The cloud is all the rage these days. It’s also a confusing topic, with many people not knowing what it means at all. The truth of the matter is that there are hundreds of different types of cloud consulting firms out there, but how do you know which one to choose? Read on to learn more about how to find an expert who can help your company with its transition into the cloud!
Understand your needs
The first thing that you need to do is figure out what your needs are. In this way, you will be able to acquire the right cloud computing consulting services that will be able to suit your requirements. Cloud consulting companies specialize in different things, so this is an essential step to take before you hire anyone. For example, if you’re looking for a cloud migration services firm, then it doesn’t make sense to hire someone who only does security audits. You’ll want them to focus on the area that they’re best at.
To better understand your needs, it may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:
- What services do I need?
- What issues am I trying to solve by moving my business into the cloud?
- How can a consulting company help me with this transition?
- Who are my competitors and what is their online presence like (website, social media)?
The answers to these questions will help you figure out what your needs are.
Know what services are available
To choose the right cloud consulting company, you need to know what services are available. As such, you should be doing your research ahead of time and know what types of things these companies offer. Some of the most common services offered by these firms include migration to the cloud, security audits, and disaster recovery planning. You should also know what each service entails for you to understand whether or not it’s something that your business could use.
Create a list of three or four companies to contact first
You should always do your research before you hire anyone, but it’s even more important when you’re looking for a cloud computing consulting service. The internet has made finding information about these types of businesses much easier, so take advantage of this fantastic resource. After you’ve done your research, create a list of three or four firms that you want to contact first.
You can then begin narrowing down which ones are best for your business by asking the following questions:
- How do their services compare with what I need?
- Are they accredited by any organizations?
- Are they easy to reach?
- What is their response time like when you leave a message or send an email?
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they have references that I can contact to learn more about the quality of their services?
A good reputation is key
When choosing a firm, make sure they have a positive online reputation. For example, check out their reviews on Google+ and Yelp. You can also see what other business owners have to say about them by looking at their Amazon profile and the Better Business Bureau as well. If they don’t seem very trustworthy, then you might want to reconsider hiring them for your company’s needs.
You should also look into the experience of the firm in the industry. For example, if you’re looking for security audits then it doesn’t make sense to hire a company that only has two years of experience in this area. You’ll want someone who is an expert at what they do and can give you accurate advice about whether or not your business will be safe with the cloud.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
If a cloud consulting company seems like it could be a good fit for your needs, then it’s time to start asking questions. The more information you can get out of them ahead of time, the better off you’ll be in the long run. For example, if they come back with an estimate that seems too low or high compared to their competitors, ask why this is so and what makes their services so different. If you don’t have a good rapport with the firm, then they may not be the best fit for your business after all.
Get an estimate in writing
Before officially signing on with any cloud consulting services, make sure that you get everything written down and put into a contract. This way there will be no misunderstandings later on and you’ll know what to expect. Once your contract is signed, the company will then get started with making plans for how they’re going to execute their services.
Make sure that everything is transparent between both parties involved
The last thing you want to do is to hire a cloud consulting company that isn’t transparent with you. You should be able to tell them how your business works and what its needs are. From there, the consultant will come back and give you an estimate on whether or not their services can meet those expectations. If they don’t seem like they’re being open about things, then it might be time to look elsewhere.
Evaluate pricing plans and contract terms
Take the time to evaluate pricing plans and contract terms to make sure you’re getting a good deal on your cloud consulting service. For example, if you’re just starting with your company then it might make sense to go for a three-year contract instead of one or two. That way the costs will be lower and won’t hurt as much when you first start up.
Ask about training programs or certifications offered by the company
It is also a good idea to ask about training programs or certifications that the company offers. For example, if you’re planning on using their services for cloud migration then they should have plenty of training options to choose from so that your employees can be up to speed with all things related to this area. If not, then it might make more sense to hire someone else who has these types of resources available.
The key to success with cloud consulting is knowing what you want, how to find it, and then making the best possible decision for your business. There are many different providers out there who offer a variety of options. Make sure that when you’re searching for the right provider, take all these factors into account before signing on any dotted line or sending in payment!