It’s becoming more common to have applications in the cloud, and most companies that are engaged in cloud technology are running a hybrid cloud solution. What often happens, though, is that applications are gradually placed on the cloud without an intentional plan on how to manage a bigger cloud strategy.
If you’re considering implementing a cloud strategy, you’ll likely be in the minority of companies that have one. The migration to cloud is often so gradual that it seems to creep into dominating the ways a company operates. It’s always better to plan a strategy for your IT environment, rather than letting it sort of happen to you. Here are a couple of elements you’ll want to include in a documented cloud strategy:
Security: This encompasses a lot of topics, of course, but particularly related to compliance and data, you’ll want to ask a few questions to establish your strategy:
- Which data types does your company consider to be most valuable?
- What kinds of personal information do you have for both employees and customers, and which applications contain this type of data?
- How will data be secured?
Additional security concerns to address in your cloud strategy include:
- How will you manage the use of personal applications or personal mobile devices by employees?
- Are employees able to download applications into your system without going through IT?
Vendor relationships: Choosing a cloud provider is a big step as you’re outsourcing a major aspect of your business. Make sure you have a solid vendor agreement that’s been reviewed by a legal professional well-versed in cloud technology contracts.
In your cloud strategy, you can also include information about which additional elements need to be present in a vendor agreement, such as data ownership, security responsibilities and access during disputes. You can also spell out liability and indemnity information in the case of a data breach.
When it comes to vendor relationships, you also want to be sure that the vendor can act as an extension of your own company culture. Choose a vendor that fits your company’s personality, and if there are certain traits in a business that will define your choices, include them in your cloud strategy. If, for instance, you are a company that includes volunteerism as a big part of your culture, you may want to choose a cloud provider that also embraces giving back to the community.
If you’re considering a move to the cloud, you want a partner that can walk through each step with you to make it a success. Talk with the team at Copper State Communications to initiate a cloud strategy that will protect your company and help you drive progress for growth.
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