Cumulus Global Study Shows Technology Professional Development for K-12 Educators is Often Ineffective

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Cumulus Global Publishes Survey Results on the State of Technology Professional Development in K-12 Education

Cover.State of Tech PDOur January 2016 survey finds that 48% of K-12 classroom educators feel that technology professional development (“Tech PD”) is not timely for use in the classroom nearly 60% of educators feel they need more professional development focused on integrating devices, apps, and online content into lesson plans and delivery. The study also found that while most districts are offering more technology professional development, the timeliness, focus, delivery methods, and overall effectiveness of these programs is not meeting the needs of many K-12 classroom educators.

As the use of technology in K-12 classrooms continues to expand, educators face new challenges. More than devices, educators are using new applications, tools, and online content. Teachers need to be capable and comfortable managing all of this tech in the classroom, as well as integrate these resources into their lesson plans.

In our white paper, The State of Technology Professional Development in K-12 Education, we publish the preliminary analysis of survey results from nearly 300 K-12 classroom educators participating in the 2016 Future of Education Technology Conference held in Orlando, Florida in January. The initial analysis of survey results indicates a need for more balance in the focus of Tech PD programs, as 68% want more training on using applications and tools for lesson planning, collaboration with peers, and other activities. The survey also indicates that some of the most common formats for Tech PD are not the most effective.

Classroom educators are on the forefront of the educational technology revolution. By understanding how well, or poorly, our current Tech PD efforts are helping educators, we can design and delivery better training and support services.

Click here to view and download The State of Technology Professional Development in K-12 Education.

 

 

Cloud Competition Has Growing Impact for SMBs

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redmoney

Over the past few years, major cloud providers have been aggressively competing. At times, it’s been an all out price war with Microsoft, Amazon, Google and others lowering prices to beat the others. But it’s also been a race for new features and capabilities, as innovation and unique services can attract and retain customers.

The challenge for small and mid-size businesses, however, is that much of the competition as been focused on the Infrastructure and Platform as a Service (IaaS and PaaS) segments of cloud computing. And while lower prices on cloud processing and storage are great, most SMBs are using Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions.

Change is happening and you can benefit.

As an incentive for companies with Enterprise Agreement (EA) pricing to move off Microsoft, Google started things off by offering Google Apps for free until customers’ EA agreements end. The program, available to companies with 150 or more licensed users, removes the “double pay” period for companies that want to “go Google”.

More recently, Microsoft lowered the minimum licensed user count from 150 to 50 for its FastTrack program, which provides Microsoft partners with resources and customers with rebates to cover the cost of migration.  Companies with 50 or more licensed users can save up to 75% (or more) on their deployment and migration.

Enter Cumulus Global and More Savings

Focused on serving small and mid-size businesses, these programs are good, but not good enough. So, we are adding to the deals.

New to Google Apps for Work

  • Google Apps for Free through the end of your Microsoft EA term (150 license minimum)
  • 14 months for the price of 12 (5 license minimum, 12 month renewal terms)

New to Microsoft Office 365

  • FastTrack discounts and rebates (50 license minimum)
  • Migration savings of 35% to 70% (5 to 50 licenses)

From Direct to Partner

  • Existing Microsoft O365 and Google Apps for Work customers can save up to 10% on licensing and up to 20% on support and other services through our Switch & Save program.

The Next Step is Yours

To learn more about which discount is best for you, fill out the form, below, and speak with a Cloud Advisor.

Cumulus Global Answers the Call to Customize Google for Work

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As part of a new service announcement and launch, Cumulus Global is answering the call to customize Google for Work. Google for Work is a great platform for business communication and collaboration. But many businesses want or need more. For some, add-ons and third party tools and applications meet their needs. With the launch of its Google for Work Customization services, Cumulus Global is using the power of Google Script, App Engine, and Google Cloud Platform to develop and deliver custom-built solutions.

