Helpful hints for moving your business to the cloud

As a small business owner, there are a number of advantages to moving your IT operations to the cloud. Moving to the cloud allows you to access services and store and backup data without the need for expensive infrastructure, such as servers and software. Converting to the cloud means you can scale your IT operationsup or down at any time, and you don’t necessarily need to have an IT consultant on the payroll. Cloud computing also offers you and your employees the flexibility of working and collaborating on projects from anywhere.

While the potential cost savings make cloud conversion something most businesses should probably consider, a lot of business owners do have concerns surrounding security, privacy and data access in the cloud. Here are a few quick tips on basic things to think about if you are considering cloud migration.

1. Make sure your cloud service provider calls Australia home

Before undertaking cloud migration of an existing service, or starting a new development that utilises a cloud service, it is a good idea to look for a cloud partner who is based in Australia. A good cloud partner will work to understand your business needs, and offer a testing phase to make sure that their solution works for you.

2. Ask for the Cloud solution for specifics on standards of data control

Concern about privacy is one of the main reasons that many organisations in Australia are holding off on moving data and services into the cloud. Australian businesses are expected to uphold some of the highest standards of privacy and data integrity in the world. Sit down with a potential cloud partner and seek assurances that their service will reflect organisational, operational, and national expectations regarding data safety.

3. Think long-term

An advantage of extending your services onto a cloud facility is lower costs compared with setting up a similar facility for yourself. However, as a business owner, you will want reliability for yourself and your clients, so changing your cloud service as frequently as you change your phone plan might not be ideal. Do your research, look for a service that is gaining a good reputation in this emerging field, and once you have found the provider you want to work with, stick with them.

4. Seek assurances on data access

The reliability of the service also comes into play when it comes to accessing your data when you need to. The last thing you want is a service that constantly drops out. Find a provider that meets your service quality criteria with flexible terms, while also giving assurance that they will be around for at least as long as you need them.

5. Consider security standards

The security of cloud computing is one of the biggest concerns for small businesses. Look for a cloud partner that offers high levels of data security, physical security and system redundancy. Make sure they have a system in place to ensure that the only people accessing your data have been designated by you.

6. And finally consider the cost savings

If the concept of moving a service or developing a service in the cloud seems foreign, consider for a moment that cloud services can make IT a utility, just like electricity.Just pay for the hosting and support that you require, and expand or decrease as it suits your business.

If you lack the in-house expertise or infrastructure to support the services that you see as necessary for the future of your business, the ability to work in the cloud means there no longer has to be a roadblock. Contact  Cassini Cloud to help with any concerns regarding cloud migration.

Contact Cassini Cloud for a tailored cloud conversion solution.