Are You Ready to Move Your Application to the Cloud?
You’ve heard about all the benefits of the cloud: cost efficiency, flexibility, scalability, security, to name a few. According to a survey conducted by Evolve IP, “70 percent (of companies utilizing the cloud) have realized improved flexibility and scalability, while six in ten have experienced disaster avoidance and business continuity benefits.” And with end-user spending on public cloud services expected to record a compound annual growth rate of 17.7% from 2011 through 2016 (Gartner.com), there’s never been a more opportune time to transition into cloud services. As with all constantly evolving technologies, there are fundamental questions to consider before moving your applications over to the cloud.
Here are 5 Basic Questions to Ask Before Moving Your Application to the Cloud:
- By moving my applications to the cloud, how will end-user experience be impacted? Your applications need to run with the speed, availability, and security your business requires for uninterrupted productivity. Talk to you your potential provider about how compatible your application’s design is to their cloud structure. If your application constantly requires fast uptime, opt for a provider that offers Colocation hosting. You should also consider the type of device and OS your business uses (PC,Mac, Ipad, Iphone, Android), and confirm their compatibility with the cloud.
- What type of access will my administrators have in the control and maintenance of the application? Convenience and accessibility is one of the cloud’s forte. Ask your provider what functions are available for administrator access, and what additional costs may incur per user.
- What security measures are in place to protect my valuable data? When it comes to the cloud, security issues are prevalent. Loss of data can have irreparable damage, so you may prefer nightly backups versus weekly ones. Ask your provider about their current security procedures for the cloud, physical data centers, as well as their compliance with law and industry regulations.
- How can moving to the cloud reduce your costs, increase productivity, and/or improve efficiency? Where does your business need improvement, and what practical solutions will moving to the cloud provide? Understanding specific financial and operational motives and how they will be impacted will help guide your decision.
- What level of service fits my needs? Typically, providers will have tiered services, ranging from individual, small businesses, to enterprise. When consulting with your potential provider, be thorough with your specific needs, and inquire about features you’re unsure of, to ensure the most appropriate cloud solution for your business.
These 5 questions, along with your potential provider’s answers, should clarify whether your application is right and ready for the cloud. Bring your questions to our experts at Trapp Technology, and try your application on the cloud with a 30 day trial here! For more information, give us a call at 877.942.2568 x3.
Our 30-Day Test Drive lets you move your application to the cloud today! Get started now!
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