Moving to the cloud is a crucial business decision. It can help you elevate the business operations, lower costs and eliminate the need to have an in-house IT team. However, while selecting the right cloud software is important, picking the right cloud solution provider is equally important.
A cloud solution provider is a company that provides enterprises with cloud-based platforms, infrastructure, networks and applications. For example- Microsoft authorises cloud solution providers to offer Microsoft cloud services along with their own products and services.
Numerous CSPs are offering similar products and services in the market. So how do you pick the right one for your business? We have curated a list of seven questions you should ask the shortlisted CSPs to pick the ideal one for you.
1. Which cloud services do you offer?
This is the first question you should ask every solution provider on the list. It will help you filter out the ones that don’t match your requirements. After all, a cloud solution provider that doesn’t offer the services your business needs should not be on the list anymore.
Some solution providers only offer a single cloud service, while others may hold a number of public or private cloud services.
Along with the cloud services, ensure they have other supporting services like migration, setup, training, etc., to move further with them.
2. How secure are your cloud services?
Every 39 seconds, a new cyberattack takes place around the world. (Source: University of Maryland)
Another shocking stat suggests that more than 20 million records were tampered in March 2020 due to data breaches.
That’s how unsafe the web has become. Now, since you’re moving your sensitive business information to the cloud, first ensure that the cloud service you opt for has top-notch safety measures in place. Safety measures like data encryption, Multi-factor authentication, firewalls, etc., are essentials and must be present with cloud service.
3. Where are your data centres?
Data centres are where they will store your crucial information. Their physical location is essential to assess the security of data and measure readiness in case of emergencies. Ask your vendor what safety measures they have in place to protect your data. Also, do they have a secondary data center or not?
If the vendor has an SSAE 16 certification, you can be sure their systems are up-to-date and comply with the industry standards.
4. What is your pricing model?
Selecting which cloud solution provider is offering exemplary service at the right price is tricky. In terms of pricing, you should not simply go with the one that provides the solution at the cheapest rates. But selecting the one with the highest prices is also not wise.
Your cloud solution provider should be able to provide you with the best cloud service along with the supporting or additional services at the optimum prices.
5. What is your downtime history?
People often miss out on this question, but it is pretty important because downtime significantly affects businesses. For example, during the downtime, you won’t be able to access your business information. Now, this could lead to loss of productivity hours, customers, business reputation, etc.
Ask your vendor to provide you with a downtime report and check the duration and frequency. A vendor with the least occurrences should be your ideal choice here.
6. How will I access my company’s cloud?
A cloud service should allow you to access the cloud from anywhere around the world using simply a device and an internet connection. Cloud services have a client login page where you enter the credentials provided and access your information with location constraints.
Gain clarity over this aspect to avoid any confusion or hindrances in the future.
7. What customer support services do you offer?
Nowadays, businesses are up and active 24*7. Thus, so should be your cloud and their customer support services.
The basic necessity here is that the customer service should be available 24*7, 365 days a year. Along with, check their average response and resolution time.
Moreover, ensure the people on the other end are IT experts who can solve technical issues. We mention this separately because you will often stumble upon some customer representatives sitting with a script.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned what to ask the potential cloud solution providers, it’s time to prepare a list- a list of top vendors in your geography. In the UK, one such CSP is 365Solutions. We offer Microsoft cloud services throughout the UK combined with at par customer service and free email migration service. Check out more details on our website. For further information, contact our IT experts at +44 20 3880 1220 or sales@365solutions.com.
Also Read:
- Here’s Why 365Solutions is your Ideal Cloud Service Provider
- List of Top 5 Microsoft Azure Services
- 6 Key Advantages of Cloud Computing