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With the new year, it’s common to re-evaluate current business processes and technologies.   We are talking to more and more companies that are thinking about moving to the cloud and we know it can potentially be a big move.  Businesses need the right technology, the right migration path, the right execution and support for successful implementation and use. In addition, business owners are also looking at the cost  - which always poses the question:

Is moving to the cloud the right move financially?

In order to determine if the cloud will give your business cost savings, you first have to determine the value of your business applications. In order to determine this, many questions must be asked. Most importantly, it’s the people who are answering these questions that will create a true picture of each application’s value. These answers are not solely given by IT but are found with the business owners or units that require the application.  Today, both business drivers and IT need to be on the same page, so they can work towards the business goals together.

With the business goals in mind, ask: Which applications are most crucial to your business? More than likely, each manager, business unit, leader, etc. is going to say that their application is most important. But, if you can get candid answers by asking detailed and direct questions, finding a hierarchy and application interdependencies can be determined. Here is a short list of questions that should be answered:

  • Who or What depends on the application
  • How many customers/users are there
  • How often is the application used - are there peak times/ valleys
  • Are there minimum performance requirements
  • How long is the historical data required to be available -days, weeks, years
  • After a DR event, how quickly does the app need to be back up and running OR what is your Recovery Time Objective (RTO) - This answer should be driven by business goals
  • Are there governance requirements for the application’s data
  • Which applications have a direct relation to creating revenue
  • Can you quantify downtime by dollars and cents

By doing your due diligence with each application, the answer to “Which applications are most crucial to the business?” will most likely present itself without the white noise of management arguing in the background that one is more important than the other.  By looking at the results of your findings, moving the cloud – whether it's partially or going all in – should be an easier decision. 

From there, you can utilize these answers and business goals during the process of finding the right cloud platform and provider.  A good cloud provider, like Net3, will work to meet your business objectives and provide superior support at a good cost without hidden fees and charges.

At the end of the day, only you can determine if the cloud offers your business cost savings.  There are many benefits to the cloud but not every business is suited for it – for a variety of reasons.  If you need assistance in determining if the cloud is right for your business, contact us and we will be happy to begin the process with you.

 

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