Cloud Solutions

5 Ways to Tell If a Cloud Service Provider Knows What They're Doing

By / March 12, 2019

When moving to the cloud, you don’t want to trust your data in the hands of a rookie. After all, data is the lifeblood of your business. When choosing a cloud technology provider, you must consider how moving to the cloud will affect your business over the short and long term. Your clients, employees, and business processes rely on a smooth transition and ongoing management and support.

So, how do you know if you’ve found a true professional? Here are five things you need to look out for:

1. Technical Knowledge

First and foremost, your cloud service provider must be a certified expert in cloud solutions. When speaking with a prospective vendor, be sure to talk to a technical consultant as well as a sales representative. This will ensure you have access to someone who will help you find solutions as well as someone who will walk you through the technical decisions.

2. Transparency

The right cloud service provider will also be transparent about what you need and how much it costs. You don’t want to work with a vendor who hands you a quote with a big price tag and a small summary of services. From your first interaction, you should feel that your cloud service provider has your best interests in mind.

3. Long-Term Value

Your cloud service provider should also give the impression that they want to build a long-term relationship with your business. If you work with a provider who just wants to deploy licenses, you won’t be gaining a supportive partner in the long run. Instead, look for a vendor who will find an immediate solution and help you build solutions in other areas of your business going forward.

4. Relevancy

Technology changes every day. While experience is important, your cloud service provider should also be up to date on the most recent developments in cloud technology. Your provider should be agile and on top of cutting edge solutions, not pushing solutions from six months ago. If you ask a vendor about a new technical advancement and they aren't familiar, that can be a red flag.

5. Problem-Solving Expertise

Always remember that "cloud solutions" should always be solution-based. They should solve problems your business is having with access to data, security, or connectivity. Your cloud service provider must have the proper tools and resources to accurately assess your business challenges and determine the best possible solutions. If your provider can’t help you solve complex problems, they will not be a true partner in your business.