January 20, 2022

Developing a Cloud Strategy

If you are thinking about moving to the cloud or are already in the cloud but are not sure you are receiving the value you are paying for, developing, or updating your cloud strategy is an excellent place to start. Although it’s best to craft a cloud strategy before adopting cloud computing, many companies wait until they have gained experience with the cloud. The sooner you establish a cloud strategy, the more issues you’ll avoid. If you don’t have a cloud strategy already, you can start creating today. If you have a cloud strategy, we recommend periodically reviewing to account for changes in your needs.

Benefits of a Having a Cloud Strategy

• Maximize cloud computing benefits

  Your cloud strategy should be a living document providing a concise view of the role of cloud computing in your organization.

• Align your cloud strategy with other strategic plans

  . Be sure to communicate with all critical stakeholders and other strategic plans for data center, security, and architecture.

• Plan your cloud strategy as the launching point for all subsequent cloud activities.

  It includes activities such as architecture, assessment, migration, and operations. Achieve this by keeping those activities in mind when devising your cloud strategy.

• Safeguard your organization from any potential problems.
  If you subsequently withdraw from the cloud by including an exit strategy that describes the dependencies and choices involved in cloud computing.

Selecting the Right Cloud Provider

Once you have your overall cloud strategy in place, the next big decision is selecting the right cloud provider. The top three providers, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), all have pros and cons depending upon your business needs. AWS offers a wide range of storage options, while Azure offers specialized solutions such as Data Lake for large, data-rich applications. GCP offers fewer storage options than the other two, but they are more targeted.

Determining the right cloud computing platform for your business can be a subjective exercise. 

Five Areas to Consider when Selecting a Cloud Platform

• Reliability.

  You can find a reliable computing platform by going beyond name recognition. Look for feedback from real customers and a platform that emphasizes security.

• Stability.

  Availability of regular releases, continuous performance, dispersed platforms, and load balancing.

• Pricing.

   Do your homework. What is the cost of running an in-house server versus the available resources of an enterprise cloud? Are there other advantages besides price? Are there “hidden” costs to be considered?

• Standardized services.

   Did you know cost-effective bundles of apps or the resources you need may save you over 40% over buying individual services such as SaaS, IaaS, or other digital products?

• Flexibility.

   Search for a cloud computing platform that allows growth and scalability or downsizing. 

Quick comparison of AWS, Azure, and GCP

All three major providers offer pay-as-you-go models with 24×7 support and threat protection. You may need to look at crucial distinctions among the three-cloud platforms based on your business to determine the right platform for your business.

AWS is the best solution for:

• You’re migrating to the cloud for the first time
• Most of your business apps and platforms are Windows-based
• You’re looking for hybrid and cost-effective solutions
• Increasing or decreasing storage based on your needs
• Enabling you to select an operating system, programming language, and database of your choice

• Loss of minimal information during server and storage transfer
• Offering more data centers for availability and low latency
• Better DevOps support
• Simpler licensing method
• More robust support for Bl and analytics

Azure is the best fit for:

• The capability for developers and users to create, maintain and deploy applications
• A fully scalable cloud computing platform offers open access across multiple languages, frameworks, and tools
• Total support for Microsoft legacy apps
• Greater awareness of enterprise needs
• Easy one-click migrations in many cases
• Conversion of on-premise licenses to the cloud
• Support for mixed Linux/Windows environments
• Offering inbuilt tools like Azure stack to help the organization deliver Azure service from its own data center

Google Cloud is a good fit:

• Providing a comprehensive container-based model
• If you’re looking for a hyper-scale networking environment
• Developing and deploying cloud-based software and apps
• As a green tech solution

Help through the Cloud Maze

Contact one of Dewpoint’s Cloud Strategy Pros to discuss platform options and multi-cloud strategies. We help simplify the process and make sure you get the most value from selecting the right cloud platform.