For IT decision makers, finding the right cloud solution can often be a tug of war between cost and performance. Overpromising on performance can lead to budget issues and underutilisation, while focusing too much on budgets can lead to solutions that don’t deliver the required power. However, this may be a thing of the past, as cloud computing and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) models provide flexibility with performance and pricing. This, in theory, allows IT teams to choose a cloud solution that suits all of their needs.

Despite this, the plethora of options to choose from when it comes to selecting a cloud solution makes this decision a complicated one. Multi-tenant clouds offered by the popular hyperscalers are the most widely adopted services due to their size and scale. However, for customers that require higher levels of performance, security, and customisation to align with specific application requirements, tailored or specialised clouds, private clouds, and bare-metal cloud service options may be best suited to fit those needs. It is important to know where to start and the right questions to ask when it comes to choosing a cloud that best fits organisational goals.

Cloud management

Cloud management is one of the first topics that comes to mind for most IT decision makers when choosing a cloud service. This is due to the need for a new cloud to slot into existing workflows with minimal disruption. This issue is not unique to the cloud, as a new management interface would be needed if a company were to switch to a different on-premises provider, but it is still important to consider the options. Changing management interfaces can also lead to a training deficit, especially if the on-premises interface was not designed from a familiar framework. Common language also matters when adopting a new management console.

Some key considerations to make when discussing cloud management are how easy and intuitive the console will be to use for current employees, and how long it will take for the business to adapt to the new tools. Some cloud providers may be able to supplement training with learning resources or a dedicated account manager. It might also be a high priority to consider if the new platform allows for Identity and Access Management (IAM).

Security and compliance

Another important area to consider when choosing a cloud is how secure it is, and does this security meet relevant government regulations. While most providers deliver a standard set of security and compliance capabilities, the requirements for individual businesses grow and change each year in three main areas.

Firstly, businesses are subject to compliance and regulatory regulations based on the geographic locations they operate in. The US, UK, and EU all have their own unique standards that need to be adhered to, for example the EU’s GDPR law. Businesses also need to comply with regulations that are specific to their industry, with some being more heavily regulated than others. Financial services and healthcare, for instance, have some of the most strict and specific requirements. Lastly, certain types of data are governed by their regulations, such as personal identification data. Depending on the particular data you are moving to the cloud, ensure that the provider can meet your security and compliance requirements.

When choosing the right cloud, it is vital to consider how the cloud provider will support the need for regulatory compliance.  Choosing an Managed Service Partner (MSP) with seasoned experts in security and compliance can be a game-changer. The right provider will deliver tailored guidance, ensuring businesses can navigate complex regulations with confidence. By understanding each customer’s unique needs, these specialists help streamline compliance, minimise risk, and keep operations secure.

Finally, as a general rule, customers should consider referencing the Cloud Star Alliance (CSA) audit form as an external resource when evaluating cloud providers’ security and compliance. Providers receive ratings from the organisation based on their security and compliance posture, giving customers clear insights into the MSPs they choose to partner with. This transparency empowers businesses to make informed, confident decisions when selecting a trusted provider.

Data protection and disaster recovery

Data is the lifeblood of most modern businesses, as well as the most important asset. Ensuring this data is protected when it is uploaded to a cloud service is vital, and not all data that is in the cloud is inherently protected. While cloud providers work hard to safeguard their production systems, and offer retention policies, backups are a critical safeguard against data loss, technical failures and cyber threats – both internal and external. A robust backup strategy isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity for resilience and business continuity.

Disaster recovery needs to play an important role in cloud service due diligence, as cloud service providers operate a physical data centre that could experience an unexpected data loss or downtime event. For companies that cannot afford downtime, including the time needed to recover using backups, having a second site for disaster recovery enabled by the cloud service provider is critical.

When choosing a cloud service provider, it is important to consider what backup capabilities are offered, as well as if these will cost extra. It is also important to pay attention to how backup data is stored, for example, if it is on a separate site from the main repository and if it is stored in a different medium.

A Solution That Works for You

The brevity of options when choosing a cloud provider can be extremely intimidating, and it is hard to know where to begin. However, as long as the organisation has a strong understanding of its workflows and business goals, a managed cloud provider will be able to build a solution that will take full advantage of the cloud’s efficiency and scalability. Knowing the right questions to ask, and the features to consider when choosing a cloud service, will ensure that the solution enhances the business overall.