“The range of possibilities is nearly limitless,” notes Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global. “Large enterprises have tapped the customization features in Google for Work for years. We are bringing these capabilities to small and mid-size organizations who previously assumed custom projects would be priced out of reach.”

Google for Work Customization Services is for projects ranging from data manipulation scripts within Google Sheets and simple workflow management tools, to complex database and data analysis applications. Projects are generally fixed-price with cost and quality guarantees.

Businesses can learn more on Cumulus Global’s web site or by calling Cumulus Global and speaking to a Cloud Advisor.

When the Single Point of Failure Actually Fails

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While the heavy, wet snow continues to fall and cling to the power and fiASA5505ber optic lines in our area, today’s Internet outage was not due to the first real storm this winter. Being fully in the cloud, any Internet outage could be a disaster, bringing business to a halt. In reality, the “single point of failure” really isn’t. True, we do not have multiple routers. Nor do we have multiple broadband connections.  What we do have, is the ability to work over any form of Internet connection. Here is our case study (still in progress).

Late yesterday afternoon, our trusted Cisco 5505 stopped working. Poof. Red Status light on; activity lights on the embedded switch ports blinking; no traffic. A few reboots and a few attempted hard resets later, we are still not working. A quick call and discussion, and our Cisco guru tells us “it’s a brick”. Covered by warranty and a solid support/service plan, a new unit will arrive in several days. In the meantime, we must continue to service our customers.

Quick Fix

The immediate response is to get our staff connected to the Internet in any way possible.  A few mobile hotspots activated on our phones and one MiFi device booted up, and we are back in business. Performance is acceptable, not great, and we will plow through our data plan, but we are in business with only a few minutes disruption.

Interim Fix

Our FiOS service enters our office through a service unit that converts the Fiber to Gigabit Ethernet.  We split this signal through a switch to 2 routers — one provided by our VoiP service and the FiOS router/cable modem that comes with our service.  The now dead Cisco ASA plugs into the FiOS router.

Why two routers in sequence? Having 2 routers in sequence creates a physical DMZ: a network that can receive traffic from inside and the outside while letting us stop traffic from going all the way out or coming all the way in. It’s “old school” as virtual DMZs are the trend.  We use the DMZ and the FiOS router for a guest network and wireless.  Guests can gain access to a physical or wireless connection while staying completely outside our secure network. The Cisco ASA, at the secure end of the DMZ, manages our inbound traffic, NAT, and legacy DMZ services (let over from the days when we had a few systems on-premise and needed remote access). Our secure WiFi runs off a Cisco/Linksys WAP inside the secure border of the ASA router.

With a few minutes of work, we reconfigured the FiOS router, removing the DMZ and mimicking the settings and security configured in the ASA.  Moving a few wires, we are up and running until the new ASA comes in.

Lessons Learned

Our focus has always been on the FiOS service as the single point of failure at greatest risk.  Outages have traditionally been short and as we have been able to adapt by using hotspots, MiFi, and working from home or other locations, we have not seen the need to bring in another ISP as an alternate service. The ASA failing was never really a consideration.  The box is not yet out of warranty and our prior Cisco routers lasted much longer than the 5 year extended warranty (we upgraded for features, not out of necessity).

Not having seen this scenario coming, we had to rebuild the FiOS router from scratch. Going forward, we have now saved this “emergency configuration” for future use.  Once our new Cisco ASA arrives, we will create an emergency configuration that will let us remove the FiOS router from the network.  Finally, we will build a configuration for the Cisco/Linksys WAP, as this has routing features and could replace the FiOS router in a pinch.

The biggest lesson, however, is the value of a cloud-based infrastructure with respect to business continuity. Storm or no storm, hardware failure or not, we know that we will always have options to keep our business up and running. Even when the “single point of failure” happens to fail.

Changing the Way You Buy Office

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0365 across devices
At Microsoft’s 2015 Worldwide Partner Conference, Microsoft openly discussed plans to replace Enterprise Agreements and most Open Value licensing with subscription based models. Going away are the per-device, traditional “box” software.  For Microsoft, this is more than a change in method, it represents a change for the better in how the company will distribute, update, and enhance MS Office and other products. Forget major releases every 2 years, a subscription model enables continuous incremental improvements and will make Microsoft even more responsive to customers’ needs.

