A managed cloud service provider, categorized within the arena of managed service providers (MSPs) in the field of information technology (IT), excels in the management of cloud infrastructure as opposed to conventional infrastructure. By outsourcing the complexities of cloud operations management to such providers, organizations can liberate themselves from the hassle. These MSPs handle a diverse array of cloud operations, systems, and processes, thereby enabling organizations to channel their resources toward their primary goals more effectively.
Managed cloud service providers excel in overseeing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), covering public cloud, private cloud, and sometimes hybrid setups. A proficient cloud service provider accelerates your organization's integration of public cloud services, ensuring secure application development and robust data analysis, allowing you to prioritize core business objectives. Thus, the selection of the appropriate provider remains paramount.
In this blog post, we will discuss what to think about when picking a cloud service provider. But first, let's see how managed cloud IT services help businesses keep their data safe. Keep reading!
Importance of Employing Cloud IT Services
Managed IT services are your shield against cyber threats like viruses and hackers. They are like your trusty sidekick, making sure you are always following the rules and staying on the right side of the law. Plus, they keep your systems up to date with the latest security standards and regulations.
It's all about being one step ahead, protecting your sensitive data from any sneaky intruders, and making sure you are ticking all the regulatory boxes. They are on constant watch, sniffing out any dodgy activity, patching up any weak spots, and putting up a solid defense to keep your business safe.
Tips To Select A Cloud Service Provider
1. Assess the Provider’s Cloud Expertise
Look for a cloud service provider with deep expertise in cloud technologies, holding top-tier distinctions within their Cloud Service Provider (CSP) ecosystems. Partners who have achieved APN Premier Partner status demonstrate the highest level of expertise, having excelled in various criteria such as delivering successful customer outcomes and possessing multiple prestigious cloud certifications.
Furthermore, there are specific partner competencies designed for various industries and specialized areas, such as the DevOps competency or the Healthcare competency, which partners can achieve by focusing on specific domains. Look for a partner that holds a blend of competencies that align well with your business needs.
2. Examine the Provider’s Cloud Knowledge
Choose a managed cloud service provider that enables you to effortlessly harness multiple clouds to meet various technical or business needs. If you prioritize the public cloud, evaluate the support for different public cloud providers. Ideally, select an MSP with extensive expertise in major cloud providers and stay updated on emerging cloud technologies.
Furthermore, they should possess capabilities that extend across multiple clouds, allowing you to maintain strong, uniform security, and compliance standards even when transitioning between different cloud environments.
3. Consider the Provider’s Industry Specialization
Look for a specialized cloud service provider that caters specifically to your industry, rather than a generalist, particularly if you operate in a highly regulated sector such as healthcare, public sector, oil and gas, or financial services.
A specialized partner will be well-versed in the distinct challenges of your industry and can offer customized solutions. They will grasp the particular cloud services pertinent to your business, how to maximize their utilization, and will be aware of forthcoming advancements in your industry.
4. Check the Provider’s Response Timeline
Some managed cloud service providers show a lag in responding to tickets, which can significantly impede productivity and innovation. Your capacity to tackle necessary changes or address issues hinges on the efficiency of your cloud partner in resolving the matter.
When assessing a potential partner, ask about their average ticket resolution time and the percentage of tickets usually resolved within an hour.
5. Inquire About the Services Offered
Review the array of managed cloud IT services offered by the provider. Verify if they provide managed compliance services, and if they do, which compliance frameworks they support. Ask about the security services they provide - do they handle incident management, or do they simply provide alerts for you to manage on your own?
Find out if they provide cloud cost optimization services, as managing cloud costs is a top priority for IT leaders. Most importantly, clarify the role your cloud partner will play. Will they primarily serve as a help desk and ticketing system, or will they provide direct access to a cloud strategist who can assist in aligning your technology with business goals?
6. Assess the Degree of Automation Offered
Ask about the level of automation in the managed cloud services provided by a potential cloud partner. Ascertain whether the services are predominantly automated or delivered through human intervention.
A higher degree of automation usually corresponds to more robust cloud security measures. Additionally, this metric acts as an indicator of the partner's expertise and maturity in cloud services.
Final Words
By teaming up with the appropriate managed cloud service provider, your business can boost its agility, strengthen security measures, and maximize the value derived from cloud services. Conversely, opting for the wrong partner could hinder your progress in achieving business objectives. Moreover, ensure to select a managed cloud service partner that offers scalable discounts according to your usage.
If you are looking to expedite your business outcomes through efficient cloud services, KatPro could be the perfect managed cloud services partner!