Cloud application hosting is an aspect of the Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) computing model that allows you to access your software from a remote data center. IaaS plans to host your digital infrastructure in the Cloud. This allows you to access your applications anywhere and eliminates maintenance burdens. Cloud hosting allows you to consolidate your software environment into one stack. Comprehensive bundles allow you the freedom to rely solely on one vendor for all your technology network.
Although IaaS is not new technology, it has seen technological advancements that have allowed for wider access to the service and increased availability of various templates. To determine the value of a cloud hosting service, you need to know what your requirements are. You need the right hosting solution to meet your needs.
Here are 9 important factors to consider when selecting the cloud application hosting option.
1. Security
Despite the growing advantages of the cloud, there are potential drawbacks – cybersecurity chief among them. Cloud security concerns are similar to those related to historical data privacy concerns in legacy machines. These include the modification or use of unsecured hardware for persistent Internet connection. The problem lies in how many older devices (a few years or more) that are being connected to an open, 24/7 cloud network.
Software and hardware developers have rushed to cloud computing and paid the price for their ineptitude with critical network flaws. Multiple security flaws have plagued Microsoft, SAP and Oracle. Many of the most serious data breaches were caused by unsecure cloud connections with third-party providers. Network security can no longer rely on automation alone – systems hosted in the cloud require a human cybersecurity element to proactively monitor for threats and preemptively seek out attackers to guarantee protection.
2. Resources
Google will return results for all hosting keywords. The first page results will show either Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or a list of smaller providers that offer very low prices for vaguely defined services. The problem for you is obvious – the former are expensive enterprise-level packages from larger vendors, while the latter are often regional shops or domain hosting providers capturing broad keyword traffic. Your cloud provider must have the resources available to deliver your technology on a consistent basis and devote personal attention to your business’s demands, all at a price you can afford.
3. Automation
Cloud computing is becoming more popular as it takes away many of the traditional IT environment’s manual and physical labor. But, this can be problematic if your hosting provider lacks the necessary resources and knowledge to automate delivery of your cloud infrastructure. IaaS automation tools enable your provider to manage your software environment’s workloads, consolidating the touchpoints where human interaction is needed for your digital operations.
“Your cloud provider must have the resources available to deliver your technology on a consistent basis and devote personal attention to your business’s demand, all at a price you can afford.”
4. Speed
Cloud computing’s primary advantage is its speed in delivering IT resources. This allows authorized users to access data, store and manipulate it in real-time. The cloud infrastructure allows you to access your software via remote connections, similar to Microsoft Office. The difference with speed in IaaS hosting, however, lies in the quality of the service’s connection between your hardware and the data center, which affects the consistency of your uptime.
5. Scalability
Your infrastructure can be more flexible and modular than if it relied on physical servers. This allows you to deploy cloud hosted software environments with greater flexibility. However, hosting must be affordable, and your provider should have enough resources to offer several plans.
6. Cost
Hosting on the Cloud has many benefits, including reducing physical costs and outsourcing digital resource management. However, not everyone has adjusted to the different pricing. Cloud service providers continue to view cloud services through traditional models. This has resulted in accusations of exorbitant pricing. “Hidden fees” Contracts can conceal minute details. It is important to understand the costs involved in choosing the best cloud hosting solution for your company.
“Systems hosted in the cloud require a human cybersecurity element to proactively monitor for threats and preemptively seek out attackers.”
7. Support
Even though it might be tempting to opt for the cloud hosting deal with the lowest price sticker, bear in mind that some or all of your most important IT resources will be managed externally by any provider, regardless of who you choose. That means that the digital infrastructure your business relies on to automate processes and manage client data will be entrusted in someone else’s hands, as will any technical issues that arise. Do not rely on price alone when reviewing an application hosting service – make sure the provider features the level of real-time support your business will need as well.
8. Experience
A cloud hosting service that is dedicated to customer support should also have a level of knowledge about your software environment. By leveraging their expertise in product coding and architecture, a provider with firsthand knowledge of your application components can help you implement, maintain, and manage your cloud hosted environment more efficiently. This allows for faster and easier software upgrades, as the hosting provider has direct access to the infrastructure.
9. Visibility
As we have already mentioned, shifting to new operational models for hosting the cloud can cause a shift in pace, which can lead some to misunderstand what is being offered and what isn’t. The technical details of cloud computing can be confusing for those who don’t know the basics. If you are looking for an application hosting solution, ensure your cloud provider can provide a detailed explanation of each item from an operational perspective and a summary in a business-use scenario.
Learn More About Secure Cloud Services’ Cyber-Protected Secure Cloud Hosting Solution
SCS launched the first Cyber-Secured cloud host solution for SMBs. This affordable service offers software application hosting and is protected by a security operation center (SOC), which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Secure Cloud Hosting (SCH), is a way for businesses like yours, to enjoy all the benefits and protection of cloud-based IT infrastructure while also protecting your employees from cyber-stress.