This Change is Good for You, the Microsoft User

In addition to better access to innovation, the new Office 365 Business and Office 365 ProPlus licenses are the best fit for most small and mid-size businesses.

  • Each license covers 5 PCs or Macs, 5 tablets, & 5 phones per user
    Your team can install MS Office on any device they use, giving them the ability to work on nearly any device, from anywhere, at anytime.
  • Local and/or Web Versions of MS Office
    Depending on your license choice, you can have both the local and web versions of MS Office.  Your team has added flexibility and features, and the ability to work securely from anywhere at anytime.
  • 1TB of Cloud Storage
    Keep documents secure, usable, and sharable without messy sync-and-share apps, email attachments, or thumbdrives.
  • License Flexibility
    Adjust your license count, as needed, on a monthly or annual basis, avoiding sunken costs on unused licenses and features.
  • Lower Cost
    Licenses with local and cloud Office licensing are as low as $99 per user per year, about 1/3 less than purchasing Office with Software Assurance or paying for upgrades every 3 to 4 years.

If you are thinking about, or ready to upgrade to your MS Office licensing, contact us for a free license consultation and Office 365 Business or Office 365 ProPlus quote.  We will match you the best license option.

And, through January 31, 2016, you can save at 5% or more on annual prepay Office 365 Business licensing.

The Internet of (Incompatible) Things

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Internet of Things.ForbesOne of the scourges of technology for small and mid-size businesses, is how compatible technologies and systems often become incompatible over time. As IT professionals and business owners, we have all seen this happen. An operating system update “breaks” your backup software, which you upgrade only to find out your older tape drive is no longer supported.

As we enter the age of the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in which nearly every device will be connected, expect to see more of the same, only different.  In fact, it is happening already.  In February 2015, we received a Moto 360 as a demo unit. A few of our Android users tried it out and connected it to their phones. Preferring other devices, the Moto 360 ended up in the hands of an iPhone user.  No connection; no support until Android Wear for iOS was released.

Or so we thought. Android Wear required an iOS upgrade that would not fit on the iPhone 5. An upgrade to an iPhone 6S and the latest version of iOS should do the trick. Except the Moto 360 is not compatible with the iPhone 6 phones. Moto 360 support ended with the iPhone 5.

Historically, operating systems and equipment in the PC world had roughly a 3 year life cycle between generations. In the post-PC world, hardware generations are running between 12 and 18 months with major operating system updates and versions every 6 to 9 months.

As we increase the number of attached and connected devices in our workplace and our personal lives, the speed at which compatibility is lost seems to be accelerating.

To be fair to consumers and businesses, device and software manufacturers should publish their compatibility policies. For example, Google could set a policy that their devices will be kept current with only 2 generations of hardware and/or 3 generations of each mobile operating system. This type of transparency will enable businesses to purchase with a forward looking view and accurate expectations. Vendors will benefit as well, as companies may elect to purchase higher end products with a longer shelf life

Keeping Cloud Migrations Affordable: Unlocking Cost-Efficient Transformation

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affordable cloud migration A silent trend in cloud computing for small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) is the rising cost of migrations and data integration.  While many cloud computing costs have dropped, the cost to get data into the cloud continues to rise at a steady trend. Affordable cloud migration is a strategic approach that enables businesses to transition their operations, data, and applications to cloud infrastructure while optimizing costs. The shift to cloud computing offers numerous benefits, including scalability, flexibility, enhanced security, and improved collaboration. However, concerns about the potential expenses associated with cloud migration can be a significant barrier for organizations.

In the following sections, we will explore key considerations, cost-saving techniques, and best practices that can help businesses achieve affordable cloud migration and reap the benefits of cloud technology without straining their budgets.

