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Disparate systems, inconsistent security protocols across locations, and difficulty scaling infrastructure to meet changing usage all constrain business growth and efficiency.
Enterprise cloud adoption means to address these issues, but in-house teams need help to keep up with the latest technologies. Meanwhile, the increasing sophistication of cybersecurity threats and the need for regulatory compliance create additional concerns.
There's a solution to directly address these pain points: cloud managed services (CMS). Cloud managed services offer a comprehensive solution for multi-location enterprises seeking to overcome their unique connectivity challenges.
Dive into the key benefits that make cloud managed service providers critical partners for multi-location enterprises.
What are cloud managed services (CMS)?
Cloud managed services (CMS) are a suite of IT services and solutions delivered remotely by a third-party provider. Instead of managing their own cloud infrastructure, applications, and data, enterprises outsource these responsibilities to a trusted partner.
The specific services offered by CMS providers vary. Still, the core concept is the same: to provide a comprehensive solution for managing cloud environments, allowing enterprises to leverage the benefits of cloud computing without the burden of in-house management.
1. Enhanced security and compliance
Multi-location enterprises are particularly vulnerable because of their distributed operations and more expansive attack surfaces, making it all the more difficult to maintain a strong security posture.
Cloud security providers offer multi-layered solutions, such as:
- Intrusion network and prevention systems
- Next-generation firewalls
- Security information and event management
- Endpoint protection platforms
Through robust cloud management, enterprises have consistent security policies across all locations, reducing the risk of breaches and demonstrating compliance with industry regulations.
2. Scalable and flexible operations
Multi-location businesses often experience fluctuations in demand, whether due to seasonal trends or business growth. Traditional IT infrastructure struggles to adapt to these changes, leading to bottlenecks and increased costs.
A cloud managed service provider helps select the appropriate service models to replace legacy systems. To match specific cloud computing needs, assess the offerings across the Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) markets.
These resources allow enterprises to quickly add or remove virtual machines, storage, and networking capabilities to avoid over-provisioning resources.
3. Reduced connectivity costs
Legacy wide-area networks (WANs) are inefficient and expensive. Enterprise cloud solutions leverage multiple software-defined wide-area networking (SD-WAN) connection types (MPLS, broadband, 4G/5G) and intelligent traffic routing.
SD-WAN optimizes network traffic, prioritizes critical applications, and utilizes cost-effective internet connections. This substantially lowers connectivity costs while improving network performance and reliability.
4. Improved productivity across locations
Disparate communication tools and siloed data create collaboration barriers and hinder multi-location enterprises' productivity.
Enterprises can unify communication and collaboration through managed cloud services. With seamless access to tools like email, video conferencing, file sharing, and project management applications, teams work together more effectively, regardless of location.
5. Access to dedicated experts and support
CMS providers offer access to a team of experienced professionals specializing in cloud management. This includes 24/7 support, proactive monitoring, and rapid response to any technical issues.
These on-hand experts also stay abreast of the latest cloud technologies and trends, ensuring infrastructure remains up-to-date and secure.
In-house staff then focuses on strategic initiatives that drive business growth while the cloud environment is expertly managed and optimized.
6. Stronger data resiliency
Traditional backup solutions may not be sufficient to protect critical data, but CMS includes robust data protection and disaster recovery capabilities.
CMS helps businesses recover quickly from unexpected events and minimize data loss through automated backups, geographic redundancies, data replication, and point-in-time recovery.
These advanced data resiliency strategies must be incorporated for businesses to maintain continuity and minimize downtime.
7. Data-driven business decisions
CMS integrates with powerful analytics and reporting tools. Otherwise, multi-location enterprises struggle to consolidate data from different sources and extract meaningful information.
Businesses rely on managed cloud services to monitor key performance indicators, determine trends, and draw data-backed conclusions to improve efficiency and profitability across company assets—even their cloud technologies.
According to Statista, roughly 84 percent of IT practitioners cite managing cloud spending as their biggest challenge. A CMS partner helps forecast these costs, determine better options, and drive strategic decisions around cloud usage.
8. Easier expansion and global reach
Businesses rapidly expand their geographic footprint, reach new customers, and compete in the global marketplace without the constraints of legacy infrastructure.
CMS simplifies expansion by providing a global network that can be quickly deployed in new locations, delivering secure and reliable web content and applications.
9. Reach sustainability goals
Businesses recognize the importance of environmental sustainability and seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
By transitioning to the cloud, enterprises reduce energy consumption and adopt more sustainable business practices. CMS providers prioritize energy efficiency in their data centers, using advanced cooling technologies, server virtualization, and renewable energy sources.
Conclusion
The cloud has fundamentally shifted how multi-location enterprises approach their connectivity infrastructure. Reaping the benefits is challenging without the technical know-how to manage and secure these new technologies.
Using cloud managed services (CMS) protects the business’s cloud assets while ensuring they remain a strength in the overall IT strategy. With a technical edge from CMS providers, businesses overcome the obstacles of fragmented systems, inconsistent security, and limited scalability.
This partnership translates to cost savings, operational efficiency, and the ability to make data-driven decisions, expand into new markets, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Advantage Communications Group helps businesses overcome connectivity hurdles and understands the transformative power of managed cloud. Contact us today to keep your cloud strategy on solid ground.