
Why it could be time to switch your server for a cloud-based solution
25 Mar 2019
Published in: Member News
Businesses cannot afford to fall behind when it comes to IT, whether it is security, accessibility or game-changing technology, IT is integral to success.
Businesses cannot afford to fall behind when it comes to IT, whether
it is security, accessibility or game-changing technology, IT is integral to
success.
Cloud technology has transformed the IT demands of the workplace
bringing the flexibility and security that connects remote workers and clients
through agile working.
Cloud-based solutions present a strong alternative to the office-based
servers that have historically provided IT infrastructures in SMEs.
Available with the backing of global tech titans such as Microsoft,
Cloud-based solutions bring a strong sense of security and reliability.
An unpredictable server can prove to be a real problem when it comes
to productivity and reliability. After all a workforce unable to access and
work on a company’s main database is only going to be frustrated by losing
access to files and emails.
There is no doubt about it, an unreliable server is going to hold your
company back but replacing like-for-like with a new server will require a
significant upfront investment.
A new server can come with a price tag of around £16,500 and will mean
forecasting future needs to ensure the demands of the future are met.
While moving to a cloud-based solution may seem like a significant leap
for a SME to take, the reality is that it may be a far more workable and
affordable IT solution.
Well supported cloud solutions will offer the guidance and advice
needed to make the most of the platform.
Operate more
efficiently
In fact making a switch to a cloud-based solution could breathe new
life into a SME and open up new opportunities and ways of working that enhance
productivity and communication.
The support and usability that is built into cloud-based solutions
could actually help your company to operate more efficiently and improve
performance.
Using an integrated system should also allow you to focus on the main
objectives of your SME and to plan ahead.
A huge benefit of a cloud-based solution is the way in which it
supports agile working, opening up new possibilities and making valuable
connections.
Microsoft 365 embodies the efficient robustness of a cloud-based
solution by combining the most up-to-date Microsoft operation system for
computers and mobile devices with a top level security and excellent management
tools.
If a company was to invest in a server for 15 users for a period of 60
months, along with Microsoft Office, email, an operating system and the added
cost of power, a warranty and installation they would be looking at a bill of
around £16,500.
A similar cloud-based solution would cost around £16.00 per employee
per month. By being cloud-based the solution can be adapted to the needs of the
company and changes in technology.
A server on the other hand would generally have a five-year lifespan, and
to make savings it can be tempting to push that time frame, risking maintenance
problems and missing out on technological advances.
Flexible working
A cloud-based IT solution brings true flexibility to the workplace
with the need for a location taken out of the equation in many circumstances.
Using Microsoft 365 allows strong and effective remote working between
teams and individuals, where people in different locations can edit and share files
in real time.
Privacy settings are such that the creator can choose who will be able
to view a document once it is uploaded. The inclusion of Microsoft Teams also
enables firms to message clients and or hold video conferences.
It is not just reaching out to clients across the country, or even
across the world, the use of a cloud-based solution also opens up your
employment base.
Working on all devices, cloud solutions usually only require an
internet connection, allowing workers to use different computer platforms,
which could again cut down on expense.
While the investment needed to get the right server for your company
means looking ahead and trying to predict the future, the flexibility of a
cloud-based solution allows for reactive change where investment can increase
as your company grows.
Safe and secure
A reliable solution is absolutely essential when it comes to putting
in place a new IT infrastructure. Using Microsoft 365 means you are relying on
Microsoft’s infrastructure, which has an uptime of 99.999% and the added
guarantee of being supported by a financially-backed service level agreement.
While concerns around connectivity can be an issue the focus for
businesses should be on establishing a secure internet connection to ensure
access to emails, social media and any online services. Back-up solutions such
as a secondary connection or a mobile tether for laptops can help to add
reassurance.
Aside of connectivity, security remains a major concern in IT. In
relation to cloud-based solutions a major concern is where data is located. European
law is extremely firm on data protection and with data centres in Cardiff,
Durham and London, Microsoft meets these regulations for UK-based companies.
Microsoft 365 features anti-spam and anti-malware protection along
with a five-layer security system that boasts built-in privacy and compliance
tools to protect against risks such as ransomware and data leaks.
Real time proactive monitoring pushes the overall security performance
of Microsoft 365 up to the highest level to target issues such as workers
clicking through to unsafe websites, which the system will flag up or block. Email
can also be configured to prevent messages being forwarded.
The level of protection afforded to companies by Microsoft 365 extends
to preventing data from being accessed by unauthorised individuals by stopping staff
saving company information to personal apps or forwarding it to their personal
email. If an employee leaves the business or a device is stolen, the data can be
wiped.
Find a solution
fit for the future
Investing in a new IT solution can be daunting and companies need to
be sure they have the right solution.
Switching from an outdated server to a flexible cloud-based solution in
partnership with a good managed service provider (MSP) is an ideal way to
implement the change.
A reliable MSP will thoroughly assess your business to identify an
affordable, customised solution that meets the needs of the company and will help
it to reach future goals. MSPs have expert knowledge of cloud-based solutions
and will ensure your company gets the best deal to serve its needs.
If you are considering replacing your server, or want to switch to an
agile work structure get in touch with a reputable MSP to find out how a
cloud-based solution would work for you.
With cloud-based IT solutions offering tough security, supporting
flexible working and cutting costs the change could help to put your business
in a strong position for the future.
Comments
Post A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment. Please click here to login.