4 Reasons to Prioritize a Cloud-First Strategy

Implementing a cloud-first strategy requires dedication, but it benefits individual cloud enthusiasts and tech-forward enterprises. Once you jump the hurdle of planning installation and spending the money, what benefits will a cloud-first strategy yield you and your team? Arguably, it is the gateway to more streamlined, secure online operations, but let’s unpack it with more detail to see what is true. 

What Is a Cloud-First Strategy?

Over 90% of corporations have adopted cloud infrastructure in some way, signifying a global push and prioritization to the benefits it offers. Cloud-first strategy leverages the cloud for more IT and digital communications functions. Cloud infrastructure facilitates transferring, storing, and securing files, software, and analytics. These are only a few functions, especially as cloud systems continue to evolve. What does the cloud use if you aren’t using massive hardware?

Cloud computing still resides within servers, but they live in data centers instead of within office walls. Workers connect to the cloud with remote access, where cloud administrators dictate who has permission to access what information. 

It forces individuals and executives to move past hardware into the digital ether. Cloud-first businesses wait to immediately save and encrypt documents to flash drives or on-site servers. They trust cloud service models, whether infrastructure-, platform-, or software-as-a-service, to host their content and resources.

Why Should You Prioritize Cloud-First Strategies?

Using the cloud for personal or professional use delivers financial and productivity benefits and improves security. How does this look?

1. Cloud Is Ready to Scale

Virtualized products are inherently easier to scale. You don’t have to worry about hardware taking up space or renting real estate. IT and cybersecurity professionals will love the flexibility because it means fewer orders and installations for updating tech headed for planned obsolescence. They can obtain more virtual machines in the cloud or scale down if operations are segmenting. It is all possible, regardless of the situation.

If workloads or clients increase, businesses can facilitate that with a cloud-first strategy. Another entity opening a smaller locale can have fewer assets and, thus, a smaller cloud setup. The cost savings here are astronomical and far less wasteful. These financial and labor savings permit businesses to grow, funneling the money into expanding cloud storage and security.

One case study from an automotive captive finance provider explores their transition to the cloud with astonishing scalability and agility wins, including:

• Streamlined and updated over 1.5 million lines of code
• Retired 30 legacy technologies
• Automated all cybersecurity vulnerability scans
• Saved $2 million annually

2. Cloud Services Have Higher Cybersecurity

Cyber attacks are running rampant. No organization of any size is safe, but you can increase your defenses by migrating to the cloud. There are more robust security measures within the cloud for a few reasons.

First, you have in-house cybersecurity and potentially other third-party aids like penetration testers and white hat hackers. However, because businesses must seek cloud providers, the servicer must also have internal cybersecurity and compliance measures before you even shop there. They have helpful tools like multi-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption embedded into the service.

Secondly, it is faster to recover data in an emergency. Data held by a ransomware attacker? Using legacy resources could take weeks to restore the data you need now for business-critical ops. Meanwhile, the threat actor finds other ways to exploit the company.

3. Clouds Make Teams Collaborate No Matter Where They Are

The modern age requires companies to embrace remote work, and moving to the cloud enables every agency to do so. It allows everyone to communicate seamlessly and everyone — who has permission — to access the files they need anywhere in the world with an internet connection. 

At the same time, people can work together in real-time, no matter their locale. Need to have a meeting and brainstorm in a Google Doc? Everyone can see what people write with comments and other fun integrations.

Recall all of the downtime legacy systems caused workers due to updates. Software patches faster in cloud systems, equating to less downtime and improved productivity for everyone, especially for teams trying to pull together massive projects. 

4. Cloud Has Competitive Advantage by Embracing Innovation

Companies that dip their toes in the cloud world demonstrate a competitive advantage. They’re already showing everyone they are willing to try new things and take risks, potentially promising better results for them and their clients. If the gamble pays off, that is when you reap the benefits of a cloud-first strategy.

You will have a higher likelihood of experimenting with new products and revealing them earlier to customers, creating intrigue. It embraces continued digital transformation, which is necessary for workplace culture in the modern age.

Are There Reasons to Reconsider?

You have been exposed to the limitless possibilities of cloud computing and how it can benefit the world. However, there is no perfect solution regarding digital resources and security. There are a few cons that, to this day, still make some companies hold back from transitioning any business-critical data to the cloud.

While there are numerous benefits to adopting a cloud-first infrastructure, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks or challenges that organizations may face. Here are some cons to be aware of:

• Latency concerns when used for data recovery
• Cloud always requires an internet connection for functionality
• Potential privacy concerns as data security finds its footing
• Fewer cloud-specific compliance frameworks compared to traditional
• Potential for vendors to monopolize the scene
• High upfront costs for migration
• Need for upskilling or training employees for usage
• Limited customization options if settings are vendor-locked

Moving Onto the Next Era of Computing

Putting a cloud-first strategy at the top of your to-do list might catapult you into an era of savings and productivity you never considered. With increased defenses against cybersecurity failures, it also provides peace of mind. Once you adjust to using the cloud like it is second nature, it has the chance to reveal process improvements all over your organization. Using the tools gives insights into how other processes could be improved or automated for greater agility and compatibility.