.

Experienced teams will have an easier time aligning their services to your business goals. Their recommendations can help you save valuable time and money.

A less experienced team may need time to determine how they can best help your business. They may make costly mistakes that affect your bottom line.

Choosing an experienced provider will help you feel more confident in your choice. To gauge their level of expertise, ask about their education and training. Determine if they have any certifications that speak to their capabilities, such as:

PCI DSS
CSA
ISO 27001
HIPAA

Evaluate Their Services

Ask each company about their service offerings. Long-established businesses are more likely to offer a range of services. Three types of cloud computing solutions include:

Software as a service (SaaS)
Platform as a service (PaaP)
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

SaaS allows companies to access cloud apps using the internet. PaaS allows businesses to create applications without installing new hardware or software. IaaS involves renting physical or virtual services and storage for apps and data.

The company should have no issue helping you weigh the pros and cons of each option. They shouldn’t push services that don’t align with your needs.

Determine if the company offers data backup and disaster recovery services. These services can protect your business in case of earthquakes, cyberattacks, or other disasters.

Plan to Scale

Select a cloud provider that will scale up or down as your business grows. They’ll fulfill your demands and allow you to adjust your plan as needed.

If the company can’t scale, they’ll struggle to meet your organization’s demands. They may charge you additional fees for unnecessary services.

There are three types of cloud scaling:

Global
Horizontal
Vertical

Global scaling is beneficial if you have multiple virtual machines across the globe. Horizontal scaling distributes resources on demand to tackle different tasks. Vertical scaling allows you to upgrade or downgrade the volume of resources for specific tasks.

Discuss Their Cloud Adoption Tips

Talk to three providers about your business cloud strategy and expectations. Ask how their services will help you accomplish your goals. If they struggle to offer customized cloud adoption tips based on your requests, continue your search.

Ask each company about their security and compliance. They should employ robust security measures that will protect your data, such as:

Physical security
Security audits and testing
Data encryption
Identity and access management (IAM)
Security monitoring tools

Determine if the company complies with industry-specific standards if your business is in the financial or healthcare industry. They should also consider regional standards.

Complete a Cloud Service Comparison

Ask three cloud service providers for an itemized list of their services. Make sure to ask how their prices will change as your business grows.

Review your notes to complete your cloud service comparison. Don’t make the mistake of choosing the cheapest provider on your list. Instead, determine which company can meet your needs and goals.

Ask each company for a copy of their contract. Confirm that there aren’t any hidden fees. Look for a company that’s honest and transparent.

Check for a cancellation clause within the contract. Choose a company that offers a professional guarantee.

These companies will strive to meet your expectations. They’ll make adjustments to align their services with your business goals.

Take the time to read client reviews online. Check each company’s Better Business Bureau and Google Business listing for comments about the company’s:

Service quality
Expertise
Responsiveness
Professionalism

Do any of the same problems repeat between different clients? You could encounter the same problems. Don’t select a cloud provider with a history of client complaints.

Instead, choose a company that prioritizes offering high-quality customer service. They’ll consider your needs and goals while offering services you can trust. With their help, you can experience cloud provider benefits without any issues.