The Benefits of a Cloud-First Provider for Managed IT Cloud Services

Cloud computing is everywhere, from your email to your enterprise resource planning solution. Your business depends on this technology for a scalable and cost-effective infrastructure, but you’re running out of resources to manage everything. Because departments, teams and individual employees often procure apps without your involvement or approval, you could end up with hundreds of applications that may or may not be suitable for a business environment. Managed IT services help, but only if consultants know what they’re doing in the cloud. An IT provider that began in the cloud has several advantages over consultants who only recently made the switch when it comes to managed IT cloud services. For instance, they:

Understand Cloud Challenges

You get many advantages when you use the cloud, but it brings plenty of challenges along for the ride. If your managed services providers deal primarily with on-premises systems, they could take much longer to address issues or fail to optimize your infrastructure properly. A cloud-first provider stays up to date on the latest developments in the industry, which gives them exceptional insight into the roadblocks you face.

Have Hands-on Experience With Cloud Solutions

You spend less time getting your provider up to speed if they know how to troubleshoot your organization’s applications. A cloud-first IT provider works with the top solutions available in its target market. You might spend some time walking them through customization created for your business, but otherwise they can jump right in and get started.

Have Established Cloud Vendor Relationships

When you have a problem with your cloud infrastructure, you can’t call your in-house IT department to reboot the servers or update the application. The cloud vendors control most or all of the hardware and software, so you have to go through their support when something goes wrong. You get treated like any other customer, which can lead to slow response times. A cloud-first provider, on the other hand, has established vendor relationships. You benefit from internal contact numbers and higher priority support compared to the standard queue. If you need help choosing new solutions, your managed IT services partner could have access to better pricing tiers or more leverage for negotiation.

Infuse Their Cloud Expertise in Managed IT Cloud Services

Most managed IT service providers know how to work with cloud technology in a vacuum. They address each platform on its own, fixing performance problems or going through standard troubleshooting steps. You need a managed IT cloud services company to get help with the big picture. They look beyond the individual applications and consider your full technology ecosystem when making decisions.

Are Prepared for Cloud Disaster Scenarios

A disaster recovery plan designed for an on-premises system lacks effectiveness when you’re dealing with a hybrid or full cloud infrastructure. You need your network back up and running far more than you need your on-site servers or workstations. After all, you can access the cloud from nearly any device. Your connectivity is far more important to get your business back up and running. Make sure your managed IT services provider takes a cloud-centric approach to any business continuity strategies.

Managed cloud services should make your life easier, not harder. Get a cloud-first service provider with in-depth knowledge of the market and first-hand expertise with the systems you already have in place. Do you have questions or want to get started? Learn more about Agile IT’s managed IT cloud services.

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