Managed cloud services can be a game-changer for your organization. They bring in experts to handle all the complicated stuff so you can take advantage of all the benefits the cloud has to offer. In short, you get the value of a scalable and secure cloud setup while experts worry about all the details.
However, it's not all rainbows. There are a few speed bumps to watch out for when you dive into managed cloud services. While hiring a cloud managed service provider (CMSP) is like hiring a group of experts, it's still a good idea to do your homework and pick the right people to join your team.
Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) has been providing hundreds of businesses with reliable cloud managed services for over 20 years. Using our extensive experience, we'll dive into some of the challenges you might encounter when you get cloud managed services for your business.
Challenges You Should Expect When Getting Managed Cloud
When selecting a CMSP, you should be aware of several potential challenges and problems.
These challenges can vary based on your organization's specific needs, the chosen provider, and the cloud services you seek. Here are some common issues to consider:
1. Migration Complexity
Transitioning your existing systems and data to the managed cloud environment is like moving to a new house. By that, we mean it requires careful planning and coordination to ensure a smooth migration. Unexpected hiccups might pop up, so having a well-thought-out migration strategy is crucial.
You will also have to consider how to schedule necessary downtime to mitigate the impact of the move on your operations. Coordinating with your CMSP to ensure as little downtime as possible is best.
2. Data Security and Compliance
Trusting a third-party provider with your data and applications raises concerns about security and compliance. Ensuring that the provider adheres to industry standards and regulations is crucial. If your industry is highly regulated, ensure the CMSP can meet relevant guidelines, such as PCI DSS or HIPAA. Otherwise, you could face serious consequences like fines, penalties, or even loss of clients.
3. Integration Challenges
Your current tools, applications, and processes might not seamlessly integrate with your new managed cloud setup. That can lead to frustrating bottlenecks and inefficiencies if not properly addressed. That means you must first determine how to make everything play nicely together or seek alternatives to replace incompatible systems.
All of that will take some time and effort because you will have to research and conduct tests to ensure everything is in working order before the migration.
4. Vendor Lock-In
Contract termination can be complicated once you're on board with a managed cloud provider. That's because many providers have a vendor lock-in period, which means you can't just drop a provider until a certain amount of time has passed.
In addition, your dependence on proprietary tools or platforms might make it tough to switch providers later on. Avoiding vendor lock-in requires a good grasp of the provider's ecosystem and the contract terms. It's best to be sure before signing anything and do your homework.
5. Hidden Costs
The price tag you see might not include every little detail. Data transfer fees, additional services, or overage charges could surprise you if you're not fully aware of the pricing structure. Communicate with your potential CMSP, and be clear about your budget and cost concerns.
6. Lack of In-House Control
Relying on a CMSP means you will have to give up some control over your cloud environment. You won't be driving everything directly, which might be unsettling for those used to having complete control over their systems. You might need to relinquish some control over the underlying infrastructure or configuration.
Not to mention, that could potentially lead to issues if the provider's decisions don't align with your business needs. Choosing a provider you can trust will do right by your organization is vital.
7. Customization Constraints
Managed cloud services often come with pre-packaged solutions, which might not perfectly fit your unique business needs. If that's the case, you should chat with your CMSP's point of contact to hash things out. Some providers are willing to allow a certain amount of customization, but it usually comes with a price. So, you need to be sure whether those customizations are necessary.
8. Downtime and Responsiveness
Anyone can experience downtime or service disruptions; that also goes for service providers. That's just how it is. It's impossible for businesses to have 100% uptime all the time. However, a reliable provider should be prepared with contingencies in place. They should still be able to assist you when you encounter emergencies. So, it's best to check the provider's service agreement to see whether they guarantee uptime and response times.
The best way to mitigate any of the challenges listed above is by conducting thorough research, due diligence, and establishing clear communication with potential service providers. In addition, you need to assess your organization's needs, prioritize requirements, and ensure your business objectives are aligned with the services offered by the provider.
Ready to Face the Challenges When Getting Managed Cloud?
Managed cloud can bring a lot of benefits to your organization. However, there are some challenges you need to navigate first if you want to optimize your cloud:
- Migration complexity
- Data security and compliance
- Vendor lock-in
- Hidden costs
- Lack of in-house control
- Customization limitations
- Downtime and responsiveness
Getting through these challenges will require you to do your due diligence and communicate openly with your prospective CMSP.
ITS has helped hundreds of businesses migrate and manage the cloud. If you need help navigating the speed bumps of cloud adoption, reach out to our team of experts by scheduling a meeting.
You can also check out the following resources for more information on managed cloud:
- The Ultimate Guide to Cloud Computing
- How to Choose the Right Cloud Service Provider - Key Considerations
- How Much Do Cloud Services Cost? [Video]