The Internet is full of articles about how to find the right cloud provider. So why are we writing more on the topic? Primarily, for purposes of presenting prospects with the perfect ‘P’ – it’s partner, pal – not provider!
Alliteration aside, why does the word ‘partner,’ matter? Because believe it or not, your data management decisions should be made based upon a relationship. The information you entrust to the cloud has tremendous value. The responsibility for building, securing and maintaining your environment should go to a real person you can have on speed dial and not to a call center.
Personal attention, intimate familiarity with your architecture and immediate accessibility help to differentiate a cloud partner from a mere provider. When considering where to turn, be sure to ask detailed questions about how a provider approaches client service. Ask leading questions like “Who will be my day-to-day contact after the sales cycle,” “How will I monitor and access my apps in real-time,” and “What happens if I have a question or an issue after hours?”
Here are a few tips on areas you should focus when interviewing a potential cloud partner.
All cloud companies are not created equal, and size does matter. Just because a provider has significant market penetration does not mean they will deliver the best customer service, solution set, pricing or peace of mind. In fact, just the opposite can be true. Don’t settle for a provider when you deserve a partner.
At Otava, we take partnership seriously. It’s embedded in our corporate DNA to deliver interactions with customers that exceed their expectations, every time. Our single-pane-of-glass access point for your IT environment keeps clients informed, and our support model has resulted in some seriously legendary stories. Contact us to learn more or check out our testimonials for yourself.
Otava provides the secure, compliant hybrid cloud solutions demanded by service providers, channel partners and enterprise clients in compliance-sensitive industries. By actively aggregating best-of-breed cloud companies and investing in people, tools, and processes, Otava’s global footprint continues to expand. The company provides its customers in highly regulated disciplines with a clear path to transformation through its effective solutions and broad portfolio of hybrid cloud, data protection, disaster recovery, security and colocation services, all championed by an exceptional support team. Learn more at www.otava.com.