Data security and efficiency are vital to every business. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and about 43 percent of them target small businesses, many of which never recover.
With technology constantly evolving, it can be difficult to know if you have the best protections in place. And security is one aspect of cloud services. Optimized productivity and user-friendly software are others that can make or break a company.
That is why it is so important to choose the right cloud back-up services. There are a lot of options available, and it can be tough to know where to start.
Below are three tips for choosing a cloud service. Keep reading to find out how to select the best one for your unique business needs.
1. Learn What Services and Protections They Provide
There are lots of different cloud service vendors. The first question to ask when looking for one is what they offer. A good way to do this is to lay out your business’s specific needs, and then see how the company can address them.
Ask about backup capacities and available networks from whatever devices your staff uses. Make sure the software is user-friendly and intuitive for even non-tech-minded personnel. Inquire about data encryption and other protections the company might offer.
Also, ask where their data centers are located. Specifically, find out if cloud data is stored in more than one place and how the companies handle external threats–including natural disasters and cyberterrorism–against their facilities.
2. Compare Prices
Pricing is obviously a factor when choosing cloud services. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples among companies.
Some cloud computing services will offer low introductory rates for comprehensive services, only to jack costs up or cut packages down the road. They are banking on businesses not spending the time and effort to transition to a completely new service.
Understanding these parameters at the outset can save you a lot of hassle and money in the future. Even with specific companies, make sure they can offer the cloud back-up services you need without charging you for ones you do not.
3. Ask About Scalability
Finally, businesses grow and change over time. What you require today in terms of cloud back-up service may be different than what your business needs tomorrow. Make sure you are going with a company that can easily adapt to these changes and make accommodations where necessary.
The good news is that reputable cloud solutions companies already do this well. But it is important to have these conversations at the outset, so that everyone has the same expectations going forward.
Lineup Cloud Back-up Services Today
Now that you have some tips for choosing the right cloud back-up services, you can get started. Spending time researching and speaking with prospective cloud companies can go a long way to protecting your data and increasing productivity going forward.
Voice and Data is a full-service telecommunications broker. Since 2006, we have provided services and products that optimize efficiency, creativity, and a collaborative work environment. Contact us today to set up a free solution review and analysis of your business.