Cloud Architecture

Choosing the Right Cloud Architecture

Looking to move your business to the cloud? You need to choose the right cloud architecture.
A smart choice will help increase your business efficiency, improve collaboration, ease remote access, and reduce complexity. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Read on for a step-by-step guide to choosing the right cloud computing architecture for your business.

Steps to Choose the Right Cloud Architecture

You can choose the right cloud architecture for your business in six simple steps.

Start by identifying your needs. Next, understand the different types of cloud architecture platforms. Then, consider manageability, service level, and support offered by the providers. Finally, set a budget for your organization’s cloud architecture needs.

Take a closer look at these six steps.

1. Identify Your Needs

Before signing up for any cloud architecture plan, take stock of your business IT needs. This will help you pick an affordable plan that meets your short- and long-term goals.

Start by assessing your existing infrastructure, resources, and budget. Next, note the goals you want to achieve from the new cloud architecture. Finally, list down your business IT needs.

Here are some requirements you can include in your list:

• Data security needs
• Data storage requirements
• Regulatory compliance needs
• Estimated number of users
• Remote or mobile capabilities

2. Understand Cloud Architecture

You need to have a better understanding of the different cloud architecture platforms. This will help you make informed decisions. And improve your future planning.

You can pick from these four different types of cloud architecture:

• Public Cloud – This type of cloud is managed by a third party. It has massive amounts of space and is recommended for businesses with a focus on software development and collaborative projects.
• Private Cloud – This type of cloud is used by a single company. It offers great cybersecurity and is useful for companies with very tight regulatory requirements.
• Hybrid Cloud – As the name suggests, this type of cloud combines public clouds with private clouds. It’s perfect for a business that needs a little bit of both options.
• Community Cloud – Also called a multi-cloud, this type of cloud can be used by several businesses that share the same applications. It’s recommended for users that are operating within the same industry.

3. Consider Manageability

When it comes to manageability, different cloud platforms have different needs. To understand this better, you can list the vital services for your business. Then, see how easily the cloud platform you choose is integrated with these services.

Ask questions like:

• Does the cloud architecture suit your workloads and management preferences?
• Does their cloud strategy fit your needs in the long term?
• How do they plan to innovate and help you grow over time?

4. Consider Service Level

While picking the right cloud architect, you will also have to consider their service level. This is especially important if your company has strict needs when it comes to availability, response time, and capacity.
You can establish a legal agreement with the cloud service providers. This will assist you if something doesn’t go as planned.

5. Pay Attention to Support

Support is another important factor to consider. So, make sure to check how quickly and easily the cloud service providers offer support.

Also, check how they offer customer service: through chat, email, or a call center? Or do they provide on-site support? This will help you better understand the level and form of customer service you will have access to.

6. Determine Your Budget

Finally, see how much budget you’re willing to set aside for your cloud architecture needs. That means a fixed budget for the cloud, along with additional software and professional services.

You can set your budget based on your business. For instance, if your business is highly invested in the cloud, don’t fret if investing in cloud architecture is one of your biggest expenses. It will be well worth the results in the long run.

The Takeaway

Choosing the best cloud architecture for your business can help save costs, improve efficiency, and boost security. And the process doesn’t have to be complicated, either.

Follow the key steps we shared with you to ensure you’re getting the best cloud architecture, without frivolous overspending.

Additional Cloud Computing Resources

• Amazon Web Services – Develop, deploy, run, and scale virtually any application on the world’s most reliable, secure, and capable cloud.
• Microsoft Azure – Build innovative new apps with the latest Azure technologies.
• Google Cloud – Build apps faster, make smarter business decisions, and connect people anywhere.
• IBM Cloud – Hybrid. Open. Resilient. Your platform and partner for digital transformation.
• Oracle Cloud – The next-generation cloud designed to run any application, faster and more securely, for less.