It's no secret that cloud technologies allow businesses to get better results for less money. The question is how to correctly transfer the infrastructure to the cloud and which service provider to select for it. In this article we will consider a number of criteria and recommendations that allow you to choose a provider for your needs.
And maybe all the same themselves?
We'll put a locker in the pantry, hold out the cables, hire the admin - he'll raise the base there. Zazhivem clover! But will it really be so?
Its data center, even if it consists of one server with a database, is: the purchase of equipment, the organization of working conditions, the recruitment of qualified personnel. In addition, this is also a number of risks. The risk of equipment failure, the replacement of which will have to wait an unknown amount of time, or store a spare copy in the warehouse. High probability of downtime and accidents due to interruptions in the supply of electricity. The danger of natural and urban cataclysms, such as fires, floods, pulling cables by cleaners. The risk of getting under the hot hand of inspection bodies or crossing swords with unscrupulous competitors, not disdaining any methods. Each of these factors leads to an increase in the probability of temporary or permanent staying without a working tool: an infrastructure that allows you to earn money. The solution seems to be asking itself: to take the business out into the cloud. However, how to do it competently?
In the market there are many offers from different data centers from all over the world. The price range is also very wide. How to choose?
Let's understand, for what it is necessary to pay and on what features it is necessary to pay attention at a choice.
- Location of the data center
You should always be interested in where your data will be physically located and processed. There are several factors for evaluation.
Jurisdiction. The list of third parties who legally or illegally can access your confidential data depends on the country in which your server is located. For example, for access to information posted outside Ukraine, it is necessary to obtain the sanction of international law enforcement bodies at the level of Interpol.
Speed of access. Naturally, the closer to you the server - the faster the exchange of information. The response time within one country will be 10-20 milliseconds, for example, from Germany the server will respond about twice as long, however, this will be more than enough for 95% of business tasks.
- Equipment
This item deals with both computer components and ancillary infrastructure, such as protection automatics and air conditioning systems. Any infrastructure is built on hardware. The quality of the components determines the level of reliability and speed of your system.
- Service, technical support
All equipment needs maintenance. When choosing a data center, pay attention to who is responsible for the outage of equipment, and what is the order of replacement of components.
- The possibility of modification
Sooner or later, the needs of your business will change, and you will need to change the infrastructure. Be sure to specify which modification conditions. In some data centers, the cost of adding a few gigabytes of RAM or a hard drive can equate to half the cost of the server.
- Conditions for migration, suspension of use of services
Sometimes, circumstances dictate the need for migration from the data center. Smooth and painless, this process can only be if there is good will of both sides. Therefore, make sure that the data center does not impose exorbitant obligations on you and does not interfere with your migration by other methods.
A few practical recommendations
The most important thing is to determine your needs. How often do you need to change the infrastructure? What is more important for your business: speed or reliability and security? Do not forget about the logistics side of the question: in what form is it more convenient for you to receive and pay for services? Is it fundamental for you to communicate in your native language both organizationally and technically?
If you choose a data center that uses cheap hardware components, first of all, take care of regular backups and emergency recovery plans. If your business does not tolerate stops and interruptions, it's best to pay attention to those providers that have multiple data centers and can duplicate the most important elements of your infrastructure.
Whatever the equipment, the quality of services depends, first of all, on the personnel and policy of the digital service provider. Someone will see you as a long-term partner and build a mutually beneficial relationship, and someone will source the momentary profit. In order not to become a victim of poor-quality service and disregard, before ordering the service, be sure to talk with the representatives of the data center. Ask them how the infrastructure is organized, what are the means of ensuring continuity, is the provider ready to conduct a dialogue and respond to your needs and requests. By responding to your questions and answers, you can make a conclusion about the quality of the provider's services. Find out who can contact for recommendations and reviews.
These recommendations will help you when choosing a data center, but most importantly - determine your own needs!
What does HostiCo offer?
The provider of digital services HostiCo provides exceptionally high-quality services. We will be interesting to those who put the reliability of storing their data first and seek an individual approach to their needs. Our team will analyze your needs and help you choose the configuration that will satisfy them as much as possible. We will also help you organize the transfer of infrastructure to a remote site.
Our partner, the Dutch data center Novoserve, uses in its environment only high-quality equipment that is serviced by qualified personnel. Together with the engineers and system architects of the data center we will develop and offer you several options for the infrastructure with explanations and comments. European standards and human relations will allow to build a system that will become an instrument of work and a guarantee of the success of your business.
HostiCo will provide reliable technical and organizational support in your language. We will provide logistics and financial services. All you need to do is tell us about your needs and choose the most suitable one from the options offered!
Positive feedback from customers is evidence of the high quality of services and the effectiveness of the remote work method. Our customers are ready to vouch for HostiCo and Novoserve.
Do not get lost in the fog of the clouds, determine what qualities of the provider will be your priority and move the business to remote sites!