August 20th, 2020
Cloud computing is leading digital transformation. Gartner estimates that nearly one-third of spending in key IT sectors will shift to the cloud over the next two years. If you're ready to take this step, start by choosing a reliable cloud hosting service.
With cloud hosting, your data is stored on multiple servers in different locations. If one server crashes, you will still have access to your data. Furthermore, users don't share processing power or disk space as it happens with traditional shared hosting.
This service is flexible and easy to scale. Plus, it's secure and has higher uptime than traditional hosting. You'll never have to worry about traffic surges that could cause your website to go down.
As you would expect, not all cloud hosting services are created equal. Their quality and reliability depend on the provider.
Here's how to choose a cloud hosting company you can trust.
Assess Your Needs
First things first, try to determine what you need from a cloud hosting service. Make a list of must-have features that includes your bandwidth and storage requirements, among other aspects.
If you already have a hosting plan, think about what you'd change about it and then look for a service that meets your needs.
Sectorlink, for example, has six different plans offering 20 to 160 gigabytes of SSD storage and 1 to 24 gigabytes of RAM. Users can also opt for a custom virtual cloud server configuration.
Choose a Scalable Plan
As your business grows, you may want to expand your website and publish content more often or sell more products. This requires more storage space and bandwidth.
When comparing cloud hosting providers, make sure you can easily scale server resources up and down. The process should be as hassle-free as possible.
Prioritize Website Security
Hackers attack about 2,244 times a day, reports the University of Maryland. Nearly 80% of business leaders say that their cybersecurity risks are on the rise.
While not all attacks are targeting websites, it's best to stay on the safe side and take precautions.
One way to mitigate these risks is to choose a secure cloud hosting service. Look for web hosts that have acquired security certifications from trusted organizations, such as IETF, DMTF, or NIST.
Ask how they protect their servers and what security protocols they use.
Check the Evaluation Period
The best way to decide on a cloud hosting plan is to try it out before committing to a subscription.
Sectorlink, for instance, offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all its plans. This allows you to cancel your subscription within one month if you're not satisfied with the service received.
A reliable cloud hosting provider will trust the quality of its services. Therefore, they won't hesitate to offer a free trial to ensure their users are fully satisfied with the plan selected.
Choose the Right Cloud Hosting Service for Your Needs
From reliability and performance to security standards, there are several key aspects to consider when choosing a cloud hosting service.
Take the time to research your options and compare multiple providers. Consider starting with a basic plan, test it for a few weeks, and upgrade later on.
Are you ready to switch to the cloud? This could be the next step to growing your online business. Contact us today to discuss your needs and see how we can help!