Technology has quickly advanced over the last few decades. IT infrastructure has now helped businesses to be more efficient and agile. With the introduction of the cloud, more companies are now choosing to virtualize their IT infrastructure. However, not all small to medium-sized businesses have the means and know-how to take on a cloud infrastructure. That’s where the concept of cloud managed services comes into play.
What are Cloud Managed Services?
Essentially, cloud managed services refer to the outsourcing of a business’s IT infrastructure, applications, and services to a third-party provider. This means that a cloud provider will take on the workload for your company instead of you managing it alone. The services provided cover a variety of IT functions. These include hosting, storage, networking, security, and application management. We have mentioned the 7 benefits of having managed cloud service provider. The cloud managed services market has exploded onto the market. As businesses increasingly adopt cloud strategies, they can leverage the strengths of different cloud providers to optimize their operations. This includes utilizing public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud, or multi cloud solutions to meet diverse business needs and enhance flexibility.
Statista noted that in 2023, the public cloud management and security market was expected to be worth US$ 42.4 billion. The global cloud-managed services market size is anticipated to reach over US$ 164.0 billion by the end of 2027.
Why SMBs need Cloud Managed Services
There are multiple reasons why cloud managed services have suddenly grown so popular, especially for SMBs. As the digital age evolves, more businesses are switching to the cloud for all their business needs. Infrastructure is the core requirement for any business and cloud resources is the most feasible solution. However, lack of expertise and expensive resources are making things hard for SMBs. That’s why SMBs need to outsource cloud management.
The cloud computing industry has expanded exponentially and is expected to continue this growth spurt as more companies switch to more remote and accessible computing solutions that can provide speed, scalability, and flexibility. Some of the reasons why cloud-managed services are needed include:
Rapid Expansion
As businesses grow, they need infrastructure that can keep up. Cloud-managed services offer all this and more to an expanding company. With the cloud, your business can be scaled as necessary, when necessary, without any issues.
Lack of Available Resources
Companies don’t always have the resources to build or maintain servers. Managed cloud services ensure that your infrastructure remains updated and always makes use of the latest and best technologies.
Cost-Effectiveness
The price of keeping and maintaining your cloud infrastructure can easily put a dent in your wallet. A managed cloud service reduces the expenses of the company. By outsourcing their IT operations to a managed cloud service provider, businesses can reduce their capital and operating expenses to achieve cost savings.
Expert Dream Teams
As the cloud environment evolves, you need to always have the right expertise at the helm. A managed cloud provider will ensure that you have the best and brightest minds keeping your business running smoothly.
Business Reasons for Outsourcing Cloud Management
Your business requires the largest portion of your attention. It makes sense to invest in cloud infrastructure that won’t take away from that. Cloud-managed services allow your business to flourish in multiple ways:
- Reducing Operational Risks: Business continuity is key to maintaining a functional company. With a cloud-managed service, your company can continue running smoothly in the event of a cyber-attack, outage, or server crash.
- Reducing Security Risks: Evolving technology also means evolving cyber threats. Your business can stay under 24/7 monitoring and have the latest cybersecurity in place when using a cloud-managed service. Experts will be on hand immediately to help in a crisis.
- Value-Added Services: Investing in cloud-managed services means utilizing only the best tools and platforms available. This greatly improves the efficiency and services that your business can provide in turn.
- Eliminating the Need for In-House Resources: If a company hires a resource, then they need to follow all labor laws, employment regulations, and also need to fulfil hidden costs to manage the resources. In addition, businesses are not 100% sure about how long that resource will stay within the organization. In this scenario, keeping an in-house resource will be more expensive as compared to outsourcing cloud management services.
What Is a Managed Cloud Services Provider (MCSP)?
A Managed Cloud Service Provider (MCSP) manages and maintains IT infrastructure and applications on behalf of its client. Their services are usually tailored to meet the specific needs of their clients. This includes providing technical expertise, managing infrastructure, monitoring performance, and ensuring the security and availability of systems and data.
Types of Cloud Managed Services
The Managed Cloud Services Provider (MCSP) offer different types of managed cloud services such as:
- Infrastructure as a Service - IaaS gives companies access to computing resources like servers, storage, and networking. Businesses can control their apps and data while outsourcing the management and upkeep of their infrastructure to a provider.
- Platforms as a Service - PaaS provides companies with a framework for creating, deploying, and maintaining their applications. Businesses can delegate the administration of their infrastructure, platform, and application stack.
- Software as a Service - SaaS is a category of cloud-managed services that give companies online access to software applications. With SaaS, businesses contract out the management of their software applications to a supplier who is in charge of upkeep and updates.
- Database as a Service - DBaaS provides companies with online access to a database platform. Businesses can use DBaaS to contract out the management and upkeep of their databases to a provider, who is in charge of assuring their performance, availability, and security.
