4 Best Cloud Services For Your Business

Choosing the right type of cloud services for your business is a great way of leveraging unique IT solutions for your business. 

But with so many providers and cloud software available, picking the right one can prove difficult. 

At Setup4, we simplify and advise on cloud services so you can get started without the headache of costly preparations, or worse, choosing a cloud service that doesn’t align with your goals. 

To get you up to speed, let’s go over the types of cloud services available and how you can set up, migrate and grow your IT capabilities. 

What Types of Cloud Services Are There? 

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. 

Using this model with the cloud offers convenience and cost savings, as it eliminates the need for extensive hardware and reduces the burden of costly software maintenance and updates. 

Examples include Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce. 

In addition, SaaS applications are updated automatically, ensuring that users always have the latest version. 

Setup4 can help with SaaS services such as Office 365. 

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS provides virtualised computing resources over the internet. It offers a fully outsourced and scalable infrastructure platform. 

This flexibility makes it ideal for startups and companies with fluctuating demands. 

Examples include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. 

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS offers a cloud-based environment for developers to build, test, deploy, and manage applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.

This service includes tools and services to streamline the development process, such as databases, middleware, and development tools. 

Examples include; Heroku, Microsoft Azure App Services, and Google App Engine.

Choosing the Right Cloud Service

Why Certifications & Standards are Important

Certifications and standards in cloud services are important as they ensure that providers meet established industry benchmarks for security, quality, and reliability. 

Adherence to such standards helps mitigate risks, ensures data protection, and fosters trust among users. 

For businesses, selecting a certified provider like Setup4 means ensuring compliance with Victoria’s data security requirements. 

Data Security

Data security is paramount in cloud services, involving the protection of data from unauthorised access, breaches, and other cyber threats. 

A robust cloud service implements strong encryption, secure authentication mechanisms, and regular security audits. 

Reliability & Performance

The reliability and performance of a cloud service are critical to ensuring business continuity and optimal operation. 

This includes minimal downtime, fast data access, and the ability to handle high-traffic volumes. 

Providers should offer service level agreements (SLAs) guaranteeing uptime and performance metrics. 

Companies should evaluate these SLAs, along with the provider’s infrastructure and redundancy measures, to ensure they meet their operational needs.

Migration Support

The best cloud services for migration largely depend on the specific needs and goals of the organisation. 

• For businesses looking to move their applications and data without significant changes, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offers flexibility and control. 

• Platform as a Service (PaaS) is more suitable for organisations aiming to develop or redesign their applications in the cloud, providing a comprehensive development environment. 

• Software as a Service (SaaS) is optimal for companies seeking to adopt ready-made cloud applications, minimising the need for in-house maintenance and support.

AI and Machine Learning

Cloud services utilising AI offer advanced analytics, automated processes, and intelligent decision-making capabilities. 

Some examples include: 

• Amazon SageMaker
• Google AI Cloud Platform
• Microsoft Azure AI
• Salesforce Einstein Cloud
• IBM Cloud

These cloud services enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and provide insights for strategic planning. 

AI-powered cloud solutions adapt and scale with business needs, offering a competitive edge through innovation and data-driven optimisation.

Setup4 Supported Cloud Services

Microsoft 365

Microsoft Office 365 is an all-inclusive subscription service that comes packed with various premium apps like MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. 

OneDrive, Sharepoint and Microsoft Teams are coupled with enterprise or business-class communication through an ongoing cloud-based subscription service. 

It also allows you to install these applications on multiple devices based on the licence you have.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a central hub for teamwork in Office 365. Whether it is online meetings, web conferences, note-taking, screen sharing, meeting recording, instant messaging or audio conferencing, Teams is your reliable cloud platform.

Azure

Public cloud service providers like Microsoft with Azure offerings have a bag full of various distinct services. 

However, this yields another problem, such as which service to choose or what combination to go ahead with. 

That is where our IT Cloud Solution provider team comes in handy as we have experience in migrating various clients to their customised cloud environment.
For all your cloud-based solution needs in Melbourne, reach out to us today.