Public cloud adoption is not just a technological shift; it’s a strategic move that can propel your business to new heights. However, success in the public cloud is not guaranteed. It requires a well-thought-out approach that aligns with your business objectives and ensures that you can capitalise on the cloud’s advantages while mitigating risks. In this blog, we’ll discuss key strategies to ensure success in the public cloud.
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Customisation and tailored solutions
One of the primary reasons businesses turn to public cloud platforms is the ability to access customised, bespoke offerings that cater to their unique needs. Off-the-shelf solutions often fall short of delivering the flexibility and scalability that modern businesses require.
Strategy: Work with cloud service providers who offer tailored solutions that align with your business goals. These providers can design and implement cloud architectures that are specifically suited to your operational needs, ensuring that you get the most value out of your cloud investment.
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Embrace governance to ensure success
Governance is a critical factor that can determine whether your cloud strategy succeeds or fails. It involves setting up policies, processes, and controls to manage your cloud environment effectively. Without proper governance, your cloud operations could become chaotic, leading to inefficiencies and increased risks.
Strategy: Implement a strong governance framework that covers all aspects of your cloud environment, from cost management to security and compliance. This framework should be continuously updated to reflect changes in your business and the cloud platform.
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Keep pace with innovation
The public cloud is an innovation engine, offering businesses access to the latest technologies and tools. However, keeping up with this rapid pace of innovation can be challenging, especially for businesses without large IT teams.
Strategy: Partner with a cloud service provider that offers ongoing support and advisory services. These services can help you stay ahead of the curve by identifying and implementing the latest cloud features that are relevant to your business.
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Optimise for cost and performance
Public cloud services can become expensive if not managed properly. It’s essential to continuously optimise your cloud resources to ensure that you are getting the best performance at the lowest possible cost.
Strategy: An experienced partner can help you to adopt a FinOps approach to cloud management, where financial operations, cloud engineering, and business teams work together to optimise cloud costs. Regularly review and adjust your cloud configurations to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
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Focus on security
Security is a top concern for any business operating in the public cloud. The shared responsibility model means that while cloud providers offer robust security features, it’s up to you to configure and manage these features correctly.
Strategy: Invest in a comprehensive security strategy that includes regular audits, automated monitoring, and incident response plans. Consider using managed security services to offload some of the security responsibilities to experts who can ensure that your cloud environment is protected against threats.
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Plan for the long term
Public cloud adoption is a journey, not a destination. It’s important to have a long-term plan that considers future growth, technological advancements, and evolving business needs.
Strategy: Develop a cloud roadmap that outlines your cloud adoption phases, from initial migration to full modernisation. This roadmap should be flexible enough to adapt to changes in the business landscape and cloud technology.
Ensuring success in the public cloud requires more than just technical know-how. It involves strategic planning, continuous optimisation, and a focus on governance and security. By following these strategies, your business can harness the full potential of the public cloud, driving innovation, efficiency, and growth.