- Disaster Recovery as a Service - Businesses can use DRaaS to contract the management and upkeep of their disaster recovery infrastructure to a provider. That provider ensures that the data is secure and retrievable during disasters.
They may also provide additional services such as cloud migration, security and compliance management.
Future Trends in Cloud Managed Services
The future of cloud managed services is dynamic and full of potential. Here are some key trends that are shaping the industry:
- Multi-Cloud Strategies: Businesses are increasingly using multiple cloud providers to enhance resilience and optimize costs.
- AI and Machine Learning: These technologies are being integrated to automate tasks and improve security in cloud management.
- Edge Computing: Processing data closer to its source to reduce latency and bandwidth usage is becoming more prevalent.
- Enhanced Security: There is a strong focus on advanced security measures like zero-trust architectures and AI-driven threat detection.
How to Choose the Right Cloud Managed Service Provider?
Selecting the right MCSP is an important decision for any business that wants to leverage the benefits of cloud management services. When selecting an MCSP, keep the following factors in mind.
- Expertise: An MCSP should have experience with the exact cloud services your company needs. For instance, if you require a database platform, seek out an MCSP with DBaaS experience.
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs): It is preferable that an MCSP can provide SLAs that can be customized to your company's requirements. SLAs ought to have specific, quantifiable goals for security, availability, and performance.
- Security: When choosing a cloud-managed services provider, security should come first. A good MCSP will have established security policies in place and a track record of providing secure cloud services.
- Compliance: It is crucial to find an MCSP with experience in compliance management and who can show compliance with pertinent legislation and standards if your company operates in a regulated sector, such as healthcare or finance.
- Pricing: Pricing is an important consideration when selecting an MCSP. The key here is to ensure the provider offers a pricing model that is transparent and predictable, with no hidden costs or fees.
- Support: Look for an MCSP that provides thorough support, including technical support and monitoring, that is available around the clock. Remember to also verify that the service provider has a staff of knowledgeable technicians that can swiftly address any difficulties as soon as they occur.
- Reputation: Work only with MCSPs that have a strong reputation in the industry. One tip here is to read online reviews and ask for case studies to get a sense of the provider's experience and track record.
How Sangfor Can Help with Cloud Management Services
Sangfor Technologies is a leading cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity provider. The cloud management services offered by Sangfor ensure that clients enjoy secure, reliable, and consistent cloud infrastructure. Some of the main features of Sangfor’s Managed Cloud Services include:
- End-to-end cloud management
- Efficient cloud deployment
- Enhanced cloud security
- Infrastructure network and storage
- 24x7 security monitoring
- Backup and Disaster Recovery options
- Advanced and integrated cybersecurity products
- Assured business continuity
- Seamless cloud migration
- Rapid and effective incident response services
- Managed detection and response against cyber threats
Watch the animation video of Sangfor Managed Cloud Services (MCS) to have a better understanding of Sangfor MCS.
Business Benefits of Using Sangfor’s Cloud-Managed Services
Sangfor’s managed cloud services offer more than just a platform for businesses. We offer a flexible, affordable, and advanced option for managing all your cloud-based IT infrastructure. Sangfor offers:
- A Trusted Partnership: Sangfor deeply values every one of its customers and clients.
- Reliable Managed Cloud Services: Going beyond the norm, Sangfor strives to be consistent and durable for all your managed cloud needs.
- Tailored Cloud Management: Each business is different and has different needs. Sangfor will customize your cloud management according to your specific needs.
- Simplified Technology: Sangfor knows that small or medium-sized businesses might not always have the expertise to run the latest cloud environments. This is why every Sangfor platform is user-friendly and simple while still offering the most innovative technology.
- Localized Support in Your Native Language: You might need help or support along the road and Sangfor is only a call away. The Sangfor support team is quick, efficient, helpful, and always at hand to answer your questions or give you the help you need.
Sangfor’s Managed Cloud Services provide a globally distributed data center with the convenience and flexibility of a public cloud, with the security, control, and professional service of a private cloud. Additionally, Sangfor’s Cloud Platform is a reliable and seamless automated cloud computing service that reduces the complexity of cloud data center construction and management through standardized and process-oriented functioning. For more information on Sangfor’s cyber security and cloud solutions, visit www.sangfor.com.
FAQS
FAQ 1: What are the benefits of cloud-managed services for SMBs?
Answer: They offer cost efficiency, scalability, enhanced security, expert support, and allow SMBs to focus on core business activities.
FAQ 2: How do cloud-managed services ensure business continuity?
Answer: They provide disaster recovery, 24/7 monitoring, redundancy, rapid response, and help with compliance.
FAQ 3: What types of services are included in cloud-managed services?
Answer: Services include hosting, storage, networking, security, and application management.
FAQ 4: Why should SMBs consider outsourcing cloud management?
Answer: Outsourcing provides access to expertise, reduces costs, and ensures reliable and secure cloud infrastructure.
