Regrettably, most business owners are left to grapple with these questions alone. It's as if their consultant views the cloud the same way the Rolling Stones did in "Get Off Of My Cloud": They don't want anyone else around because two's a crowd.
We disagree. You shouldn't be alone in the cloud. Of course, this adds another question to your list: How do I choose the right cloud consultant? It's a complex question, and this article will guide you through everything to consider as you search for a true cloud consulting business partner.
The Top 3 Questions Business Owners Have About Cloud Consulting Services
1. What are cloud consulting services?
Cloud consulting services are a valuable resource provided by IT professionals who specialize in cloud solutions. These experts join your team and collaborate with you to achieve the following objectives:
- Aligning your IT strategy with your overall business goals and objectives.
- Safeguarding your company from evolving cyber threats and ensuring robust security measures are in place.
- Assuring compliance of your systems with relevant regulations and standards.
2. Why do businesses need cloud consultants?
Most organizations usually utilize only 40% of the potential benefits offered by the cloud. Cloud consultants play a crucial role in bridging the divide between having access to cloud solutions and effectively utilizing them.
3. How will I know I have the right IT cloud consulting partner?
They are a valuable addition to your organization, and you consider the relationship to be a beneficial return on investment.
5 Signs Your Cloud Consultant Is Bringing the Value to the Table
If you find yourself unable to contact your cloud provider, it serves as an indication that something is amiss. In all honesty, they should consistently assist you in maximizing the benefits of your cloud services.
1. Technology Integration in Your Business Strategy
Your consultant plays a crucial role in shaping your strategic direction. (Discover how we achieved this with our client, SIA.) We engage in quarterly strategic meetings with our clients, discussing how their existing technologies contribute to their organization. Subsequently, we recommend the most suitable technologies to align with their goals. We delve into the financial implications and assess how these tools or systems fit into their long-term plan. For SIA, we addressed immediate needs by implementing Microsoft 365 and gradually integrated lower-priority tools over a span of two years.
2. Confidence in Your Cybersecurity
Microsoft consistently outspends organizations when it comes to data protection and cybersecurity measures. However, the full potential of these protections is not automatically realized. By working with the right cloud expert, you can ensure that you:
- Employ advanced security measures, such as mobile device management and multifactor authentication.
- Understand your secure score and its implications for your organization.
- Continuously optimize your environment based on reports and emerging threats.
- Conduct audits to identify any suspicious activity in user accounts.
3. Solutions that Address Immediate and Long-Term Needs
The solution that suits your current requirements may not be viable in the future. Your consultant can discern this only by taking the time to comprehend your business. We initiate every partnership with a consultation, during which our clients outline their present status and desired achievements. Based on these goals, we design a customized solution. This approach ensures that our clients benefit from IT services that empower their teams to achieve their objectives and receive responsive support when needed.
Schedule a consultation to begin streamlining your cloud operations.
4. Minimal Reliance on IT Support, with Efficient Issue Resolution
How often have you called your help desk only to receive no response? Regardless of the time of day, you find it impossible to reach support. We are different. Our clients can count on us to answer the phone. They know they can reach their dedicated account manager or the IT support team whenever required. In either case, they will speak with a member of our staff who is familiar with their organization and can swiftly address their concerns.
5. A Cost-Conscious Cloud Consulting Partner
Uncontrolled cloud expenses can wreak havoc on business budgets. When your consultant is also well-versed in Microsoft Azure, they possess the expertise to meticulously monitor usage and expenditure, preventing costs from spiraling out of control. One of the common challenges we resolve for new clients is licensing discrepancies. They approach us with incorrect licenses, resulting in overspending or the risk of fines from Microsoft. We rectify these issues, often reducing the cost they pay per user.
The concept of the cloud goes beyond the idea of simply being able to work from anywhere and at any time. It encompasses a broader scope, which includes:
- Embracing advanced technology and reducing IT burdens:
- Incorporating cloud solutions means adopting a wider range of technologies and reducing the need to constantly dwell on IT-related matters. Rather than being preoccupied with your computer, phone, and business applications throughout the workday, the cloud allows you to focus on your tasks without the hassle of managing these tools. With fully managed cloud solutions, your experience with technology becomes seamless and effortless.
Find a cloud services at Nortec Communications
Nortec Communications is ready to provide you best cloud services. Secure Your Cloud Investment, If you're among the 94% of IT decision makers facing challenges in maximizing the potential of cloud technology, partner with someone who genuinely prioritizes your needs. Enhance the value of your cloud investment and gain greater financial returns. Schedule a brief 15-minute consultation with Nortec today to explore the possibilities. Contact us to learn more.
