How feasible is it to move your business IT system into The Cloud?

Transferring your company’s IT network into the Cloud – is it possible and is it really worth it? How do you decide whether that kind of digital transformation would be beneficial for your business?

Prior to the “Cloud”, IT Infrastructure had remained fairly constant for 25 years. Today there are now far more choices available to businesses with the Cloud changing many aspects of IT and, as a result, of business. 

“Moving your IT infrastructure into the Cloud is a significant business commitment”, explains Andrew Hookway, Director, Extech Cloud. “It requires informed decision-making and significant planning in order to maximise the opportunity, optimise efficiency, ensure security and meet your future business needs.” 

To help business owners in Sussex make the decision, based on many years of Cloud experience and more than 100 successfully implemented Cloud transitions, Extech Cloud has developed a Feasibility Study.

What are your IT Infrastructure Choices?

“Before commissioning a study like this, it is worth knowing what benefits moving your IT system to the Cloud could bring to your business,” says Andrew. “To many business owners who find themselves short of time on a daily basis, this kind of digital transformation might seem like an impossible time investment.”  

It is worth noting that Cloud transitions can provide a host of benefits, including the flexibility to work remotely, with increased visibility, speed and accessibility for your teams, heightened access to services, and improved cybersecurity, to name a few.  

“However, it is essential for business owners to make the right decision on how to go ahead in order to maximise the opportunity,” Andrew explains. 

Since the advent of Cloud services there are far more choices available for your IT infrastructure today. Businesses first have to choose which type of cloud service to use – Software as a Service (SaaS – when software is licensed on a subscription and centrally hosted), or Platform as a Service (PaaS – where a third-party provider delivers hardware and software tools to users over the internet) or Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS – when virtualised computing resources are provided over the internet). Then which delivery path best suits their needs – Hybrid, Pure Cloud, or a blend of the two?

This may not be familiar terminology, and that’s where outsourcing to an experienced, specialist Cloud IT organisation, like Extech Cloud, can be particularly useful, as they can explain and advise. 

What is the Extech Cloud Feasibility Study?

The Extech Cloud Feasibility Study is similar to engaging an architect to design your house. It is a funded research project, that typically takes 2-3 days, and is used to determine how existing IT systems and services are being used in your business, and to work with you to identify any upcoming additional requirements. 

A specialist, experienced Extech Cloud engineer will look at what IT and Software your business employs, who uses it, how they use it, and how all of the software needs to interact on a daily basis.

“The process is designed to help us to get to know your business and fully understand your needs,” Andrew explains. “We want to get to know every system and everybody in a business, including board members, where appropriate. The better we understand your business, the better the outcome will be.” 

What will come out of the Extech Cloud Feasibility Study?

On completion of the Feasibility Study, Extech Cloud will have an accurate picture of your organisation’s current usage of IT and will be better able to design, plan and agree with you the technical solutions to move your business forward. 

They will then produce a proposal that includes the following:

• A technical solution

• An assessment of the vendor(s) impact

• A plan and approach with an indicative timeline

• Cloud Products and Services with their ongoing fees

• The One-off Project costs for delivery

The specialist team at Extech Cloud will review the proposal detail with you and explain the reasons behind the selection of cloud computing solutions proposed.

The Extech Cloud process is designed to deliver an industry-leading service, helping to align IT with business needs. As a client-first focused firm, the method provides a fit-for-purpose IT strategy designed to work in tune with the strategic and cybersecurity needs of your business.

“Our experience shows that businesses that engage fully with this methodology get the best results from their digital transformation project,” Andrew adds. “With our detailed engagement covered through the Feasibility Study, combined with our experience completing more than 100 cloud transitions, businesses can be confident that their transition to the Cloud will be efficient, smooth, supportive, and delivered on time.”

If you’re thinking about transitioning your business to the cloud or you are already in the cloud and you need some support, talk to an Extech Cloud specialist to begin the initial Feasibility Study and transform your business for the better. You can talk to us on 01444 443200, email us on info@extech.co.uk or fill out our contact form for a call back.

www.extechcloud.com