It's no secret that cloud computing is all the rage these days, so you've undoubtedly been approached by cloud service providers to adopt the technology. Cloud computing has many benefits, and small- and medium-sized (SMB) businesses can benefit from the technology. 

Some companies may still wonder, "Is this something I need to seriously consider?" Cloud-based software over on-premise is an attractive proposition for SMBs looking to make the most of the technology available today at the lowest costs and with the least risk.

The upfront investment is relatively low, software/hardware is not needed, licensing costs are kept to an absolute minimum, and the total cost of ownership is very low.

So if you have done your analysis and decided to hire a reliable cloud services provider, we are here to help you find the right one. 

How to choose a reliable cloud service provider?

1. Cloud Security 

To ensure the security of your applications and data, be sure to fully understand your security goals, what security measures each provider offers, and what mechanisms each party uses to preserve the data.

Likewise, ensure you know what security features are included free of charge with each vendor you're evaluating. Check if they are offering any additional paid services, and where third-party technology may be required. 

Cloud security has become one of the top concerns, which is why it's so important to carefully ask questions that are specific to your use case, industry, regulatory requirements, and other concerns associated with your cloud implementation.

2. Architecture 

You should consider how the architecture of the cloud provider will integrate into your workflow at the moment and in the future. Additionally, you may want to consider the architecture of cloud storage when making your decision. 

Among the three major vendors, the architectures for storage are similar, and they provide storage options to meet varying needs, but their archive storage is different. If this is important to you, you should know the differences in archival storage. In each case, the customer can choose to backup or retrieve data periodically, infrequently, or both (hot vs. cool storage). The hot storage is usually less expensive, while the cool storage includes a variety of restrictions.

3. Manageability 

As you consider cloud platforms, you should also spend time determining what these services require you to manage. Each cloud platform has its orchestration tools and can integrate with various other services. If there are services that play a pivotal role for your organization, cross-check with your cloud provider if there is any easy way to integrate with them. 

You must also find out how much time would it take for your team to manage the numerous cloud infrastructure aspects before you come to the final decision. 

4. Cloud Compliance 

Be sure your cloud architecture can help you meet the compliance standards applicable to your industry and organization. Whether you are required to comply with GDPR, SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, or any other framework, you should understand how it will affect your application.

Check with your provider regarding which aspects of compliance you are responsible for and how they will assist you in meeting those requirements.

5. Support 

Support is another pivotal aspect that needs careful consideration. If you need support right away, will you be able to access it easily? In some cases, the only support available is via a chat service or call center. It may or may not suit you. 

When you use a cloud provider, ask what level of support you will have and how you will access it before you sign up. You may have access to a dedicated resource, but time and access may be limited.

6. Service level

A data center with a consistent and dedicated SLA (Service Level Agreement) is a vital consideration for businesses when they have strict requirements when it comes to availability, response time, capacities, and support.

A cloud service customer and cloud service provider need to establish a clear contract that details the terms and conditions of the relationship. They should also be informed about legal requirements for the security of data hosted on the cloud service provider's servers. Remember, trusting your cloud provider is key, and you require a legal agreement to ensure that your data is protected.

7. Costs 

The cost will certainly play a big part in deciding which cloud service provider(s) you choose, but it is not the most important factor. You should consider both the sticker price and associated costs when determining which cloud service provider.

Now that you know what aspects you need to look for in your cloud service provider, make sure you have these checked before you hire one. Cloud services will surely take your business to new heights by optimizing profit growth and maximizing customer services. Find the best one for your business today!???????