So, your business is thinking about moving to the cloud? Great choice!
Businesses across different industries are using cloud computing to improve security, scalability and accessibility. With all the options out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming and confusing. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a simple breakdown of what you need to consider when choosing a cloud computing solution.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is a term used for anything that involves delivering computing services over the internet. In simple terms, it’s basically like renting someone else’s super powerful computer over the internet, instead of having your own expensive computer hardware.
This can include servers, storage, databases, software, networking, analytics and intelligence. So instead of maintaining your own servers, you can access computing services on-demand from cloud providers (pretty neat!). Some benefits include:
- Lower investment upfront
- Cost efficiency
- Scalability to increase workload, without impacting performance
- Ability to adapt as workflow increases or decreases
- Greater collaboration with the ability to work on documents at once
- Better security
Now, let’s talk cloud models.
Which Cloud Computing Model Is Right for You?
Cloud computing models can be split into:
- Public Cloud: Budget-friendly and scalable. It’s usually more suitable for start-ups, e-commerce, and small businesses.
- Private Cloud: Enhanced security and control. Ideal for industries handling sensitive data like healthcare and finance industries.
- Hybrid Cloud: A mix of public and private cloud benefits, perfect for businesses needing both security and flexibility.
- Multi-Cloud: Involves multiple cloud service providers, reducing dependency on a single vendor and ensuring business continuity.
There are also specific cloud solutions you may consider.
- Amazon AWS & Microsoft Azure: Aka the powerhouses when it comes to cloud computing. Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are the largest global server hosts with data centres all over the world. These platforms offer flexibility to support businesses of all sizes.
- Microsoft SharePoint Services: An industry-leading platform for intranets, extranets, websites, secure document management, and employee collaboration. SharePoint can enhance your team’s productivity and improve security when sharing data.
- Microsoft Office 365: Your all-in-one toolkit – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, and Teams. It enables cloud-based communication, collaboration, and document management. What’s even more handy is that Office 365 offers flexible packages tailored to businesses of any size.
Things To Consider For Your Industry
Healthcare Industries
- Compliance with regulations: Ensure the platform adheres to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Security features: Robust data encryption, access controls, and monitoring capabilities.
- Scalability:Can it accommodate growing data volumes and increasing user needs.
- Integration with other systems: Compatibility with existing healthcare applications, like health records, telemedicine, patient portals, and medical imaging.
- Cost structure: Consider the pricing models available.
Best choice? Private or hybrid cloud. Microsoft Azure and AWS are great options for healthcare industries.
Agricultural Industry
Who said farming couldn’t also be high-tech? Cloud solutions are transforming agriculture by providing real-time data analytics, remote monitoring, and precision farming technologies.
Some things you may want to think about include:
- Integration: Do you want a solution that can integrate with other programs? E.g., for real-time monitoring of soil conditions, weather, and crop health.
- Scalability: Is your solution scalable if needed for large-scale data analysis? E.g., For yield predictions and supply chain logistics.
- Data security: to ensure the protection of research and operational data.
- Remote accessibility: For farm owners and workers, access to critical information from any location is essential.
Automotive Dealerships
Hit sales goals with the right data at your fingertips. Cloud computing enhances automotive dealership operations by improving CRM, inventory management, and digital sales processes. You may want to consider:
- Centralised customer data management: Keep all your customer details in one place for better sales follow-ups.
- Inventory tracking: Know exactly what’s in stock with real-time stock management.
- Secure document management: Store finance and contract documentations securely.
- Collaboration tools: Using tools like Microsoft SharePoint to improve team productivity.
- Scalability: To support business growth.
Best choice? Public or hybrid cloud. AWS and Azure can handle your data and keep operations running smoothly!
5 Decision-Making Questions To Ask Yourself
- Costs: Do you want a pay-as-you-go model, a subscription, or something else?
- Contracts: Are you tied to one provider forever, or do you have flexibility?
- Compliance: Are there any industry regulations you need to follow?
- Support & Maintenance: Will you have IT support when things go wrong?
- Scalability: Can your cloud solution handle your future growth?
Choosing the right cloud computing solution depends on your industry’s security, compliance, and operational requirements.
At Xenex Systems, we provide customised cloud solutions tailored to your industry’s needs. Whether you need AWS, Microsoft Azure, SharePoint, or Office 365, we’ll help you find the perfect fit – without the headaches.
Ready to move to the cloud? Contact Xenex Systems today to explore the best cloud solution for your industry!