The complexity of cloud migration is the reason for the decrease in affordability

SMEs are moving more workloads and more data into cloud solutions. These systems and data must co-exist and work together as well as they do on-premise. Where 12 to 18 months ago, SMEs were moving email, calendaring, and contacts into the cloud, today SMEs are also moving complex file systems and, in some cases, key line of business applications. It makes sense that moving a user’s full environment is more costly than moving just email.

Affordability in cloud migration focuses on finding cost-effective strategies, solutions, and service providers that align with an organization’s budget and objectives. It involves careful planning, evaluating various options, and leveraging cost-saving measures to ensure a smooth and budget-friendly transformation.

By adopting affordable cloud migration practices, businesses can optimize their IT infrastructure, reduce operational costs, and access advanced cloud services without overspending. This approach allows organizations of all sizes to embrace the advantages of cloud computing while maintaining financial stability.

Value is Increasing in Cloud Migration

Even though costs may continue to rise, the value of moving should rise even faster.  Moving multiple workloads and data sets to cloud should support key business objectives and should lower total cost of ownership (TCO) over time. The value proposition is unique to each SME and should be considered when looking at broad cloud adoption.

Mitigating the Cost of Migration

Structuring your cloud migration to maximize near-term and long-term value delivers an ROI on the change that should cover your migration costs.  Even so, there are steps and you can take to mitigate migration costs.

  • Bundle migration efforts into a single project, even it requires multiple phases
    • You will benefit from an economy of scale.
  • Work with a service provider than can handle or manage all aspects of your project
    • Ask the service provider about the range of migration tools it will use for the various aspects of the project.
    • A good partner will prevent you from having to learn multiple migration tools, particularly for a “one time use”.
    • You will benefit from a more efficient project with more predictable results.
  • Look for migration costs on a per user or per system basis, not on a per GB basis
    • For most migrations, the cost to move the data is not the major factor.
    • Tool licensing and expertise are the cost-critical factors.
    • A migration structured on the value of expertise and tools will be more cost-effective

Affordable Cloud Migration Services

With some up-front analysis, a focus on value, and a properly structured engagement, you can get the most value while holding the line on cloud migration costs. By partnering with service providers that offer cost-effective solutions, organizations can navigate the complexities of migrating to a cloud platform without compromising on quality or reliability.

Seeking assistance from cloud migration experts or engaging with a reputable cloud service provider for a comprehensive assessment can greatly benefit organizations. These assessments typically involve evaluating the existing infrastructure, identifying potential cost-saving opportunities, assessing security requirements, and developing a roadmap for a successful and cost-effective cloud migration.

By leveraging affordable cloud migration services and conducting a thorough assessment, organizations can navigate their cloud migration journey with confidence. They can optimize costs, streamline operations, enhance security, and unlock the full potential of cloud computing, all while maintaining financial stability. It is a strategic investment that empowers businesses to stay competitive and agile in today’s digital landscape.

Let’s discuss your cloud migration plans. Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.

 

 

 

Tuesday Take-Away: Google Apps Security Updates

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Most organizations we work with are looking to the cloud for better collaboration, mobile integration, and remote user support. Google’s release of Drive for Work (aka Google Apps Unlimited) in 2014 promised to align Google Apps with user needs and priorities.

Over the past several months, Google has deployed several security and feature enhancements that make Drive a more robust file service. Some are only available with Drive for Work, others apply to all Google for Work domains.

Set Sharing Settings by Department
(Drive for Work / Google Apps Unlimited Only)

Sometimes different file settings make sense. You might, for example, have a research department that needs to keep information confidential and a sales team that needs to share presentations with their clients. To help manage these different sharing needs, now when you make selections in Drive settings from the Admin console, you can turn off sharing outside the domain for one organizational unit, while still allowing others to work and share files with anyone they need to.

Create Custom Drive Alerts / Track More Events with Drive Audit
(Drive for Work / Google Apps Unlimited Only)

To keep track of when specific actions are taken in Drive, you can set up custom Drive alerts. So if you want to know when a file containing the word “confidential” in the title is shared outside the company, now you’ll know. And there are more events coming to Drive audit, including download, print and preview.

