We hear a lot about the Challenges Businesses Face when they’re thinking about moving to the Cloud.

Cloud computing is the future, and there’s no getting away from it. On a personal level, almost every one of us grasps Cloud Computing. We know about Google Drive or Dropbox, we understand where photos are when we post on social media, and yet…

…When it comes to business cloud computing, it’s still a confusing muddle with too many variables to take in all at once.

Privacy Concerns

You’ve always run and maintained your own servers and you know exactly where your data is. It can be a challenge to see how cloud computing can offer the same levels of security when your data is ‘out there’.

That’s why, when you’re choosing business cloud services, you need the reassurance you get from a major provider such as Microsoft and Office 365 Enterprise plans. All Microsoft’s plans offer the strongest data encryption and adhere to strict protocols when servers exchange information.

Lack of Technical Expertise

Finding a starting place can be a challenge when you’re not sure what it is you’re starting or where you need to go. Just finding the right questions can be hard.

Given the volumes of data even businesses of a modest size hold, it takes specific IT expertise to devise a suitable plan and strategy. Not all in-house IT admins have the specialised knowledge that underpins a successful cloud migration.

Bridging the knowledge gap is where Eitex comes in. “Lots of business owners don’t know where to start, they just know they need to for the sake of their business in the future,” explains Dean Spencer, Eitex MD. “We’re used to this, and work constantly to stay abreast of the latest developments so we can make transition easy for our customers. We analyse what they need so we’re sure we offer the best solutions. And our dedicated helpline makes sure all our customers get help whenever they need it.”

Introducing New Systems to Staff

Staff members may need time to adapt to cloud working methods, despite performing similar functions in their personal computing. It’s normal to factor in some learning time, so everyone can get used to new systems without stress. It doesn’t take long for new security protocols, permissions, collaboration opportunities or mobile access to become second nature and make working life more efficient.

Fearing Downtime

Worrying about downtime disrupting business flow can be a major concern. Fearing production losses can make business owners put off moving to cloud computing.

How long migration takes depends on business size and complexity, but you shouldn’t allow time challenges to stand in your way. You don’t have to do it all at once, either. Hybrid IT systems are efficient and popular, offering a solution that means your data is partly in the cloud and partly retained in your own servers.

Endless procrastinating poses an even greater risk than potential downtime when competitors are all becoming cloud based.  You only have to see what online retailing is doing to the High Street to see how powerful an influence cloud computing is.

Costing Worries

Cloud computing can seem intangible. Translating something you can’t see or touch into physical cash benefits can be a little like asking an atheist to take a leap of faith. But there is nothing transcendental about the lower costs experienced by many companies:

• Your equipment doesn’t become obsolete and unable to run software or applications.
• Resources are scalable, making operating expenses easier to align with demand.
• Price models are flexible, including per-month, per-user or pay-per-use.
• Rented equipment lowers acquisition costs.
• You are no longer responsible for hardware maintenance.

Have we touched on any of the main challenges that are standing between your company and more successful computing? Time is running out if you’d like to book onto our Office 365 Taster Day next week on 17^th January. During this informative session, we’ll answer any concerns or confusions regarding migrating to the cloud. You’ll have a much better understanding of how it works and how it can save you money.

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