The Cloud Integration Best Practices That Will Keep You On Cloud 9

The goal of any business should be to make itself more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective as it grows. If you’re not able to achieve those objectives, you’ll never be able to compete in the marketplace. 

While there are countless ways businesses can improve their operations, one of the best methods available right now is cloud integration. 

Cloud integration is the adoption of cloud storage and computing solutions. That way, your business can focus on its core competencies while maximizing its potential for growth through better use of resources and data automation. 

The importance of cloud integration

Cloud integration enhances business processes, making them more efficient and effective. One of the most important benefits of cloud integration is consolidating data from multiple sources into a single system.

Cloud integration gives you the potential to bring efficacy to multiple areas of your business, including sales, marketing, service, and finances. The cloud can also help you streamline how you work in teams so that everyone’s on the same page during projects. 

Cloud integration also makes it easier for employees to access and share information, making faster decisions. It also reduces errors by eliminating redundant data entry and manual processes that lead to mistakes. 

Finally, cloud integration helps companies store and back up data, so they don’t have to worry about losing it in case of a disaster or other unforeseen event. 

Now that you know the facts about some of cloud computing’s most substantial benefits, here are the best practices that will help you maximize any cloud solutions your business invests in. 

Use a fully scalable solution

Ensure that your cloud solutions are fully scalable to meet your company’s demands as it grows. As soon as your business outgrows its current solution, it will no longer provide adequate resources and become unreliable. 

A fully scalable solution can support businesses at all stages of growth by providing simple yet powerful tools to access a secure and cost-effective set of IT services. Plan for your future data needs using a scalable data platform like Striim Cloud to avoid falling behind your competition. 

Whether you are looking to modernize or are ready to expand, a scalable solution enables agility and flexibility to get more done with less.

Ensure that security in place is sufficient

Security, in general, is an essential part of any cloud migration, and it’s worth taking the time to look through security processes beforehand. 

While many of these services have built-in safety measures, it pays to ensure that they match your specific needs and align with your current security infrastructure. It’s also important to note that security might not be uniform across all providers.

Data encryption is vital when dealing with external parties. Your encrypted data stays safe from prying eyes, even if someone manages to access the system. Be sure to use protocols such as HTTPS/SSL to protect your data as it moves over public networks.

Decide which data sources to include 

Ideally, your integration should include every data source in your enterprise, but given time and budget constraints, it’s likely that you’ll need to prioritize. Start by determining which data sources are most crucial for your users to access regardless of hosting on-premises or in a cloud environment. 

Then, add other systems that can help enrich those data sources with information from external services, which will ensure that your end-users access as much relevant data as possible.

Minimize complexities in data integration techniques

When integrating data between on-premises and cloud environments, there is always a risk of building an extra layer between systems. Ensure your cloud integration process doesn’t introduce unnecessary complexity to your current setup by following best practices. 

When outsourcing, choose a provider that can handle all cloud integration and management aspects. This way, you won’t have to worry about managing different processes or technologies to ensure your data flows smoothly from one environment to another.

Determine data communication methods

If you want to integrate data between cloud services, it’s crucial to determine which communication method will work best. Several options are available, including legacy APIs, web services, and streaming. 

It’s helpful to understand what each offers before deciding on a specific integration strategy. For instance, streaming is ideal for real-time integration because no data is stored or cached during the transmission.

Training and development of employees

Training your employees on integrating technology into your company is essential in a world where competition is fierce. Helping them understand cloud storage, access and usage can help their job performance and further your company. 

Your team members must have adequate training to learn when to utilize cloud services effectively. When employees know how to use these tools properly, it will benefit themselves and their company.

Establish a clear data recovery plan

Although many cloud providers tout a zero-data-loss policy, it’s nearly impossible to prevent data loss. A better solution is to take action before there is an emergency.

Work with your technology provider to create a detailed business continuity plan that includes steps like conducting regular backups and testing recovery processes. If your data goes missing, you can rest assured that you will restore it quickly.

Wrap up

Cloud integration is an essential part of business today. If your company isn’t currently taking advantage of cloud services, it’s time to consider how you can integrate them into your organization. 

Cloud integration has many benefits, including cost savings and increased productivity. The key to successful cloud integration is knowing which best practices to use when integrating with a cloud service provider.