Connecting To The Cloud | 4 questions you need to ask telecom providers
The past year saw an overwhelming adoption of cloud computing, software-as-a-service (SaaS) and hosted applications, as many businesses chose to store their data online rather than on physical computers and servers. A new report from Cisco estimates that cloud computing usage is expected to grow twelvefold by 2015, But an increasing number of local companies are finding that simply having the cloud in their business isn't enough; it's how quickly and reliably they can access that cloud (and the applications in it) that will determine their success in 2012.
Businesses are also finding that the cloud helps reduce energy consumption and offers them the flexibility to purchase more data storage for only as long as they need it, rather than being forced to invest in costly office equipment that takes years to pay off.
What does this mean? It means that if your company’s needs change — as in, you suddenly need much more storage space than you did several months ago, but know that it's only temporary — you can accommodate them quickly, effectively and economically.
Deciding to move your data to the cloud is a big step, but your decisions can’t stop there, even after you’ve selected a cloud provider. Ensuring that you have a reliable, fast and secure way to connect to that cloud is the final link in establishing a solid cloud computing strategy. There are dozens of telecom provider options, but here are four key questions you should ask that might help you narrow your options:
1. “Does your network have the reach we need?”
If you rely on transferring data between offices, it’s critical to select a provider that offers a wide network — and double check that coverage map to make sure that all of your locations are within that footprint. Just because Office A may appear to have excellent connectivity does not guarantee that Office B, located 20 miles away, will have that same connectivity.
2. “How quickly — and in what increments — can you change our bandwidth?”
Having the ability to scale up or down can help companies save money depending on what makes the most sense for them. Certain companies offer the option of making these changes with a simple phone call, which can save hours of aggravation and enhance business productivity.
3. “How often does your network experience connectivity disruptions?”
The vast majority of telecom providers operate over another telecom provider’s fiber lines. This means that, although you may be under contract with a smaller company that boasts lower monthly charges, you’re actually still using the same line that one of the larger companies is using. How does this affect you? If an outage does occur, going to your main point of contact may not resolve the problem, since there’s now an extra step involved in the process.
4. “What if something goes wrong? How can I reach you?”
Select a telecom provider that not only offers 24/7 customer service, but that also has regional teams that work closely with their customers to deliver personalized attention every time.
Asking these questions and researching how to make the cloud work for you will help ensure the continued success of your business, in 2012 and beyond.
Peter Marsh is regional vice president for Comcast Business Services. Contact him at Peter_Marsh@cable.comcast.com.
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