Contents
Welcome To The Cloud
Cloud Computing Services
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Cloud Computing Solutions
Pure Cloud
Hybrid Cloud
Public Cloud vs. Private Cloud
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Advantages Of Cloud Computing
Disadvantages Of Cloud Computing
Disaster Recovery
Cloud Security
Preparing For a Move To The Cloud
Common Mistakes Businesses Make Critical Questions to Ask Your Cloud Service Provider
Conclusion
About True North
Introduction
The rise of cloud computing has led to a transformation in the way technology services are delivered. With 74% of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) saying that cloud computing will have the most measurable impact on their business in 2017, it is clear that the notion of relying on remote service providers for computing needs is gaining traction year over year.
So what exactly is cloud computing? PC Magazine offers a simplified explanation, defining it as “storing and accessing data and programs over the internet instead of your computer’s hard drive.” In essence, it is the practice of having various IT services – software, infrastructure, disaster recovery, virtually any IT offering – delivered via online connections rather than through a physical, onsite computing infrastructure.

Cloud Computing Services
Today, technology providers offer a wide variety of services that you can access via an internet connection. While these “as a service” offerings are numerous, for simplicity, we have listed the three most popular types.
Cloud Computing Solutions
Just as with cloud service types, there are different cloud solutions available. The one you choose will depend on a variety of factors.
Hybrid Cloud
Although “pure” cloud computing has valid applications, in some cases it is not the smartest move due to compliance issues, security restrictions, or performance issues. A hybrid cloud enables you to put certain pieces of existing IT infrastructure (storage and email for example) into the cloud, while the remainder of the IT infrastructure stays onsite. This gives you the ability to enjoy the costs, savings, and benefits of cloud computing where it makes the most sense without risking your entire environment.
Pure Cloud
A pure cloud environment is where all your applications and data are put on the other side of the firewall in the cloud and accessed through various devices (laptops, desktops, iPads, phones) via the Internet.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
There are a number of laws and regulations such as Gramm-Leach-Bliley, Sarbanes-Oxley, and HIPAA that require companies to control and protect their data and certify that they have knowledge and control over who can access the data, who sees it and how and where it is stored. In a public cloud environment, this can be a problem.
Most cloud providers have SAS 70 certifications which require them to be able to describe exactly what is happening in their environment, how and where the data comes in, what the provider does with it, and what controls are in place over access and processing. But it’s important that you ask for some validation that they are meeting the various compliance regulations on an ongoing basis.
Disaster Recovery
A disaster can strike your organization at any time, and when it does, it can be a fatal blow to your business. If you think you are not likely to be affected, consider the following facts: nearly 40% of small businesses are forced to close after a disaster, and of those that do, 25% will never reopen.
And even if your business does manage to survive, a disaster can be extremely costly. Delta Airlines, for example, experienced a five-hour IT outage in 2016 that reportedly cost the company $150 million.
Typically, the three most common types of disasters are:
While many businesses feel the chances of being struck by a tornado or a flood are rare, the fact remains that human error is the number one cause of I.T. related disasters.
In today’s cloud-driven landscape, there really is no excuse for not having a viable disaster recovery plan in place. Moreover, with the availability of Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS), companies are better-positioned than ever to protect their data and operations in the event the worst does occur.
Yet Disaster Recovery service myths abound, and organizations continue to hesitate. Some common perceptions include the idea that this “won’t happen to us”, that DRaaS is too expensive, that it’s too complex, or that they are already protected by routine backups.
The realities, though, are quite different.
Preparing For a Move To The Cloud
If you’ve determined that you are ready to make the shift to cloud computing, it’s vital that you choose the right service provider. Indeed, selecting the wrong managed cloud partner can cause serious problems down the road.
Let’s take a look at some common mistakes that businesses make when contemplating a migration to the cloud.
Common Mistakes Businesses Make
Make sure your provider has experts you can reach at all times to walk you through any issues that might come up.
Make sure your provider can give you the precise location of your data to cover all your bases.
Many service providers offer low prices, but fail to include basic services, so hidden fees add up quickly. Make sure you stay away from standard hidden fees, such as connection, maintenance, and data access charges.
Critical Questions to Ask
Your Cloud Service Provider
When selecting a vendor for cloud services, make sure you ask them the following questions:
Taking the time to ask these questions, as well as avoiding the common mistakes we've outlined, can go a long way toward promoting a successful cloud computing experience.
Conclusion
What does the future hold for cloud computing? As Marcus Vlahovic, Founder & CEO of Sustainabody says, “Cloud computing is bridging us to a world of unlimited connectivity. In 10-15 years people won’t be talking about routers and individual networks, everything will be the network.”
With faster internet speeds available and many aging computing infrastructures nearing the end of their lifecycles, it’s no wonder that Gartner predicts a “cloud shift” that will see more than $1 trillion in related spending by 2020.
So, while cloud computing isn’t necessarily appropriate for everyone, it does bring clear advantages that can significantly outweigh the disadvantages. From reduced investment costs and operational expenditures to offering improved productivity, scalability, and security, cloud computing is here to stay.
About True North
True North is a leading managed IT services provider delivering agility, efficiency and resilience to our clients through our IT Maturity Model. We are a cloud services provider of choice for healthcare organizations thanks to our unique experience, support, and dedication to unrivaled data security.
Our Service-Driven Cloud solutions give your business a boost by bringing you peace of mind, agility, affordability, transparency and cost effectiveness.
Contact us to learn how our IT services can empower your business to reach your goals.