In today’s hyper-connected, data-driven, digital economy, it is more important than ever for a business to have a networking center that is reliable for data accessibility, cloud computing, connectivity, storage, and security.
More and more business are transitioning over to cloud networks to meet their needs so that they can concentrate on their service and leave the infrastructure and server management to the professionals.
In a time where companies are becoming more decentralized, mobile and international, there needs to be an alteration in the business’s design to accommodate this shift. There are no more water coolers, file rooms, or conference rooms to meet, exchange information, and access data. These once in-house networks have steadily been relocated and entrusted to “The Cloud”.
Cloud networks are the new storage center for information that can be accessed quickly, securely, and from virtually anywhere in the world. These features assure that the right people have real-time access to information from anywhere in the world to maximize its usage for growth and expansion.
What does it mean for me?
Cloud computing by definition, is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer.
As a comparison, a cloud network can be thought of a storage unit, holding all the materials your company needs but that can be accessed from anywhere. You can pick out a ready-made design, or you can have the provider custom build one for your business, put a lock on it, give you with the keys and make sure no one can access it that you don’t want to.
The basics
As with any relationship, it is always important to select a partner that works best with and for your business. When shopping around for a provider, it is important to keep some things in mind.
- Is it possible to integrate the hardware your business already has?
- Unless your computers, phones, and other devices are pretty outdated, most providers should be able to work with existing equipment.
- Is it possible to cater the bandwidth provided to your specific needs?
- Companies don’t all operate at the same level. Therefore it wouldn’t make sense to pay for additional speed, service, or space that your company doesn’t need.
- Is the provider reputable and reliable?
- You don’t want to entrust your data to just anyone. Make sure they have a good reputation and will still be around in years to come.
- Is it secure?
- By using cloud networks, you can avoid public internet issues. You can limit who can access your network as well as increase security measures. Make sure you are getting the level of protection you desire from your provider.
Making cloud networks work for you
Beyond the given basics, additional customizable options are available to meet your requirements.
Below are a few examples of how systems can be tailored to your needs.
Connectivity– Important if you are a company that has centers, or employees around the world. It is essential to have a network that can provide the service needed to all locations in a secure and reliable manner without delays and dropped connections.
Privacy of information– If your company is dealing highly sensitive information, you might opt for an in-house network hosting and storage option, where the information is only saved and passed through your database, instead of external transmissions.
How much data you send and receive– Cloud networks are for all businesses, but not all business are equal. Some companies are smaller and need less storage than others Companies such as XO Communications, one of the leaders in cloud connectivity and Azure Cloud Services, offer bandwidth options ranging from 1.5 Mbps to 10 Gbps to get as much information as you want to where you want.
Who should I be looking at?
As a relative newcomer into the cloud network system, Microsoft Azure has overtaken Amazon Web Services as the cloud network of preference for enterprises. More than 66 percent of Fortune 500 companies entrust their cloud computing needs to Microsoft Azure. Designed with business in mind, Azure offers an array of features that have made them an industry leader.
Notable features of Microsoft Azure
Differential cost plans. A pay for what you use type of system. Only pay for what and when you use, perfect for smaller companies or companies with very specific needs.
Easy integration with existing hardware and software. Microsoft Azure was designed to work with you, not against you. For most companies, there will not be a need to change to any devices or application languages, java, python, or so, already being used.
Connectivity. With over 22 regional centers worldwide, more than Amazon Web and Google Cloud combined, Microsoft Azure does not suffer any loss of speed in or reliability in the seamless connection between locations, no matter where they are.
Security. There is no need for a complete overhaul of your IT system when adopting Azure. They can integrate their network with your already existing environment while adding secure connections, encryption features, and storage centers.
Tech support. Microsoft Azure offers 24/7 tech support. Services include monitoring your systems, periodic backups of data, system maintenance, troubleshooting, and fail-safe implementations. If one network goes down, they have a backup system in place, so that your data stays active and accessible.
Cloud computing. Microsoft Azure can deliver accurate, useful analysis from large streams of information in your network, giving you real-time actionable information. With an accurate overlook of your business, easily share-able across multiple departments, companies can see what is working, and adjust what is not.
Having the right tools makes succeeding in anything much easier. Customers do not settle for a one size fits all product, and neither should business. In efforts to stay competitive and cost efficient see if you are happy with your cloud services or if restructuring it would better suit your demands. Choosing the right network is part of the foundation of building and managing your enterprise.
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