Maximizing Efficiency and Cost Savings With Enterprise Cloud Computing
The average data breach costs businesses around $4.5 million per incident. This can be virtually impossible to recover from in most circumstances. Cloud servers are often lucrative targets for hackers due to the abundant information they store.
While enterprise cloud computing can help take your company's performance to the next level, not everyone understands the key steps to take. We've put together a guide full of key business tips you can use to improve your business strategy. Let's explore the most important information you should keep in mind.
Rightsizing Your Resources
Many companies overlook the importance of choosing the right level of resources. Budgeting for too many could cause you to waste money while having access to too few resources could make it difficult to achieve your goals.
You'll need to closely analyze your needs so you can make the right decision. In context, this means looking at your past performance to determine the steps you can take to get the most out of your investment.
Track as many metrics as possible, such as network usage, CPU, memory, and disk space. Underutilization and overprovisioning are two key processes to avoid.
If you choose to downsize, you should understand how this will impact your performance. Look for current bottlenecks, as these will indicate areas where you need more resources.
Provider Savings Plans
Ask your prospective cloud services provider if they offer savings plans that apply to your situation. These are often far more affordable than on-demand pricing. You can then invest the money you save in other areas of your business.
Some providers offer flexible pricing models that allow you to leverage plans with predictable expenses and resource usage. However, these are great ways to optimize your spending.
Reserved instances generally exist in the form of billing discounts applied when you commit to using a certain instance. This helps the service provider predict your behavior and ensures you have access to the resources you need.
Automated Scaling and Resource Allocation
Without automation, you'll never be able to optimize your enterprise cloud system fully. In particular, automated scaling can help you allocate resources based on your changing needs. You can do so in two ways:
Vertically
Horizontally
Vertical scaling involves changing the overall size of your instances. Businesses that need to increase their overall resources would leverage vertical scaling.
Horizontal scaling involves changing the overall number of instances used. Importantly, it's possible to scale in two different directions.
For example, you could decrease the total number of instances you use while increasing the total space each instance contains. Automatic scaling is triggered by certain metrics, such as when CPU utilization reaches a specific level.
Website traffic is another common index that determines when resources scale. This helps ensure that you always have the right level of support for your operations.
Imagine how inconvenient it would be for your site to crash or experience a slowdown every time there was a spike in traffic. Scenarios like these could cause users to visit a competitor's site instead. In this case, they're likely to return to your site.
Spot Instances and Serverless Computing
Regarding cloud cost optimization, spot instances and serverless computing can't be neglected. Spot instances are ideal for companies that have flexible workloads.
Those who need enterprise-level cloud computing can save thousands of dollars by utilizing them. Serverless computing allows you to avoid provisioning idle server resources. Instead, you'll only pay when functions execute.
It's best to use both of these methods together to maximize your savings. However, you'll need to understand which workloads are non-critical at your organization.
In some cases, you might need to reconfigure your tech stack to accommodate serverless computing. This is no small task, and it often involves hiring a professional developer. They can assess your situation and make the appropriate changes without causing additional issues.
Comprehensive Testing
After establishing your needs, you'll need to test the proposed strategy. Doing so offers valuable insight into what you can expect from the methods you choose. Testing is a process you shouldn't rush, either.
The more time you spend, the better you'll understand potential solutions. Keep this in mind when moving forward so you can avoid issues you may have otherwise encountered.
Work With a Professional
Hiring the right IT professional is one of the best ways to optimize your performance and minimize your costs. They have the tools and resources to take your business to the next level. However, not all firms are created equal.
It's best to avoid the cheapest options you find, as these are likely to fall short of your goals. However, it's not necessary to budget for the most expensive options you find.
Somewhere in the middle of the price range can help you reach your goals without overspending. Check their pricing structure to avoid financial surprises. The last thing you want to deal with is miscellaneous fees.
Are they communicative and easy to get in touch with? It can be difficult to handle issues that arise on your own, and the firm you choose should have a robust customer service policy. If you have difficulties contacting your IT professional, it could make solving problems an even bigger headache.
Also, make sure they frequently work with companies like yours. This will ensure they have enough familiarity to understand your project's nuances.
Industry experience matters, as well. Someone who's been around for at least a decade can provide the results you need. With enough vigilance, you shouldn't have issues finding the right choice for your project.
Leverage Enterprise Cloud Computing
When utilized correctly, enterprise cloud computing can be one of the most powerful tools your company leverages. The information in this guide will help you get started on the right track and make the best decisions for your needs.
Eagle Point Technology offers premier IT services that help businesses bring their visions to life. We strive to exceed all expectations and deliver timely results that don't sacrifice quality. Contact a representative today to learn more about what we offer.
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