Published on 29 December 2020
Cloud services have played a big part in the transition to home working, but it also offers many other benefits. Increased efficiency and security, with lower costs, are just a few of the ways cloud IT can improve your existing infrastructure. The trend towards cloud services is definitely on the up. In this blog, we take a look at how the cloud can enhance your IT infrastructure.
Cloud hosting services provide a framework for storing and managing data and applications on the internet rather than on local servers or personal computers. This service spans various forms, including public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid clouds, each offering distinct benefits and configurations. The public cloud offers services over the internet for public use, private clouds are reserved for specific clientele, and hybrid clouds combine both elements, offering a balanced solution. Utilising cloud hosting allows businesses to enjoy significant benefits such as enhanced flexibility, improved disaster recovery processes, and lower upfront costs, fundamentally changing the traditional hosting approach.
Cloud computing is categorised into three primary services that cater to different business needs: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). IaaS provides fundamental computing, network, and storage resources on-demand, from the cloud, with a pay-as-you-go model.
PaaS offers a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without the complexity of building and maintaining the infrastructure typically associated with the process.
SaaS delivers software applications over the internet, on a subscription basis, freeing users from complex software and hardware management.
Here at Bluebell, we offer cloud services from Microsoft (365 and Azure) and AWS (Amazon Web Services).
Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services are globally two of the largest public cloud providers. They both offer similar services to help businesses scale up and grow. It can be confusing to know which one you should choose for your business.
Security and cost will need to be considered. Additionally, your choice will depend on what your business wants to do within the cloud environment as well as your existing IT infrastructure.
With both AWS and Azure, it’s difficult to put one above the other. So, it’s more a question of which one is best for your business. The Bluebell team will help you by auditing your current network and its applications with an open mind so that you get the best possible outcome.
The scope of cloud IT services is vast, providing businesses with better tools to streamline operations and reduce IT overhead. Companies leveraging cloud solutions can adapt more swiftly to market changes and demands, thanks to the flexibility offered by cloud environments. Here are the main services of AWS and Microsoft Azure and some things to consider.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leader in the cloud service market, offering a comprehensive suite of scalable and flexible cloud computing services. AWS allows businesses to access computing power, storage options, and database management services without the financial burden of physical hardware.
This versatility makes AWS the preferred cloud service in many companies’ cloud strategies, particularly for those requiring a robust public cloud environment that supports complex disaster recovery plans and diverse operational needs.
Microsoft Azure is a comprehensive set of cloud services that helps organisations meet their business challenges. Azure allows you to build, manage, and deploy applications on a massive, global network using your favourite tools and frameworks. With its strong hybrid cloud capabilities, Azure provides a seamless connection between on-premises and the public cloud, offering greater flexibility and scalability. Moreover, Azure’s integration with Microsoft products ensures a familiar and cohesive experience, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
The Microsoft 365 bundle is packed full of features including communications apps, file storage, the complete Office suite and security.
The advantages are that you can work securely from anywhere that has an internet connection. You no longer need to worry about updating and rebooting your software as this is done automatically at regular intervals. It also offers advanced security features, such as two-factor authentication for users.
One minimal drawback to Microsoft 365 is if the clients you work with don’t use cloud systems or they have different software. That said, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that will be the case and there are usually ways around these small hiccups.
One of the most important functions in cloud IT, especially in today’s world of remote working, is the ability to communicate instantly. Microsoft Teams is a business communication platform within Microsoft 365. It will enable your team to send messages, set up virtual meetings and access all your files securely from anywhere. Additionally, you’ll have access to all the latest versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint. And, you get 1,000 gigabytes in which to store all your files.
Azure has some remarkable features, too. Its pay-as-you-go model is suitable for both small and large businesses, scaling up or down accordingly with real-time functionality. This is the type of technological advancement we come to expect from Microsoft. It continues to provide even more flexibility and control than ever before.
AWS is not without massive benefits too, though. Security from hackers is vital to any business and AWS take this very seriously. Large organisations such as Dow Jones and Adobe are convinced enough of this to use their services. Furthermore, the flexibility that AWS offers means it is also suitable for both small and large businesses. It can provide the computing needs for a start-up adapting quickly if the company grows.
Its pricing structure is also extremely accurate and is based on pay-as-you-go, with charges calculated by the minute.
From small startups to large corporations, cloud solutions are tailored to the dynamic needs of every business model, reshaping traditional IT strategies into more agile practices.
The advantages of migrating to cloud services extend well beyond simple cost savings. They encompass a range of operational enhancements that can fundamentally alter the landscape of business operations. These benefits are integral to not just maintaining competitiveness but propelling a business forward in an increasingly digital world.
Cloud environments inherently offer scalability and flexibility that traditional IT structures can’t match. Whether scaling up to accommodate growth or scaling down in response to decreased demand, cloud services provide businesses with the agility to adjust their resources efficiently. This scalability ensures that businesses can respond to market conditions with agility, without the lead times typically associated with upgrading physical infrastructure.
Contrary to common concerns, cloud services often enhance a company’s security posture. Providers invest heavily in the latest security measures to protect data and ensure compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. From automated backups to advanced threat detection, cloud providers are equipped to safeguard critical business data and ensure disaster recovery with far greater efficacy than traditional IT setups.
The cloud enables real-time collaboration regardless of geographical barriers. Tools like Microsoft Office 365 allow team members to access documents, communicate, and collaborate through a single platform from anywhere in the world. This accessibility is pivotal for enhancing operational efficiency and fostering a collaborative workplace, which in turn boosts overall productivity.
Cloud services are no longer just an option but a necessity for modern business operations and sustainability. They provide a foundation for innovation, efficiency, and scalability that can drive businesses to new heights. As the technology landscape evolves, so does the potential of cloud environments to transform core business processes and enable companies to respond more adeptly to the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
If you would like to find out more about how cloud services can enhance your IT infrastructure, contact us today at 01908 044202. Alternatively, you can send a message via our contact page.
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