A Contributed Article from Bluelock.

Is your IT team focused on "maintenance" projects around "keeping the lights on" in the datacenter? When implemented correctly, many cloud providers can take those task-oriented hours off of your teams schedule so you can replace that time with project-oriented hours instead.

Companies who move to the cloud and refocus their staff on business-centered projects are able to better position their IT team within the business as a strategic partner.

If your IT team is limited on time and resources, spending too much time on daily details of management, have a security compliance need and want to be better protected, you should consider a managed cloud hosting provider who can help you extend your team by freeing up maintenance time.

Before you invest in cloud, understanding the cloud service provider landscape can help you see the advantages and disadvantages of each type of provider. One type of cloud provider may be better suited to a given company than another while other companies choose to work with more than one provider.

Types of Cloud Providers:

• Managed Cloud Hosting
• Offers cloud hosting based on multi-tenant platforms in datacenters, economics and agility of Infrastructure-as-a-Service, and a wide range of service and support options with very high service level agreements
  
  
• Managed Hosting/Colocation
• Builds hosting stacks for individual customers leveraging private clouds or traditional colocation platforms with some form of self-service available and requires a "rack and stack" when the customer needs to grow its environment
  
  
• Value-Added Resellers + DIY
• Procures private clouds by adding their own services to software and hardware designed specifically for the customer and do not achieve the cost benefits of cloud hosting
  
  
• Mega Cloud Providers
• Resources are nearly infinite and raw compute and storage costs are low, but additional fees can be confusing and numerous while day-to-day management of infrastructure stays the same or increases

Managed cloud hosting providers offer a wide range of service and support options and are ideal for high-compliance, high-security workloads. Those providers who have security and compliance backgrounds, like Bluelock, bring comprehensive datacenter management to your business. The service value the cloud provider can bring to your team extends beyond your team's time and resource capabilities.

Consider managed cloud hosting if:

• Your infrastructure team is limited on time and resources
• You are spending too much time on daily details of management
• You value a partnership with your cloud provider
• You have a security or compliance need
• Business integration is important to your business
• You want to be better protected, not just "checking the box"

Look for providers whose unique tailored services approach can meet your needs rather than forcing you to fit into their pre-set boxes. This is especially helpful when you have licensure stipulations, complex applications or proprietary technologies that are difficult to virtualize or recover.

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Learn more about your choices when considering cloud providers by downloading "The Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Cloud Provider for Your Organization"