Enterprise Cloud Benefits and Concerns for SMBs

Posted January 17, 2023

Enterprise cloud is a type of cloud computing service that is designed to meet the computing needs of organizations requiring enterprise-level features such as scalability, reliability, security, and management tools. These features are delivered through a variety of cloud deployment models, including public, private, and hybrid cloud.

In a public cloud, the resources and services are made available over the internet by a cloud provider, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Public cloud services are often pay-as-you-go, meaning that businesses only pay for what they use.

A private cloud is a cloud deployment where the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an individual organization. Private cloud is often deployed within the organization’s own data center and offers more control and customization options compared to public cloud.

A hybrid cloud is a combination of both public and private cloud deployment. This allows organizations to use the best of both worlds, where sensitive data can be kept in private cloud while other less sensitive data can be stored in public cloud. This allows the organization to benefit from the scalability and cost-effectiveness of public cloud, while still maintaining control over their sensitive data.

Enterprise cloud services can include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). These services provide businesses with the necessary infrastructure, platforms, and software to run their IT operations and applications, allowing them to focus on growing their business.

there are several benefits of enterprise cloud for small and mid-sized businesses:

Scalability: With enterprise cloud, businesses can scale their resources up or down as needed, which can help them reduce IT costs.
Flexibility: Enterprise cloud solutions can be accessed seamlessly from anywhere with an internet connection, which allows employees to work remotely and collaborate more easily.
Reliability: Cloud providers invest heavily in maintaining their infrastructure, which can help ensure that businesses always have access to their data and applications at all times.
Security: Enterprise cloud providers often have more robust security measures in place than small and mid-sized businesses would be able to afford on their own.
Cost-effective: With enterprise cloud, businesses don’t need to invest in expensive hardware or maintain their own data centers. Additionally, instead of paying upfront for licenses and hardware, cloud services can be pay-as-you-go, making it possible for a Small or mid-sized businesses to access enterprise-level technology without significant investment
Agile: Cloud-based services allow for easy deployment and continuous integration, enabling companies to be more responsive to changes in market conditions and new opportunities.

Overall, enterprise cloud solutions can help small and mid-sized businesses become more competitive by providing access to enterprise-level technology at a lower cost, while also improving their ability to scale, collaborate, and stay secure.

However, there are a few concerns to consider when switching to enterprise cloud:

Security: Although enterprise cloud providers generally have robust security measures in place, businesses still need to ensure that their data is secure and comply with any regulatory requirements. They must also ensure that the data is being stored in the region as per the compliance
Vendor lock-in: Once a business has invested in a particular cloud provider’s services and infrastructure, it can be difficult to switch to a different provider. So it’s important to choose a cloud provider that is a good fit for the business’s needs and has transparent pricing, scalability, and data portability options
Internet connectivity: A reliable internet connection is necessary for a business to take full advantage of enterprise cloud services. If the provider’s internet connectivity is poor, undersized, or too many hops from your primary access locations, it can cause the service to be slow, adding to frustrations and reducing productivity.
Data governance: Storing data in the cloud can raise questions about who owns the data, where it’s located, and who has access to it. Businesses must consider data governance policies and procedures to ensure data compliance and data protection.
Compliance: Depending on the industry, there may be specific regulatory compliance requirements that must be met. Businesses should ensure that the cloud provider they choose can help them comply with these requirements.

Overall, while enterprise cloud can offer many benefits, it’s important for businesses to weigh the potential concerns and choose the right provider. It’s also important to do thorough research and evaluation of different cloud providers, their pricing, scalability, and data portability before making a decision. Partnering with an MSP who has real-world experience in cloud migrations is a great first step.

Scott Anderson

Scott Anderson is Partner / CTO of Verus Corp. He works with mid- and large-sized companies to ensure that all of their managed IT service needs are met to their highest standards. Scott knows that giving customers exactly what they need requires flexibility and patience. He works with each department to carry out documentation and the processes of providing managed IT services. Every position that Scott has held has been largely focused on customer service. This expertise and experience means that you’ll be getting a holistic and customer-centered experience from Verus Corp, from installation to troubleshooting. Scott has provided services that have helped Verus Corp be named a Cisco Select Partner and WatchGuard Partner of the Year. Most recently, Verus Corp was named the second best place to work by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Scott has a Bachelor’s in Speech from St. Cloud State University.