Why a Cloud First Strategy should be considered

Cloud computing offers a plethora of benefits to a wide variety of organisations. In the past, organisations spent a great deal of funds on servers, software, and storage devices in order to fulfil the computing needs of the business. With the evolution of cloud services, companies are able to have far more power and storage at a fraction of the previous costs.  

The evolution of cloud computing has led to what has been described as the “cloud-first” strategy. This approach to computing suggests that an organisation should look first to cloud solutions when developing new processes or adapting old processes before considering non-cloud-based solutions. As far back as 2010, businesses began referring to this as the cloud-first strategy. The idea moved quickly from private businesses to government entities. The U.S government released its first policy in 2011 and the UK followed suit in 2013. Taking this further, the UK policy states that departments have the ability to use non-cloud alternatives but they must demonstrate the improved value proposition over cloud options.

Why Should a Cloud-First Approach be Considered?

There are many reasons for implementing a cloud-first strategy, but one driving force is cost and value. Consider the following benefits:

• Systems can be built piece by piece based on business needs.
• Lower equipment and maintenance costs than previous on-site server solutions.
• Access to powerful software and platforms with lower initial investment and guaranteed costs or fees.
• Cost-effective upgrade options allowing organisations to upgrade if and when it is needed.
• Access to skilled support for specific services.
• Increased speed of delivery for updates, repairs and improvements.

Another critical reason to consider a cloud-first strategy is the strength of the collaboration tools and services now available. During the pandemic, for example, many organisations were forced to allow employees to work from home or other off-site locations. Cloud computing allows employees around the world to access the necessary tools, data and storage from any location on almost any device. 

Cloud Smart

Companies must consider their overall technological needs in the present and in the future. Three years ago, the U.S. government chose to change their focus from cloud-first to “cloud smart.” Technological policies should fit the mission of the organisation as well as the intended purpose of the software.

Some organisations, for a variety of reasons, will continue to maintain a more traditional on-site-like approach to infrastructure without losing the benefits of the cloud. In these situations, it may be more appropriate to maintain built-in security tools, such as WAFs and virus protection, and cyber protection, such as cyber secure back-ups and cyber secure disaster recovery.

Accxia ONE Cloud

The Accxia ONE Cloud is at the core of what we do. The Accxia ONE Cloud is a Cloud As A Service platform, binding together all of our services and cyber protection infrastructure. 

The Accxia ONE Cloud adds significant business value in form of cost savings through the use of Accxia's unique Intelligent User Management, and through protection from cyber attacks.

The Accxia ONE Cloud is equipped with a multi-Petabyte, super fast infrastructure deploying the ground breaking InfiniBox by Infinidat.

Create the ultimate framework to facilitate your new Cloud-First approach that prioritises control, security and scalability all whilst saving your business from technical debt and waste. With our private data centres securely located in Germany and the USA with over 30 cyber secure data centers for your cyber secure back-ups and recovery, you don’t have to worry about your data being compromised.

Accxia ONE Cloud - Lower TCO - Faster ROI