Set up custom admin alerts to find out when things change
(All Google for Work Domains)

There are lots of moving parts to running a company, and now it’s easier for IT to find out about the things they care about with custom alerts — like when a new app is installed or a shared calendar is deleted — and get those right in their inbox.

Let people reset their own passwords
(All Google for Work Domains)

Recovering passwords isn’t the most pleasant thing we do in our lives. But now IT can let employees securelyreset their own passwords, so they don’t lose valuable time being locked out of their account. If this doesn’t make sense for your organization, admins can simply turn this ability off.

Disable downloading, printing and copying of any file with IRM
(All Google for Work Domains)

With Information Rights Management (“IRM”) you can disable downloading, printing and copying from the advanced sharing menu – perfect for when the file you’re sharing is only meant for a few select people. This new option is available for any file stored in Google Drive, including documents, spreadsheets and presentations created in Google Docs.

Share quickly with anyone outside your organization
(All Google for Work Domains)

When it comes to sharing, like giving final inventory lists to your caterer or last minute logos to your design agency, you want to make sure people can see it right away — whether they use Drive or not. Now, you canshare with any email address and they’ll be able to view the files you share —without having to sign-in to a Google account. Admins can disable this feature for certain departments that want to require sign-in before , while enabling it for others.

What Are the Risks Involved With Cloud Storage?

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risks involved with cloud storage

While cloud storage offers numerous benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential risks associated with this technology. Here are some common risks involved with cloud storage:

  1. Data Breaches: Cloud storage providers are responsible for securing your data, but no system is entirely immune to data breaches. A breach could potentially expose your sensitive information to unauthorized individuals or cybercriminals.
  2. Data Loss: Although cloud storage providers typically have robust backup systems, there is still a small chance of data loss. This could occur due to hardware failure, natural disasters, software bugs, or human error. It’s important to have additional backup measures in place to mitigate this risk.
  3. Limited Control: When you store your data in the cloud, you rely on the provider’s cloud infrastructure and security measures. This means you have limited control over the physical storage environment, data handling processes, and security protocols implemented by the provider. It’s crucial to choose a reputable and trustworthy provider to minimize this risk.
  4. Service Disruptions: Cloud storage services can experience downtime due to various reasons, such as maintenance, power outages, or network failures. During these disruptions, you may be unable to access your data temporarily, which can impact your productivity or business operations.
  5. Compliance and Legal Issues: Depending on your industry or geographical location, storing certain types of data in the cloud may raise compliance and legal concerns. You need to ensure that your cloud storage provider complies with applicable regulations and provides adequate data protection measures to avoid potential penalties or legal consequences.
  6. Vendor Lock-In: If you heavily rely on a specific cloud storage provider and its proprietary technologies, switching to a different provider may be challenging. This vendor lock-in can limit your flexibility, scalability, and bargaining power. It’s advisable to choose cloud storage solutions that allow for easy data migration and interoperability.
  7. Dependency on Internet Connectivity: Cloud storage relies on an internet connection for data access and synchronization. If you have limited or unreliable internet connectivity, it can hinder your ability to access your data in real-time or perform backups effectively.

Other Human Risks Involved with Cloud Storage

A recent survey by WinMagic, a UK-based storage security firm, highlights some interesting, if not disturbing, information about employee use of cloud file and storage services. Speaking with over 1,000 employees at companies with at least 50 employees, the survey found that both users and businesses appear to be unclear about the need to protect cloud data, and how to do it.

Key findings of the survey:

  • Only 35% use a service sanctioned by their employer
  • 50% use personal equipment to access work information and services at least once a week
  • 65% of employees don’t have or don’t know the company policy on cloud storage
  • 5% use cloud services knowing that the service has been restricted by the company

The disparity between IT policies regarding the use of cloud storage and employees habits is troubling, particularly given the risk of data corruption, loss, and breaches.

