Full Sail Partners Blog
In the modern business environment, decision makers observe daily how technology is driving business transformation. More and more CFOs, CMOs and business leaders with IT leadership roles are having the conversation about how their businesses are growing and the impact the cloud is having on their organizational IT plans.
I often speak with customers about the ways we are helping organizations transform into digital businesses and how that enables greater responsiveness in a mobile-driven, cloud-first world. As there becomes less separation between our digital work and digital life, enabling experiences delivered across devices and through the complete cloud is vital.
But what is the ‘complete cloud’? While it is tempting to think of the cloud as a single-entity consisting of raw processing power; the truth is that the complete cloud is more of an ecosystem with many distinctive parts that interact with each other. To take things a step further, the complete cloud allows you access to your entire technology setup, and all of your data, from anywhere, on any device!
Complete Cloud Solutions - What does this even mean?
So, how is the complete cloud changing the way firms do business? Let’s first examine three aspects that define what exactly a complete cloud solution is:
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A truly complete cloud offering includes everything from SPAM protection to server intrastructure and software in one package.
To get even more specific, when you utilize a complete cloud solution, your technology package should minimally include hardware like an LCD monitor, a cloud-computer with the latest operating system, virus and SPAM filtering, and Microsoft Office. You should also be given unlimited storage with a server plant fit to run all of your business applications.
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Ability to unite all of your systems and processes with one single contact.
Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to wade through several phone numbers when you have a problem, negotiate with several vendors when costs start to rise, or read through mountains of separate manuals when you need specific product help? When you have one phone number for all your IT needs, the gift of time is given back to you.
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Managed by a true partner whom has your best interest in mind.
It’s more than just throwing together a list. It’s really about vendor management. Being that partner who works on your behalf. A partner who is technologically proficient to make sure you’re getting the best technology and services available allowing you to focus your energies on what you do best. And what’s more is having a partner who knows your business, your industry so that the IT offerings in your complete cloud solution truly reflect what you need to get your work done.
So, what is all the hype about with the complete cloud?
Now that we’ve discussed what real, complete cloud solutions are, let’s talk about the benefits:
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Reliability – 24/7 access
In-house problems: Systems go down but your IT department can only work so many hours OR disaster strikes in the form of Mother Nature. How long will it take to get everyone working again?
Complete cloud solutions: You know those factories that put up signs indicating how long it has been accident free? That same concept exists in the technology world – except they are virtual signs denoting the complete lack of interruption in service. In this world, they take 24/7 seriously. And as a complete cloud customer, you will never lose access, have data issues, or lag times. Never.
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Mobility – access anywhere, anytime.
In house problem: Ever been in front of a client trying to answer a question, but you can’t access your data either because the VPN is lagging or the data isn’t synchronized?
Complete cloud solutions: We live in a mobile world. We have tablets, smart phones, and virtual offices. We need access from anywhere – Carolina to California – at any time. We need systems that are optimized for uniform performance with no lag or data conflicts, as if we are in HQ with our servers next door. With the complete cloud, your data is, in fact, accessible wherever you are.
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Fixed cost – no surprises.
In house problem: How often did you think you were getting an all-inclusive cost? Or, how difficult is it to manage the contracts and costs of multiple IT vendors; pay thousands of dollars in technology upgrade costs, licensing fees, and unexpected technology replacements (printer died, monitor cracked, etc.); or cope with expensive IT management issues (human, technology, and vendor)?
Complete cloud solutions: With a complete cloud solution, all costs are detailed up front. Period. No surprises, no emergent expenses.
Evolve with the future
Business is evolving, so should your technology! Server flexibility, storage and memory are the life-force that drives modern business. Successful business leaders have identified the need to be able to react to the changing requirements of their technological environment. Lack of resources can impact business, and stump growth. Today, the complete cloud solution is the perfect marriage of business with modern technology.
