Guidelines to Evaluate the Best Cloud Computing Service Provider

March 14, 2018

Cloud environs are increasingly maturing at a fast rate. The growth has led to an increasing demand for quality and more specialized cloud computing services. To provide the needed services, cloud computing service providers are focusing on more specialized aspects such as (SLAs) service-level agreements.

Enterprises are relying on the providers to host mission-critical applications. Since not all cloud service providers are equal, enterprises must choose the right provider carefully. To get the right Cloud Computing Service Provider, enterprises need to consider the following factors.

Performance

To provide high speed application delivery, you require an end to end understanding of the application and a holistic approach of the request-response path. Some performance issues comprise geographical proximity of data and application to the end user. Another issue is the performance of the network in, out and within the cloud and lastly, I/O access speed between multiple tiers and computer layers of data stores.

Cost

Even though cost seems a good way of selecting cloud providers, it is can be complicated to use. This is because cloud providers do not provide consistent services especially when it comes to the services that they pay for and what they receive. The Virtual machines provided by providers have varying CPU clock speed, memory and other features. Another challenge comes in since the services provided are virtualized. Consider the services that mean most to you then compare them with what the provider is giving.

Technology stack

Providers who focus on specific software stack move from being Iaas (Infrastructure as a Service) to Paas (Platform as a service). For applications built on either of the stacks, you can use the platforms as they deliver huge savings in expense and time since you do not have to deal with low level configuration and setup. However, developers must follow specific practices in writing and archiving apps. Choose a developer with the software stack that suits you.

Security and compliance

These are the largest barriers for companies thinking about cloud computing. The main challenge is being unable to achieve compliance with PCI- a security related standard. To curb the issue, a number of cloud providers are pushing their compliance and security chops with security white papers among other measures.

Service level reliability and agreements

In a bid to separate themselves from other service providers, some cloud service providers guarantee high level service. A good example is SLAs. Even though the SLAs do not display the reliability of the service, customers can be sure of quality service. The guaranteed SLA are the consequences for instances when the service fails. It is actually an indication of the level of service provider’s commitment to quality service. To ensure that the commitment is not just cheap talk, check out customer testimonials to find out the real value of the service.

Conclusion

Enterprises want to get the best service when it comes to cloud computing but the challenge is choosing the best provider. The high number of cloud providers makes the selection process more challenging. Most providers are focused on providing specialized use cases and needs which is what any enterprises are looking. So, enterprises do not have a choice other than to carry out serious examinations before hiring a cloud provider.

Get in Touch
chatwithus