The solution is not to avoid the cloud due to the perceived risks involved with cloud storage. Nor should you create a draconian culture around technology and cloud usage.

To mitigate Cloud Storage Risks, Consider Implementing the Following Measures:

  • Create and share a clear, concise policy on the use of cloud services, and IT in general, for your company
    • Clearly require that work related to data to be stored only in sanctioned systems and services, and the work and personal applications and data be completely separate.
  • Provide a suite of services that meet users’ needs
    • Ask users which tools help their productivity and evaluate the secure, business versions. Remember that one size does not fit all and you may need or want multiple options.
  • Monitor and manage access, security, and privacy
    • Deploy systems that let you monitor and manage access to company data, the security of the data, and your data privacy compliance. In addition to user identity and access controls, monitor and manage file permissions based on content along with 3rd party application (especially mobile app) access to your data.
  • Inform and educate your team
    • You do not need a series of boring lectures and meetings to indoctrinate your team into the new world order. A clear, concise discussion regarding appropriate use policies gets the message across.
  • Be nimble and communicate
    • Cloud is still fairly new and services are constantly evolving and launching. Users’ needs are changing constantly as well. If you can respond to your users with tools and services that meet their needs, you eliminate their “need” to circumvent the official tools. Communication about why certain

By being aware of these risks involved with cloud storage and taking appropriate precautions, you can make informed decisions about utilizing cloud storage effectively while safeguarding your data.

A balance of useful and secure cloud services, clear policies that promote responsible use, and tools that monitor and mitigate risks will improve not just your security profile, but your efficiency as a business.

We offer a range of data protection & security services, contact us to learn more.

 

 

Cloud Resiliency: Overview, Benefits & Steps for Implementation

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business resilienceWhat is Resiliency in Cloud Computing?

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, where businesses increasingly rely on cloud computing for their critical operations, the need to ensure uninterrupted services and data availability has become paramount. This is where “Cloud Resiliency” steps in as a fundamental aspect of modern IT strategy.

Cloud resiliency refers to the ability of a cloud-based system or infrastructure to withstand and recover from unexpected disruptions, whether they arise from hardware failures, software glitches, cyberattacks, natural disasters, or any other unforeseen events. It involves designing and implementing a robust framework that can promptly detect issues, gracefully handle failures, and swiftly restore normal operations without significant downtime.

The unexpected will happen. It is inevitable. Sometimes the unexpected is a good thing. In technology, the unexpected is usually bad.  It may be small … or big … or catastrophic.

Part of our role as IT professionals is to expect and prepare for the unexpected. We backup data so that we can restore files that are accidentally deleted, overwritten, or damaged.  We backup systems so that we can recover them in case of hardware or software failures. Many business designs and implement disaster recovery plans. These plans provide the means for companies to recover from larger incidents, ranging from burst pipes and building fires to blizzards and hurricanes.

In recent years, the focus has been on “Business Continuity” planning. Business continuity intends to prevent disruption to operations, even in the face of larger incidents or disasters. While great in concept, most small and mid-size enterprises cannot afford to fully duplicate systems in redundant data centers and provide alternate work sites for employees.

Cloud Resiliency in Business

Business Resiliency is based on the objective of enabling a business to continue (or rapidly resume) operations with some accommodations.  In other words, you may not be running 100%, but you will be running soon enough and well enough, given the situation. Resiliency is about bending without breaking.

Consider Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the US Eastern Seaboard.  Many businesses were physically destroyed by the flooding. Many others were shut down by the indirect effects of the flooding as some areas along the coast lost critical infrastructure — including water and sewer. Businesses left physically intact but without power for days considered themselves lucky as some areas waited months for reconstruction.

Consider the ice storms and blizzards throughout the Northeast US in recent years.  For many businesses, the only disruption was loss of power.  And while in many of the storms, outages where generally localized, some businesses went without power for as long as three weeks.

The same holds true for businesses in “tornado alley” in the Midwest. A tornado may leave your business unscathed, but it may take days or weeks for power and water to be restored.

