Creating a scalable cloud strategy and what to include

With 94 percent of businesses already using some form of cloud computing, it’s clear that the cloud is the way forward for growing enterprises. But before you jump on the cloud or deploy any new programs, you need an effective cloud strategy. Why? Let’s take a look.  

Benefits of having a cloud strategy

There’s no doubt that cloud computing is a massive undertaking for any business. And, just like any other undertaking, you can’t jump in without a plan. But to make it more transparent, here are two specific reasons you need a cloud strategy.

  • Forty percent of businesses worry about the IT costs associated with cloud computing. But, realistically, the reason costs spiral is often inefficient planning.
  • Without a proper plan, you’re leaving your infrastructure open to security vulnerabilities as your company grows. 

Try to think of your cloud strategy as a fundamental part of your overall IT planning. That way, it’s easier to remember why you need a clear plan from the get-go. 

So now we’re clear on the benefits of a cloud strategy, here are four tips for creating your own. 

1. Establish your goals

You need to decide what role the cloud plays in your short and long-term business strategy. Here are some issues to consider.

  • What are your day-to-day business activities? 
  • Which programs or apps do you need to improve your operational efficiency?
  • How much storage do you need?
  • Do you have any industry-specific compliance requirements, e.g., HIPAA? 
  • Where are your employees – are they working remotely? 

Answer these questions – and whatever other questions they raise – before moving on.

2. Use a load balancing service

Service quality matters to every business. So to reduce performance blips, think about using a load balancing service. Load balancing services:

  • Help you automate tasks and perform more efficiently
  • Control peaks and drops in server traffic by spreading it across more “virtual” machines

These services are essential to help you reduce downtime and improve performance.

3. Implement a stateless cloud 

Want to reduce your storage needs and boost performance? Then you need a stateless cloud. Stateless clouds:

  • Improve security because you’re not revealing or storing credential data 
  • Are much easier to scale across multiple servers than “stateful” clouds 

If you still need some state, then simply use an Enterprise Integration Pattern. These services help you balance your entire system, stateless and stateful. Alternatively, you might introduce one or two schema servers to improve system organization. 

4. Plan adequate recovery procedures 

No cloud strategy is complete without considering what you’ll do if there’s a data breach or system error, and you need to recover key files. So, think about what storage space and backup support you need. 

For example, many companies opt for flexible cloud storage packages – you only pay for what you need, and you can change your requirements as your company grows. 

Takeaway

Before taking your company to the cloud, it’s vital you spend time devising a solid cloud strategy. That way, you can ensure you’re only ever paying for the services you need, but your cloud is still flexible enough to grow as you do. For more information on cloud strategies, contact us today.