The global cloud computing market could reach $623.3 billion by 2023 because of the advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, and others. Cisco predicts that 94 per cent of the internet workload will be in the cloud by the end of 2021. This projection aligns with the trend of cloud adoption over the past decade; the cloud truly is the next stage in business computing. 

Although these developments are exciting, it’s always wise to approach innovations with caution. Businesses should not dive headfirst into market trends without due diligence. Adopting cloud computing without preparing means putting a strain on a company’s business model, no matter how agile it is.

When a company jumps right into something like hosted telephony, they might think that they would reap the benefits right away. However, more often than not, it leads to adverse side effects that could harm the business in the long run. You have to think about whether your business can handle running and implementing functions on the cloud. Can the company handle this, or would it do better with a managed service provider?

Besides knowing whether your resources can handle in-house cloud management, you have to decide the kind of cloud you will use. For instance, if you want to keep your departments and clients connected, you might offer a hosted telephony system. However, you need to know the best cloud solution for you. There are three types of cloud computing environments businesses use today; here is an overview of each type.

Private Cloud

A private cloud is a dedicated solution that the business or organisation manages, whether onsite or at a colocation centre. This type of cloud fits organisations with large stores of information or businesses that process immense amounts of data. Private clouds are typically costlier than other models, but they enable the company to provide better security.

This solution fits companies with ample resources and those with more than 30 users at each site. It is also suitable for businesses that want to own their systems and need flexibility in terms of their VoIP telephony service provider.

Public Cloud

This type is a “retail” solution which third-party providers sell to users. These include applications, storage, communications systems, and the computing environment, and this package is more affordable than private clouds. The solution provider can put it at a lower price point because they cover hardware deployment, bandwidth, and application costs.

This solution is suitable for small business phone service provider and medium-sized businesses. There are little to no upfront capital costs; you don’t have to buy physical infrastructure or acquire physical space for this cloud environment. This is a great solution if you have a distributed workforce and are looking for a plug-and-play solution, or if you have individual sites with less than 30 users for each.

Hybrid Cloud

A hybrid cloud uses aspects of private and public platforms. This kind is more cost-efficient than a private cloud and allows for more control over their infrastructure. A hybrid cloud-based phone system combines traditional on-premise servers and a cloud environment. The operating expenses for hybrid clouds are lower than pure cloud solutions, and the OPEX is lower than if you buy a premise solution.

Hybrid clouds allow organisations to choose what they want to internalise, which allows them to deploy public cloud offerings for low-risk aspects of their business; ones where compliance or security is not a serious concern.

Conclusion

A company that wants to implement a cloud strategy must know the type their company can afford. A public cloud solution is suitable for SMEs, but companies requiring more security should invest in a private cloud. Also, even public cloud solutions clients need to choose providers who can guarantee uninterrupted service. If they’re hiring a managed cloud services provider, the client must also ensure that their potential provider has trained IT support professionals who can deliver to a certain level.

Keep your business connected with Intricall. We provide a cloud-based phone system for companies in the UK, with bespoke IT solutions and 24/7 cover. Get a quote today or contact us for enquiries!