What is cloud enablement? It’s a term that gets thrown around a lot in tech circles. But it seems vague and mysterious if you’re not already taking advantage of it.
If you already know what cloud computing is, you most likely use it personally, if not professionally. And enablement seems clear enough on its own, but what happens when someone offers you cloud enablement services?
To better explain cloud enablement, we will first describe what cloud computing is, its potential benefits, and roadblocks. This will make it much easier to understand how cloud enablement works.
The Benefits of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing refers to the practice of moving data and applications online. Instead of storing your information on servers in your office, you store and access them using the internet, which has many benefits. Here are some of the most important benefits of the cloud:
Cost Savings
- No need to purchase or upgrade hardware
- Software upgrades are part of a predictable OpEx pricing model
- Lowers your IT budget
Availability
- Data can be accessed from anywhere
- Your provider guarantees uptime
- Staff in different locations can collaborate in real-time
Disaster Recovery
- Eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site backups
- Data and applications are still available from alternate locations if your office is compromised
Scalability
- Storage capacity is virtually unlimited
- Rapidly scale up capacity to meet rising demand
- Scale down as needed so you only pay for what you use
Security
- Data is protected 24/7 by experts on the latest threats
- Your data is secure even if your premises are not
- Cloud providers monitor for new threats or vulnerabilities
Companies that have already transitioned to the cloud are seeing a particular benefit as the world faces a pandemic and businesses struggle to adapt to lockdowns and social distancing rules. New work-from-home (WFH) policies are much more easily implemented when your data is available remotely, and no one is required to head into the office to maintain on-premise servers.
While moving business-critical data and applications seemed risky and frightening when cloud computing first appeared, it quickly became clear that the benefits of cloud enablement far outweighed the risks.
Challenges That Come With Cloud
OK, if the cloud is so great, why isn’t everyone using it?
Adopting it can still be challenging, no matter how great a technological solution is. Change always comes with a few roadblocks — even if that change is for the better. Let’s look at a few of the most common perceived roadblocks to cloud adoption.
Selection
There are multiple types of clouds. Which do you need: Public? Private? Hybrid? How do you know what’s best for you?
Upfront Effort
A transition doesn’t come without cost. You’ll need to set everything up to suit your needs and possibly train your staff to use it or expand your monthly bandwidth.
Downtime
It’s every prospective cloud user’s worst nightmare. Having everything online seems great until your connection fails. What happens then?
Security
Putting your business-critical data and applications in someone else’s hands is daunting. How can you know it will be kept safe and secure?
Those look like some pretty severe roadblocks. Depending on your business’s size, scope, and nature, even one might be enough to put you off. After all, you’re not a cloud expert. How can you be sure this is the right choice for your business? That’s where cloud enablement comes in.
So, What is Cloud Enablement?
Moving to the cloud has its advantages, but it can also present significant challenges. Without proper planning and execution, the process can be complicated and expensive. To ensure a smooth transition and successful cloud adoption, it’s crucial to have the right expertise and tools. Cloud enablement can help you achieve your cloud computing goals with ease and efficiency.
Cloud enablement is the process of:
- Assessing your organization’s cloud needs
- Planning a cloud solution that will meet those needs
- Building your cloud solution
- Deploying your cloud solution
But you’re not a cloud expert.
If you are still contemplating a move to the cloud, it is likely that you do not have an in-house cloud expert. This raises the question of how to enable cloud services. The answer is simple: you need to find a trustworthy partner who can understand your organization and its needs. This partner should be able to assist you in designing, building, and implementing a cloud solution.
At AISN, we’ve made it our business to simplify cloud enablement for companies whose needs are too complex to make the move themselves. We’ll work with you to ensure your cloud solution is everything you need: reliable, secure, compliant, and, most of all, an investment from which you benefit. Contact us today to discuss what we can do for you.
