Maximizing the Benefits of Cloud Computing Solutions

Cloud technology has certainly cemented its place as an essential business tool in the digital age. In fact, the global demand for public, private, and hybrid cloud deployment models continues to rise and shows no signs of stopping—especially in Africa.  

Recent research has placed the cloud’s current market penetration in the region at 15%, but its annual growth rate is expected to rise to 30%, more than the cumulative figures in Europe (11.27% from 2023 to 2028) and North America (10.34%). (1)  

This steep rise is likely due to the numerous business advantages offered by cloud computing solutions, which include a wide range of cost-effective services providing access to infrastructure, software, and platforms promoting business efficiency.    

As a business owner or manager, you’re probably aware of how cloud computing has transformed the way businesses operate. But how can you ensure you’re making the most of your cloud-based services and tools? This article discusses some valuable insights to make your journey less challenging. Read on!

Understanding the Cloud Landscape

At its core, cloud computing models provide on-demand access to a shared pool of computing resources—servers, storage, databases, software, among others—to its users through an internet connection.

Public cloud services are often offered through third-party subscriptions, either through Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or Software as a Service (SaaS) model. Cloud providers maintain the ownership and management of these resources, allowing businesses to enjoy the benefits without the need for costly upgrades.     

According to a survey by McKinsey, about 45% of workloads in the top 50 African businesses are done using public cloud—making its adoption at the same level as in economic powerhouses China and North America. However, cloud usage isn’t confined to large organizations. Businesses and startups can benefit from it regardless of size and niche. (2)  

Optimizing the Benefits of Cloud Computing

Every business is unique. That’s why starting your digital transformation journey can be daunting. Fortunately, cloud solutions providers like DoiT have case studies illustrating the benefits of cloud computing. These stories show how businesses can use this solution for optimal cost-effectiveness, business efficiency, and the ability to innovate.

Alternatively, here are some insights to help you:   

Choosing the Right Cloud Solutions Provider

Working with the right partner is crucial in achieving your goals. But picking the right one can be overwhelming, especially with so many service providers to choose from.

Consider the following aspects for your peace of mind:

Local Presence and Understanding

Look for a cloud service provider with a local presence and a deep understanding of your industry. They’re more likely to grasp the unique challenges in your business and offer a wide range of solutions suited to your context.

Data Center Location

Consider where your customers are located and pick a company with cloud infrastructure nearby. The closer the data centers are to your business operations, the better your computing power and performance will be.  

Connectivity

As of 2022, only 36% of Africa’s population has broadband access, owing to affordability issues, infrastructure limitations, power supply problems, and other constraints. That said, look for cloud providers offering various connectivity options. Those who offer direct connections to their cloud services offer better reliability than those exclusively on public internet connections. (3)

Security Certifications

If you’re operating in a highly regulated industry, prioritize data security and look for providers with relevant compliance certifications.

Industry-Specific Solutions

Partner with cloud providers offering tailored solutions, for instance, offline capabilities or custom industry services like digital payment solutions for financial institutions.   

The best cloud services provider isn’t necessarily the most well-known or the biggest. It’s the one that offers the best solutions for your unique business. Always evaluate and compare a few options by asking questions. Request proof-of-concept deployments and case studies, too, before making your final decision.  

Embracing Scalability and Flexibility Through Capacity Planning

On top of rapid deployment and easy access, using a cloud computing solution means you can scale your computing resources up or down based on your current needs—without drastic changes in your computing infrastructure.

To optimize this feature, practice sound capacity planning, which involves balancing your needs and budget without compromising performance. Think about your business’s peak and off-peak seasons or sudden growth spurts. Instead of scrambling to upgrade your systems or adding new servers, adjust your computing resources with just a few clicks.

Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners

Speaking of budget and performance, cloud computing can significantly reduce your information technology (IT) expenses. This requires adopting the following strategic approaches:

• Pay for What You Use: Identify your business needs for storage and processing. Most cloud providers offer pay-as-you-go models, so you only pay for the resources you consume.
• Reduce Hardware Costs: Moving to the cloud means spending less on maintaining physical hardware or in-premises infrastructure, which can be costly for most businesses.
• Minimize IT Staff and Energy Bills: Public cloud providers handle much of maintaining and updating software versions, so you can streamline your IT team. Cloud data centers also offer an energy-efficient alternative to traditional solutions.
• Cost Management Features: Some cloud providers allow you to automate your resource allocation for ultimate cost savings. Others provide actionable insights on optimization, including anomaly detection capabilities to notify you of sudden cost spikes. These features help you manage your cloud bills more effectively.

Maximizing cost savings means regularly reviewing your cloud usage and adjusting your plans accordingly. Without frequent reviews and cost-benefit analysis, your business is vulnerable to overpaying for cloud services.  

Leveraging Advanced Technologies

Businesses relying on cloud computing services can likewise tap cutting-edge technologies to separate their businesses from the rest. These tools may be worth exploring:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Look for cloud providers offering these solutions if you’re seeking to integrate advanced capabilities in enhancing your business operations.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Cloud-based IoT platforms can help you collect, process, and analyze data from IoT devices, enabling you to enhance workflows.  
• Big Data Analytics: The cloud’s processing power can analyze vast amounts of data quickly, providing you valuable insights into your performance and consumers.

Gaining a competitive edge in the 21st century means investing in tools that help you make data-driven decisions. The beauty of these platforms is that they can be customized to work based on your specific business needs—from product development to customer service enhancements and more.   

Enhancing Productivity and Collaboration

Cloud solutions let your team work together seamlessly across multiple locations. However, it’s crucial to consider integrating different cloud services to optimize productivity. For example, you can connect your marketing automation tools with your cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) software and customer support platforms for increased collaboration and a smooth flow of information across your organization.       

Continuous Optimization is Key

Cloud computing solutions are always evolving, with providers frequently introducing new services and features. To stay ahead, make cloud optimization an ongoing process through these steps:

• Regularly audit your cloud usage and costs  
• Stay informed about new cloud services and features, particularly those designed for your specific industry or market
• Train your team on the best practices, considering their specific functions and technical knowledge.
• Seek feedback from employees on how the cloud-based tools are working for them.

Your goal isn’t just to embrace cloud computing solutions. It’s to refine your approach to maximize its benefits according to your business environment.

Taking Your Business to Greater Heights

For most businesses, cloud computing isn’t just a technology upgrade; it’s a transformative tool that addresses perennial challenges like costly IT infrastructure and agility. With key benefits like scalability, cost savings, operations enhancements, and access to advanced technologies, harnessing cloud solutions can propel your business to greater heights.    

The key to successful adoption is to align resources according to your business objectives and the realities of operating in your unique environment. Start small, if you need to, and monitor your performance to adjust your strategies. With the right approach, your organization can grow in ways you might not have imagined.  

References:

1. ‘Assessing the Adoption and Impact of Cloud Computing Services on Operational Efficiency in SMEs: A Case Study from Africa’. Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376517747_Assessing_the_Adoption_and_Impact_of_Cloud_Computing_Services_on_Operational_Efficiency_in_SMEs_A_Case_Study_from_Africa#:~:text=%5B14%5D-,As,10.34%25%5B13%5D,-.
2. ‘Africa’s leap ahead into cloud: Opportunities and barriers’. Source: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/africas-leap-ahead-into-cloud-opportunities-and-barriers#:~:text=In%20a%20recent,America%20and%20China.
3. ‘From Connectivity to Services: Digital Transformation in Africa’. Source: https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2023/06/26/from-connectivity-to-services-digital-transformation-in-africa#:~:text=Despite%20improvements%2C%20in%202022%2C%20only%2036%20percent%20of%20Africa%27s%20population%20had%20broadband%20internet%20access.%20Though%20mobile%20internet%20availability%20has%20increased%20in%20the%20continent%2C%20broadband%20infrastructure%20reach%20and%20the%20quality%20of%20available%20services%20still%20lag%20other%20regions.