Public, Private, or Multi-Cloud: Getting the right mix for your business

Public, Private, or Multi-Cloud: Getting the right Mix for your Business

For many businesses, the challenge with IT generally and with Cloud specifically, is one of complexity and choice. There are simply too many options to choose from, leaving firms uncertain about how to make good strategic choices.

Competitive pressures, cost control and a need for businesses to be more agile and responsive are all good reasons to invest in Cloud. The pandemic only accelerated this trend with new investments in IT projects promising to deliver radical improvements to core business processes in terms of greater control and reduced costs. Alongside this, a Cloud platform can also bring with it new threats, most obviously to security, with ransomware a persistent and growing risk which can threaten the reputation and even the viability of an enterprise. More broadly, new challenges in Governance, Risk Management and Compliance (GRC) arise for which most businesses are ill equipped.

The Risks of Following the Herd

Against this background, making the right choice is challenging, as it is unlikely that an internal IT team is up to speed on the best options as well as the challenges and pitfalls which can arise.

Fear and uncertainty can then become the main drivers behind Cloud investment and “strategy” sometimes amounts to little more than following prevailing wisdom in the sector. This very often means a wholesale commitment to a Public Cloud platform from one of the globally recognised brands such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).  Whilst this often seems like a safe choice, an exclusive commitment to one provider or platform can result in a spiralling costs and IT systems which drift from the specific requirements of a business.

A common problem arises when proprietary applications which are essential to the smooth running of a business, are transferred to a Public Cloud platform and poorly integrated with other applications. Far from improved productivity, this often leads to poorer performance which can impact profitability.

All of his can lead to a stand-off between frustrated IT teams and sceptical senior management.

Choosing a Cloud Platform which fits your Business

At QuoStar, we do not think there is a “one size fits all” approach to Cloud.  Every business is unique with its own specific challenges and its own commercial strategy. We have been designing, building and managing Cloud platforms for over 15 years, in each case ensuring that our clients get platforms which are fit for purpose.

We always start with understanding what a business is trying to achieve.  With a clear business context, we apply analysis to assess the requirement for Cloud or, if Cloud platforms are already in place, to uncover opportunities for better security, stability, and effectiveness. Our assessment also delves into licencing and resource allocation to find ways to reduce spend whilst maintaining quality.

A Platform Agnostic Approach

Crucially, we are platform agnostic which means that we will always propose the right mix of Public, Private and Multi-Cloud to fit the needs of a business. Whether the need is for a single virtual server in a Private Cloud, or a global hybrid environment incorporating Public, Private and on-premise platforms, we can deliver a robust managed service. This is underpinned by our true purpose-built Multi-Cloud platform which, together with our clients, our engineers can deploy over the short or long term.

At the heart of our service is an elite team of Cloud professionals, each with 10 years’ experience in delivering Cloud platforms. We know that no single enterprise can have all the specialist IT skills to keep their systems running, so QuoStar can support IT teams through their transformation journey and help them to develop.

Empowering Businesses to Exploit the Potential of Cloud

We are committed to empowering clients to exploit their expanding Cloud capabilities and have earned recognition for our comprehensive Cloud training programs which bridge the skills gaps in their IT teams. We partner with these teams and facilitate knowledge sharing as demands on them increase. Our selection as a nominee for Cloud Services Provider of the Year Award at the 2023 CRN Channel Awards highlights the quality of service we consistently deliver to our clients.

We also recognise that the success of our solutions extends beyond the technology itself. For example, GRC is second nature to us, so we make it a priority to support our clients with systems and processes which embed best practice and provide year-round support.

Schedule a non-committal initial consultation with one of QuoStar’s dedicated Cloud specialists.

Why Privileged Identity Management (PIM) is critical for businesses using the cloud

"Privileged accounts are a prime target for cybercriminals..."

Privileged Identity Management (PIM) is an essential security practice for businesses using the cloud. It focuses on securing and managing privileged accounts and access rights within an organisation. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of PIM for businesses, particularly those using the cloud, and why every business should consider implementing it as part of their comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

What is PIM?

PIM refers to the processes, policies, and technologies used to manage and secure privileged accounts and access rights within an organisation. Cybercriminals often target privileged accounts as a means of gaining access to sensitive information and systems. PIM aims to reduce the risks associated with privileged accounts by providing a central solution for managing and securing these accounts. It involves identifying, managing, controlling access, and monitoring privileged account activity.

Importance of PIM for Businesses

Privileged accounts are a prime target for cybercriminals, and a breach can result in severe consequences, including data theft, business disruption, and reputational damage. PIM is essential for businesses because it helps to mitigate the risks associated with privileged accounts. By implementing PIM, businesses can control who has access, monitor, detect and respond to suspicious behaviour, and reduce the impact of a breach if one occurs.

Why Every Business Using the Cloud Needs PIM

Cloud computing has transformed the way businesses operate, providing flexibility, scalability, and cost savings. However, the cloud also presents new security challenges, particularly when it comes to privileged accounts. Cloud environments typically have many privileged accounts that can access critical resources, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. PIM is especially important for businesses using the cloud because it provides a central solution for managing and securing privileged accounts across all cloud services and platforms. With PIM, businesses can identify and manage privileged accounts, enforce access controls, and monitor activity. Implementing PIM in the cloud can also help businesses to meet compliance requirements.

Conclusion

PIM is a critical component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, particularly for businesses using cloud computing. By implementing PIM, businesses can manage and secure privileged accounts, control access to critical resources, and monitor privileged activity. PIM can help to reduce the risk and mitigate the impact of a breach if one occurs. Every business using the cloud should consider implementing PIM as part of their cybersecurity strategy to protect against the growing threat of account breaches.

If you’d like a member of QuoStar’s consulting teams to assess your risks and advise on potential controls, without obligation, please contact us.