The cloud has become an integral part of how businesses operate and manage their data. At its core, “the cloud” is a server network that stores data and applications, providing seamless access to resources and services over the Internet. As businesses consider their hosting options, it’s important to explore the differences between cloud-based and on-premise solutions.
In this webinar, SWK’s Noah Corwick dives into the advantages of cloud hosting, including advanced security features, 24/7 support, and the flexibility to access applications from anywhere. Additionally, he addresses common concerns and questions to help you navigate the shift to the cloud and make informed decisions for your organization.
Here’s a quick recap of why small businesses are embracing cloud hosting.
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Intro to the Cloud (3:52 – 9:15)
What is the Cloud?: The cloud is a network of servers that store data and applications, providing access to resources and services over the Internet. (4:09)
Dedicated Cloud: This type of cloud offers exclusive use of servers and infrastructure, tailored to an organization’s specific needs, ensuring greater control and security. (5:20)
Dropbox/OneDrive vs. Application Hosting: Application hosting is unlike basic storage solutions like Dropbox or OneDrive, as it supports both your data and software, offering a more comprehensive solution. (7:54)
Who Owns What?: Understanding ownership of data and software is crucial in cloud agreements to ensure compliance and security. (8:40)
What Software/Data Can Be Hosted (9:20 – 12:13)
Desktop vs. Hybrid vs. Web-Based: Different hosting options cater to varying business needs, from traditional desktop software to flexible hybrid and entirely web-based applications. (9:33)
Windows-Based Software: Hosting solutions often include support for Windows-based software, providing a familiar environment for users. (11:20)
3rd Party Software: The cloud can also host third-party software, seamlessly integrating various tools and applications. (11:35)
- Example: Microsoft 365
- Microsoft 365 exemplifies a cloud-based suite offering essential productivity tools accessible from anywhere.
The Age-Old Debate: Cloud vs. On-Premise (12:15 – 23:37)
Presenter Noah Corwick walks through the details of both cloud and on-premise hosting options.
Cloud
- Why was there past hesitancy: Concerns about security and data control initially slowed cloud adoption. (12:35)
- Cost Control and Predictability: The cloud offers predictable costs, often based on a subscription model. (15:30)
- Operating Expense (OpEx): Cloud services shift IT costs from capital expenditures to operational expenditures. (16:42)
- Cost Savings: Reduced need for physical infrastructure and maintenance. (17:15)
On-Premise
- The Physical Touch Factor: Some organizations prefer having direct control over their hardware. (13:40)
- Unexpected Costs: Maintenance and upgrades can incur unexpected expenses. (16:05)
- Capital Expenditure (CapEx): Requires significant upfront investment in infrastructure. (17:03)
- Cost Loss: Depreciation of hardware over time. (17:40)
Support in the Cloud (23:53 – 26:16)
A Person vs. A Team: One person can get sick or take vacation. Unlike a team, a single IT person can be unavailable at critical times. (23:54)
One person cannot know everything about IT: A team offers broader expertise. (24:08)
24×7 U.S. Monitoring: Continuous monitoring ensures system reliability and security. (24:46)
Proactive vs. Reactive Approach: Cloud providers often use proactive monitoring to prevent issues before they arise. (25:17)
Cost Savings: Efficient problem resolution and reduced downtime lead to significant savings. (25:48)
Cloud Security (26:25 – 29:40)
Moving Past Norton Antivirus: Cloud security is much more advanced and robust than Norton Antivirus – the cloud offers advanced security capabilities, including real-time threat detection and mitigation. (26:40)
Security Operations Center (SOC): Dedicated teams monitor and respond to security threats around the clock. (27:25)
Multi-Factor Authentication: Enhances security by requiring multiple verification methods. (27:45)
User Management: Efficiently manage user access and permissions across the organization. (28:40)
Peace of Mind: Trusting a reputable cloud provider with security responsibilities can reduce stress and ensure compliance. (29:15)
Clients’ Favorite Aspects About the Cloud (29:42 – 32:31)
Anytime Access from Anywhere: Flexibility to access data and applications from any location. (29:58)
Accessible from Any Device: Cloud services support a wide range of devices, from desktops to smartphones. (30:25)
Updates/Upgrades to Software and Environment: If there’s a Windows update, it affects all users in your environment – centralized updates ensure all users have the latest features and security patches. (30:45)
No VPN/LogMeIn Setup or Maintenance: Simplified access without the need for complex VPN configurations. (31:38)
Scalability: Easily adjust resources to meet changing business needs. (32:16)
Questions to Ask Hosting Providers (32:38 – 35:20)
- Do you offer dedicated hosting? (32:50)
- What is your experience with hosting my software? (33:20)
- Is your support team onshore? (33:48)
- How do you handle security issues? (34:05)
- Is pricing scalable? (34:19)
- How do you incorporate 3rd party software integrations? (34:46)
Recap and Takeaways (35:23 – 37:22)
The Cloud is no Longer Scary and Unknown: Understanding and trust in cloud technology have grown significantly. (35:29)
Most Desktop Software and Data can be Hosted: Cloud solutions are versatile and support a wide range of applications. (35:45)
Your Software and Data are Yours: Clear ownership policies protect your data. (35:59)
Cost Control and Predictability: The cloud offers consistent and predictable billing. (36:08)
Shed Your IT Hat: Rely on cloud providers for infrastructure management. (36:18)
Not All Cloud Providers Are Made Equal: It’s essential to choose a provider that aligns with your business needs. (37:10)
Q&A (39:03 – 47:23)
What Makes SWK’s Hosting Different than Other Hosting Options? (39:06)
- SWK offers dedicated hosting: Crucial when moving to the cloud.
- We offer an IaaS cloud for things that need to be more granular: Tailored solutions for specific needs.
- Our environments come with a very healthy amount of server resources: Ensuring performance and reliability.
- SWK backs up 3 times a day, other providers don’t: Frequent backups for data protection.
When is the Best Time to Migrate to the Cloud? (42:27)
- The best time is during a hardware refresh: Ideal when upgrading hardware.
- After a security breach: A secure cloud environment can provide a fresh start.
How Difficult or Long Does it Typically Take to Migrate to the Cloud? (43:06)
- You continue to work business as usual as the hosting provider is working on transferring to the cloud: Minimal disruption during migration.
- The only real downtime is when it’s migrating your data, which can be coordinated for a weekend: Strategic scheduling minimizes impact.
- Things can be up and running during a business week, with no downtime: Efficient migration processes ensure a smooth transition.
Contact SWK Today
Our expertise ensures that your data and applications are secure, accessible, and well-managed. Don’t wait to make the move—contact SWK today to schedule a consultation and discover how our cloud solutions can transform your business. Whether you’re considering a transition from on-premise systems or looking to optimize your current cloud setup, our team is here to help every step of the way.