In each of these scenarios, backup/restore/recovery is not enough to get the business back up and running. And, again, most small and mid-size businesses cannot afford to maintain disaster recovery systems and sites.

Benefits of Cloud Resiliency

Cloud resiliency offers a wide range of benefits to businesses and organizations that rely on managed cloud-based services and infrastructures. These advantages contribute to the overall stability, availability, and security of digital assets, ensuring uninterrupted operations and safeguarding against potential disruptions. Here are some key benefits of cloud resiliency:

  1. High Availability: Cloud resiliency ensures that critical applications and services remain available even in the face of hardware failures, software glitches, or other unforeseen events. Redundancy and failover mechanisms enable seamless transitions to backup systems, minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous access for users.
  2. Disaster Recovery: Resilient cloud architectures provide robust disaster recovery capabilities. Regular data backups, real-time data replication, and well-defined recovery processes allow businesses to recover quickly from data loss, cyberattacks, or natural disasters, minimizing potential data and revenue loss.
  3. Reduced Downtime: With cloud resiliency in place, businesses experience reduced downtime during system failures or maintenance activities. Quick detection and automatic recovery mechanisms help prevent prolonged service interruptions, enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction.
  4. Business Continuity: Cloud resiliency ensures business continuity by allowing organizations to maintain essential operations even during disruptive events. Critical business functions can continue operating, meeting customer commitments and minimizing financial losses.
  5. Cost Efficiency: While implementing cloud resiliency may involve upfront investments, it ultimately proves cost-effective in the long run. The ability to prevent extended downtime or data loss reduces potential revenue losses and protects a company’s reputation.
  6. Scalability: Resilient cloud infrastructures are designed to scale dynamically to meet changing demands. As businesses grow or experience fluctuating workloads, the cloud resiliency framework can seamlessly adapt, ensuring optimal performance and resource utilization.
  7. Enhanced Security: Cloud resiliency often goes hand-in-hand with robust security measures. Proactive identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities help protect against cyber threats and unauthorized access, safeguarding sensitive data and intellectual property.
  8. Improved Customer Trust: Reliability and continuous availability of services build trust with customers and partners. Knowing that their data and operations are in safe hands, clients are more likely to choose a resilient cloud service provider, giving businesses a competitive advantage.
  9. Regulatory Compliance: Resilient cloud architectures often adhere to industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements. Meeting these standards is critical for businesses operating in regulated sectors, ensuring legal adherence and avoiding potential penalties.
  10. Faster Recovery Times: In the event of a disruption or disaster, cloud resiliency enables faster recovery times compared to traditional on-premises solutions. Automated recovery processes and failover capabilities reduce the time required to restore services and operations.
  11. Geographical Redundancy: Resilient cloud infrastructures can be distributed across multiple data centers in different geographic locations. This geographical redundancy further enhances data protection and disaster recovery capabilities, minimizing the impact of regional outages or natural disasters.

Cloud Resiliency Requirements

Achieving cloud resiliency involves careful planning, robust architecture design, and the implementation of various measures to ensure the system can withstand and recover from unexpected disruptions.

Most businesses can afford to move IT systems into cloud computing and hosted solutions.  And in doing so, businesses can affordably build resiliency.

With all of these disasters, you did not have to travel too far inland to be out of the damage zone.  Businesses with on-premise equipment had to purchase and wait for delivery of replacements, rebuild their systems, and (hopefully) recover their data from their off-site backups. Certainly doable, but costly and time consuming.  It can take 2 to 4 days just to get the equipment in place and ready to restore.

Businesses in the cloud faced a different scenario and outcome. Moving to an area with power and Internet, businesses running in the cloud were up and running in hours (some in minutes) and some were never “down” at all.

Take the Next Step Today to Implement Resilience in Your Cloud Computing Strategy

To discuss how cloud computing can improve the resiliency of your business, contact us for a no-obligation conversation or click here to learn about our RestartIT solutions.