Businesses of any shape and sizes hold and use a vast amount of data and applications. To store and access them whenever and wherever they want to, they use cloud computing. 

Clouds not only handle data storage remotely but also protect and recover all crashed or lost data. In the vast market of cloud providers offering an even more significant number of services, picking the right one has become critical to your company’s long-term success.

So how do you go about choosing the right cloud provider? We have outlined the key factors you need to have in consideration. 

#1 Cloud security

Cloud security means ensuring your data and applications are easily available to authorized users only. To decide on this aspect, you need first to weigh your security goals. Next, you need to research the security standards each provider offers and the tools used to preserve your data. As security is a top concern and every business has its unique characteristics and objectives, it is critical to be as detailed and explicit as possible in your request. 

For example, if you are an Amazon Web Services user, you can hire AWS cloud security experts to provide you with custom recommendations on keeping your data safe and meeting compliance requirements. AWS is one of the most popular cloud service providers on the market due to its high-quality services and features. It enables businesses to thrive by delivering on-demand services such as computing power, database storage, and more. 

#2 Cloud architecture

Cloud architecture is the way different technology components combine to build a cloud. Understanding the architecture of a potential provider is vital because you need to consider how it will be incorporated into your workflows. 

A simple example — if you already use Microsoft tools and features, it might make sense to proceed with Azure. Additionally, suppose cloud storage is relevant to you. In that case, you will want to understand the nuances between services offering options for storing and retrieving data frequently vs. infrequently. 

#3 Certification and technology advancements 

You want professionals to handle your data, so look for a service provider who complies with Google Cloud certification. Experts agree that a structured process, good data governance, and service support are some of the best industry practices for looking at a cloud service provider.

Also, choose a service provider who is advanced in technical competencies and operational capacities. The right provider will have technology and personnel that align with your current and future needs. 

#4 Offered support

Support is another parameter that you need to consider carefully. If you need help, you want to be able to get it quickly. However, the only support you will get in some cases is through a chat service or call center. You need to be clear if that is or it is not acceptable to you. 

In other instances, you may have access to a specific resource, but there is a good chance that time and access will be limited. Ask potential providers questions upfront about what level and form of support you will have before making the final call.

#5 Costs

Cloud migration is costly, so there is no denying that costs will play a significant role in deciding which cloud service provider you choose. That being said, make sure you know the exact amount of money you can spend on cloud infrastructure and then compare it with the shortlisted cloud service providers’ offers. Also, make sure you look at the sticker price and associated costs, as you may need to hire personnel to manage your cases. 

#6 In-house management

You should also be aware of what different cloud platforms will require from you. Each of the services will be supported by various organization tools and integrated with several other services. 

If your organization relies heavily on certain settings or services, ensure that the cloud provider you opt for offers an easy way to integrate with them. Determining how much time and effort it will take your team to manage different aspects of the cloud infrastructure is also a parameter you want to consider before deciding.

Final words

Choosing the right cloud provider is dependent on a well-defined selection and procurement process that is weighted appropriately for your demands. The criteria discussed above will give you the essential information you need to determine which cloud service provider(s) you will trust. 

You can also analyze your organization’s requirements to discover additional factors that will help you make an informed decision. The right provider will be the one that can deliver the features and resources that will best support your ongoing business.