Want to take advantage of cloud applications, but worried about how to do it? Dean Miles of Gooroo Software reveals the key questions you need to ask a prospective cloud vendor.
You might have already heard about the benefits that cloud computing services and applications can bring to your business: the minimal upfront costs, the pay-as-you-go cost structure, the flexible access to software and data, the promise that the cloud vendor will handle all the awkward, costly parts of IT. However, for many firms it’s also a leap of faith. Some are concerned about exactly how to go about uploading their business data to cloud applications, how to get best use of the cloud software, and whether the data will be secure.
There are also issues such as application performance, availability and uptime, all of which are legitimate concerns. How can you ensure that your company will reap the maximum benefits of switching to cloud computing? This article will outline the questions you should ask prospective cloud vendors and the answers they should give you.
Getting ready to launch
If you’re planning to migrate a key business function to a cloud application (for example, your business accounts, stock control, e-commerce, or CRM), then there are two key issues you’ll need to address.
First, how easy is it to upload your existing business data to the cloud application? Here, you need to ask the vendor what data and file formats are supported. The cloud application should support formats from a wide range of popular applications, to make exporting and uploading as seamless and easy as possible.
Also, look for resources such as online tutorials on uploading and sorting data, and comprehensive context-sensitive help. Ask if the vendor has a helpdesk to guide you through the migration and upload process, as well as through initial use of the cloud applications. If they don’t, ask why not. The point of cloud computing is to help remove IT support and management headaches.
Support matters
Once your data is migrated to the cloud, you’re ready to use the software applications, but no matter how intuitive the software, there will inevitably be questions on how best to use the applications, or usability issues while your staff gets to grips with them.
As touched on above, a cloud service that gives you training or support headaches will not deliver real benefits, so look for vendors that have dedicated helpdesk resources to address any user questions or issues in the vital first 30 days of use. This will build user confidence early, and encourage staff buy-in, helping your business get the most out of the cloud applications.
Ts and Cs
Ask the vendor specifically about the terms and conditions of using the cloud applications. Is the deal truly flexible? Can you add and subtract users and application modules as you need, on a month-by-month basis?
You should also ask what quality of service commitments and service level agreements the vendor can offer. Can they tell you who hosts your business data? Are guaranteed levels of application availability and uptime offered? A key advantage of cloud applications is they are far less prone to server or power failures, as the software and data is hosted in enterprise-class, secure data centres where it is constantly backed up. However, it’s good to know where your data resides, as well as the levels of performance and access that the cloud hosting offers you.
Data protection
Finally, what security does the vendor offer for your business data? When you connect to the cloud application, is the connection secured to prevent ‘eavesdropping’ of data? In the cloud, are the data and applications secured behind firewalls to nullify hacking attempts and malware?
Realistically, a cloud application offers higher security than many corporates apply to data stored on their own servers, in their own offices. There’s certainly less risk of data loss or theft by insiders or disgruntled employees, and lower risk of trojan infections which could intercept data. Therefore, your data is likely to be safer in the cloud, but ensure the vendor can reassure you of this with an overview of their session and storage security measures.
In conclusion, you need to know what the cloud service you plan to use is made of, before you commit to moving your data across to it. By asking what your vendor can do for you, you’ll be in the best position to know exactly what you can ask of the cloud.
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