As IT systems continue to be externalized, you must ensure you are working with the right cloud service provider. After all, this decision plays a vital role in the long-term success of your business. However, the myriad cloud service providers offering an even large number of services can make finding the best feel like an uphill task.

So how do you select the right cloud provider from the large pool available? The secret lies in leveraging a defined selection and procurement process weighted towards your unique needs. To make your quest easier, below are a few things to remember the next time you want to work with a cloud service providers.

Technologies and Service Roadmap

First things first, it pays off to look into the provider’s technologies and service roadmap. Always ensure the provider's platform and preferred technologies blend perfectly with your current environment or support your cloud objectives. The good news is many service providers offer businesses comprehensive migration services.

That’s not to say you should use their cloud solutions for the sheer sake. Instead, try as much as possible to understand the support on offer and map it against project tasks. It is then that you will find the perfect fit for your business.

Reliability and Performance

One of the main reasons for investing in integrated cloud solutions is to help drive business growth without the hassle. And to pull this off successfully, you need to measure the reliability of a service provider before getting into any form of agreement with them. However, you don't have to go overboard since you can start by checking their performance against their SLAs for the last 6-12  months. Fortunately, some providers make this information readily available for everyone to see.

Final Thoughts

Many things go into finding the best cloud service provider to work with. No wonder you should always take it upon yourself to do your due diligence before you finally decide on anything. That’s why you need to get the most from a virtual private cloud without pushing yourself to the limit.

Things are no different for those searching for the best enterprise cloud platform. However, the more you know about a prospective cloud service provider, the easier it is to make an informed choice.