You need a managed cloud service provider to navigate the cloud of the future
Key Takeaways:
- As work changed completely during the pandemic, cloud computing soared
- Cloud spending increased by 37% just in the first quarter of 2020 alone
- Although 99% of companies have adopted the cloud, migration is a different story: Only 50% of workloads and 46% of company data are in the cloud
- Due to the complexity of cloud migration and a skills gap within internal IT teams, companies are depending on managed cloud services providers to help make the leap
- Companies that don’t keep up with technology risk losing the best and brightest – almost 49% of workers say they will leave a company with out-of-date technology
The pandemic changed how many businesses work, especially by accelerating the shift to hybrid and cloud computing. But beyond just enabling remote work, this shift revealed real security benefits. Today, companies are focusing more and more on hybrid networks and using the cloud to create more secure and reliable IT environments.
Many businesses are continuing to shift away from local servers as they become impractical in a world where almost any of your employees may need to access information anywhere at any time, but you still need to maintain tight security and access discipline. That’s why digital transformation became the byword of the day as cloud spending increased by 37% in the first quarter of 2020 alone. Large-scale cloud migrations became vital for the survival of any business.
Today, those hesitant initial steps toward cloud migration have become a full push and the byword is now “cloud-first.” Let’s take a look at the changes that have come with cloud computing and how to use these advances to support and retain a growing, productivity-focused workforce.
The rise of the cloud
While 99% of organizations use one or more cloud providers, only 50% of workloads and 46% of company data are in public clouds. That number is growing daily. Most companies (78%) take a hybrid approach that uses both public and private cloud platforms.
Cloud spending continues to increase as well. However, it’s estimated that organizations waste a whopping 30% of their cloud investments.
Wasted cloud spending and cloud migrations gone wrong have plagued the switch to cloud-first IT. These failures cost time and money to fix, and even more time and money if they aren’t fixed. And the problems are not going away. Waste can be eased with dedicated multi-cloud management, cost management, security, governance tools, and automation, but these solutions are only as good as the technical team you have running them. Most small and medium-sized businesses can’t make that commitment.
A more affordable way to optimize cloud spending and reduce waste is to work with a managed cloud services provider (MSP). As more companies embrace digital transformation, they are making MSPs an integral part of their IT team to fill internal skill and resource gaps. They rely on their MSP to manage their cloud, boost productivity, and meet the security challenges inherent with a remote workforce.
The cloud of the future
Business technology has been transformed by the cloud, with applications and services that are firmly ensconced in day-to-day operations. It’s also an essential tool for a productive remote workforce. The future of cloud computing offers both innovation and increased complexity. Here are some predictions about the future of the cloud and how it will affect the businesses of tomorrow and their employees.
- Advanced security enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can help automate threat detection. Remote working provides a plethora of security issues. It’s important, though, to keep in mind that 95% of cloud security failures are the fault of human beings. Proper employee training is required to address this risk.
- Increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks. This, of course, requires a set of advanced technical skills, but its implementation will increase productivity, optimize resources, and allow staff to spend their time on tasks that add real value. And what was once an expensive tool reserved for large companies will continue to become more accessible and affordable.
- Edge computing brings speed to remote work. Data storage is closer to devices, which means edge computing speeds up access and increases productivity. It’s extremely useful for workers in remote locations with a slow connection as well as in offices when multiple people want to access the same data at the same time. It’s helpful for tools like AI that require a fast network.
Migrating to the cloud is no longer an option for companies that want to attract and retain the best talent. No one wants to be stuck in a company with obsolete technology that limits their career prospects. Almost a third of employees at mid-sized companies said technical problems caused a lack of engagement and motivation, and about half said they would leave a company due to frustrations with out-of-date technology.
A managed cloud services provider keeps your cloud running smoothly. Managed services can change the game for businesses by eliminating recurring in-house operational IT costs, automating critical workflows, and making your IT systems more efficient to help achieve business goals and scale with them.
In essence, a cloud managed services provider can help your team handle every aspect of cloud computing, from security and network operations to cloud, app, and IT lifecycle management. They take on the responsibility for migration, performance, security, and maintenance.
Bringing the future into the now
CIOs in companies of all sizes and across all industries have found that a managed cloud services provider with a team of certified cloud experts and engineers is the key to achieving business goals in their cloud strategies. Cloud-specific expertise means you get the right solution for your business at the right cost. Employees are happy and productive, and your internal IT team can concentrate on revenue-generating projects.
Cloud computing isn’t just the future of business operations, it’s the future of your workforce. Embrace the right solutions and the right help to ensure your company has the flexibility and agility to move confidently into the future.
iVenture offers expert cloud migration and complete IT management services to companies of all sizes. We’ll help you create a stable and secure cloud future by filling skill gaps with seasoned experts. We offer network management, IT support, and strategic technology planning. We also offer critical project management, and we have deep knowledge of cybersecurity and risk management.
Contact us for a free comprehensive evaluation of your current cloud computing strategy and how we can help your organization and employees reach their full potential.
