How can businesses reap the full benefits of cloud working?
1. Products don’t work for the business as it is right now
Problem:
For many organisations, the allure of migrating to the cloud meant they may have moved without enough planning. For others, the pandemic forced their hand to move. The switch did help businesses at the time, allowing them to continue operating when they might not have been able to otherwise. But in many cases it was not a long-term strategic decision that works now.
Solution:
Review your business strategy and consider which IT solution best meets these goals. Does this align with the licences you currently pay for, or do you need to make changes?
2. Redundant functionality
Problem:
Many smaller businesses are now growing concerned about the costs of their cloud platforms. They know that in their desire to keep the show on the road over the pandemic, they may have paid for functionality they don’t need or doesn’t best meet their needs.
Solution:
Undertake a strategic review of all licences you are paying for within each product. Are they used and adding value to the business? Can they be cut, or changed to another version of licence to save costs or improve functionality?
3. Productivity concerns
Problem:
The cloud has made remote work easier than ever, but not every business leader sees this as good. Privately, some are concerned that their people are less productive when working at home.
Solution:
Make sure all staff working remotely have the right tools and a secure, quality internet connection. That way there is a level playing field for all staff, and managers can manage productivity and performance fairly.
4. Cost
Problem:
With the price of cloud storage and SaaS platforms rising, it’s no longer the case that cloud solutions are usually cheaper. With cloud platforms often harder to leave than to join, some business leaders are growing concerned that they are hostages to more and more price increases.
Solution:
Stay in control of costs by knowing exactly what you are paying for and how long you are under contract. Unlike key spending categories like payroll, decisions about spending on SaaS licences are often decentralised and in some cases it has been hard for business leaders to know exactly what they are paying for.
Migrating your business IT infrastructure to the cloud is not a ‘set it and forget it’ decision, but something that should be regularly monitored and reviewed. The review process should cover:
» value for money
» reliability
» productivity
» security
» compliance
» disaster recovery
» customer experience
A managed service provider, like Beaming, can work with you to complete this and find solutions that line up with your specific business goals.
Download the full report: Making the cloud work for UK businesses
- This includes:
- – IT trends in UK businesses – results from our survey of UK business leaders
- – The cost of cloud: Facts and figures
- – What are SMEs doing about the creeping cost of cloud?
- – 5 step guide: Reviewing your cloud costs
About Beaming
We’re Beaming, a specialist internet service provider (ISP) for businesses. We’ve been helping organisations across the UK with fast, reliable, and secure voice and data connectivity, as well as managed services, since 2004.
From the resilient and secure network we’ve built, to the choice of tailormade products all supplied with expert service, we provide peace of mind that businesses require.
We know that your business is unique, so we take the time to get to know you and your specific needs. If you’re looking for a reliable ISP for your business, we’d love to chat.