Chances are that by now your business has heard about “the Cloud”. Simply put, it’s a collection of on-demand computing resources delivered over the Internet. It’s also a way to access all the processing power and storage your business needs to build an IT infrastructure that will grow and flex in line with changing business strategy.
But how do you start your transition to the Cloud?
1. Start small
Your first Cloud project will probably be rather small, as a simple proof of concept that your business will benefit from that approach. Here at Complete I.T., we suggest that organisations try out Microsoft Office 365 productivity suite for their first dip into the Cloud.
Not only do you get to see exactly how Cloud operations work, but also benefit from subscription-based software licensing. This approach gives you the latest versions of Microsoft Office software with all future upgrades included in the licence fee.
2. Look for other Cloud-enabled applications
Once you’ve seen how effective Office 365 is, you can look for other applications that would benefit from the same approach. Many of the software packages you use will have Cloud versions that can be used in place of the locally installed copies you currently use.
Your sales database, accounts package and design software are all candidates for moving to Cloud equivalents, giving you access to upgrades, increased availability and remote access. You should also consider whether any of the next generation Cloud platforms available are better suited to your business needs, and whether replacing your on-site systems would make better sense in the long run.
3. Cloud-ify your bespoke software
Even if your business relies on a custom application for business operations, there are still opportunities to use the power of the Cloud. The Microsoft Azure Cloud platform can be used to replace your in-house servers, for instance, allowing you to host your database and software in the Cloud.
Like native Cloud applications, your business tools will benefit from improved availability, accessibility, and protection against loss or theft. Moving custom applications to the Cloud is an expert job, but the benefits mean that the additional investment will quickly pay for itself.
To learn more about preparing your business for the Cloud, or for assistance in carrying out the necessary migrations, please get in touch with the Complete I.T. team.