Over the past decade, cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate, providing cost-effective solutions for data storage, disaster recovery, remote collaboration, and overall efficiency.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) typically adopt the cloud in one of two ways. The first involves selecting a cloud hosting provider and migrating operations to their platform. However, this approach often requires businesses to manage and maintain their cloud environment independently, which can be both time-consuming and complex. The second, and often simpler, more convenient approach, is to use managed cloud services.
What are managed cloud services?
Managed cloud services involve allowing third-party IT professionals to oversee and optimize your cloud infrastructure on your behalf. This includes everything from data migration and monitoring to cybersecurity, maintenance, and optimization. By entrusting cloud operations to professionals, you can ensure your systems remain secure, efficient, and consistently available — without straining your own resources. As a result, many SMBs increasingly turn to managed cloud services over self-managed solutions.
How managed cloud services drive business growth
SMBs can expect the following benefits when they use managed cloud services:
Reduced IT costs
While a managed cloud services subscription might seem like an additional expense, it's often far more cost-effective than maintaining in-house IT systems or avoiding the cloud entirely. With managed cloud services, you pay a predictable subscription fee, simplifying budget planning. You also don't have to worry about the costs of purchasing and maintaining hardware, hiring specialized IT staff, or covering unexpected operational expenses. Your provider takes care of it all, helping you save money and avoid the hassle of managing your own IT infrastructure.
Improved team collaboration
Cloud-based storage and applications empower employees to access, edit, and share files from anywhere. This flexibility is particularly valuable for remote workers and teams spread across multiple locations, allowing them to stay connected and productive no matter where they are.
Such seamless collaboration not only boosts efficiency but also enhances communication and supports faster, more informed decision-making, helping teams achieve their goals more effectively.
Enhanced security and compliance
Reputable managed cloud providers prioritize safeguarding your data from cyberthreats by implementing advanced security measures, including:
- Advanced data encryption to prevent unauthorized access
- Regular backups to protect against data loss
- 24/7 monitoring to identify and address potential threats in real time
- Compliance support to help businesses meet industry regulations
For SMBs, achieving this level of protection on their own can be both complex and prohibitively expensive. Partnering with a trusted managed cloud provider offers a cost-effective solution and gives you peace of mind that your data and systems are secure.
Minimized downtime and faster recovery
Unexpected system failures can interrupt business processes and lead to costly setbacks. Managed cloud services reduce downtime: the provider proactively monitors your systems and quickly resolves any issues that arise. In the event of a server failure, another server seamlessly steps in to maintain uninterrupted business operations.
Increased scalability and flexibility
Your IT needs will change over time. Managed cloud services make it easy to adapt to these changes, whether you require more bandwidth, storage, computing power, or other resources. Upgrading, downgrading, or adjusting your cloud plan is quick, efficient, and cost-effective, ensuring you pay only for the resources you use.
Greater focus on core business operations
Managing IT infrastructure can pull attention away from performing core operations and serving customers. By outsourcing cloud management, you free up valuable time and resources to focus on developing your products, enhancing customer experiences, and driving business growth.
Partner with Fidelis for your managed cloud needs
Selecting the right managed cloud services provider is a critical decision for any business. At Fidelis, we specialize in supporting SMBs by delivering customized cloud solutions that align with your unique needs and budget. Our experienced team takes care of every aspect of your cloud environment. With us by your side, you’ll harness the full power of the cloud to drive business growth. Schedule a consultation with us today to get started.
