Cloud

Cloud services involve the widespread use of virtualization, service-oriented architecture and utility computing. Implementing cloud virtualization can decrease costs, protect data and increase IT productivity all at the same time, allowing companies to grow and compete more efficiently.

In recent years, a growing number of businesses have adopted cloud-based services to optimize operations and gain a competitive edge. Cloud solutions can be public, private or hybrid (a mix of public and private, and the most popular approach). To learn more, please visit our page on Private Cloud vs. Public Cloud vs. Hybrid Cloud.

Cloud services can come in these forms (among other types of offerings):

• SaaS (Software as a Service), finished applications designed for end-users and delivered over the web.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service), a set of services and tools designed to make deploying those application quick and efficient.
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), which involves delivering hardware and software (servers, storage, networking and operating systems) through an on-demand service.

Other popular cloud-based solutions include Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) – both of which allow businesses to leverage various channels of communication and other advanced features to boost productivity and deliver an exceptional customer experience (CX). Many other kinds of IT solutions – including networking, security, hosting, disaster recovery and more – are also available via the cloud as part of the phenomenon of Everything as a Service (XaaS).

Cloud solutions and services have become extremely popular due to their many business benefits, such as the following:

• Increased flexibility
• Scalability
• Containment of overhead technology costs
• Easy set-up

With the cloud, you'll be able to work from anywhere with no hardware required, and you'll have the ability to tailor your technology to your specific needs. Furthermore, your team can collaborate easily and get more done than ever with the ability to share data and work together wherever users may be.

Overall, leveraging the right cloud offerings can potentially help your organization become significantly more efficient and stay competitive through digital transformation, the process of embracing new technologies to adapt to changing markets. However, shopping around for cloud solutions on your own can prove costly, time-consuming and confusing. With our trusted advisor services, you can gain access to our team's cloud expertise and save yourself the time, money, and stress of vetting solutions from different vendors. Please visit our Cloud Consulting page for more information.

More about the cloud:

• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Public vs. Private