All You Need to Know to Choose the Right Cloud Services Provider

Nearly 85% of small business owners think cloud services are important to their operations and performance. Before investing in cloud computing, it’s important to find the right provider. The best cloud services provider will customize their offerings based on your needs. 

With their help, you can improve your cloud infrastructure to accomplish your business goals.

Not sure how to choose a provider? Read on for the tips you need to simplify your search today. 

Gather Referrals

Simplify your search for a provider by talking to other business owners in your professional network. Ask each business owner if they already use cloud computing services. If they do, ask if they would recommend their provider.

Learn more about each cloud infrastructure provider, their services, and fees from firsthand accounts. Learning from other business owners can help you build a list of providers to prioritize or avoid. Ask questions about:

• Experience
• Areas of expertise
• Services
• Costs
• Credentials

Ask each small business owner if they’ve had any issues since working with their provider. If they have, ask if the provider tried to remedy the problem. Prioritize providers who strive to offer their clients the best possible services.

If you’re unable to gather referrals from small business owners, begin gathering research online instead. Build a list of cloud computing companies to look into further. Read online client reviews for each provider on your list. 

Reading reviews can help you find a reputable, reliable, experienced provider.

If clients tend to complain about the provider online, remove that company from your list of options. Hiring a provider that other business owners know and trust can help you feel confident in your choice.

Check for Experience

Over 40% of IT decision-makers need security expertise and support from their cloud vendors. Another 40% need help managing their cloud more efficiently and effectively. Before choosing a provider, outline your distinct needs and goals.

As you begin researching cloud services providers, determine if they have the experience and expertise to accomplish your goals. Finding a team with relevant experience can help your business become more successful. You can also waste time and money hiring a team with irrelevant experience. 

When learning more about each cloud infrastructure provider, determine how long each business has operated in the IT cloud computing industry. Look for an already established cloud computing business with years of experience. Determine if they’ve helped businesses within your niche in the past, too.

Their prior experience helping businesses like yours will give the provider a better understanding of your needs and goals. They can leverage their past experience to help your business moving forward.

Determine if you’ll work with a dedicated technician after choosing a provider. Consider their experience and level of expertise. Make sure you’ll work with a technician who can answer your questions and accomplish your goals.

You’ll have peace of mind after choosing a provider capable of meeting your needs and expectations. Their experience and expertise can help you make more informed decisions regarding your cloud computing needs. 

Review Certifications

Determine if the provider has any licenses or certifications that can speak to their expertise. Cloud providers must comply with industry certifications. Some regulations are mandated by governments. 

Their certifications indicate they comply with industry best practices. 

Consider Their Services

Determine what cloud services each company provides. The three main types are IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.

During a consultation appointment, the provider should ask about your needs and expectations. They’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of each service option. They shouldn’t push you to choose their most expensive services, though.

Instead, they should help you make an informed decision based on your company’s needs and budget. 

Look into each provider’s capabilities and product offers, too. Make sure the provider offers flexible and scalable solutions. You’ll only pay for the services you need, when you need them. 

As your company grows, you can scale your cloud computing needs accordingly. You won’t have to worry about the hassle of moving to another provider. 

Consider Security

Prioritize security before choosing a provider. Make sure each provider on your list implements industry-standard security measures. For example, they should use multi-factor authentication and encryption to protect your company’s data. 

Determine if the company is aware of industry-specific regulations and standards you’ll need to comply with, too. Failing to comply could result in hefty fines. The company should help you remain compliant to avoid issues in the future. 

Compare Costs

Gather estimates from multiple cloud computing companies. Get an itemized list of all the services they offer. Comparing the costs between three providers can help you determine the average.

However, the cost can vary based on the type of cloud infrastructure and the services you need. 

Ask about the total cost of ownership, which can include:

• The cost of resources
• Ongoing support
• Additional services

Review each company’s contract before making any final decisions. 

Look for Reliability

Determine if the company offers support and maintenance among its services. Ask how you’ll communicate when you have problems. Look for a company that’s reliable and able to respond to tickets right away. 

If there are issues, your company could experience downtime. Customers could get frustrated as well. Look for a company that can offer the support and help you need, as you need it. 

Find Your Cloud Services Provider Today

Finding a reliable, experienced cloud services provider doesn’t have to feel complex. Instead, use these tips to find a cloud infrastructure provider for your small business. With their help, you can use cloud computing to streamline your operations. 

Find the right provider with these tips today. 

Want to simplify your search? We can provide the services you’re looking for.

Contact our team today for an IT assessment.