The coronavirus pandemic has forced organizations to shift to remote working. In-person staff meetings and client consultations have been replaced by video conferences. Live conferences and networking events have gone virtual. Data, applications, and other resources are being accessed over secure internet connections.
As businesses continue to operate in less-than-ideal circumstances, many are taking for granted the underlying cloud technology that makes it possible. If not for the cloud, could you imagine the daily chaos of trying to get work done?
Sometimes it takes a crisis to recognize the full value of technology investments. With Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), however, the benefits related to cost savings, scalability, security and compliance, and staying connected with remote workers are realized on a daily basis.
What Is IaaS?
IaaS is a cloud model in which computing infrastructure is provisioned and managed over the internet. IaaS eliminates large capital expenditures that come with building on-premise infrastructure and allows you to scale up or down as needed. Pay only for the resources you use. Instead of dealing with the complexity of managing physical servers and storage systems, simply purchase a subscription for access to the cloud provider’s infrastructure. You then install and configure your operating systems and applications.
Here are three real-world examples of how Ancero clients have leveraged IaaS to overcome business challenges, improve cost efficiency, and reduce risk. We’ve left out the names of these organizations to maintain their privacy.
1. Better Service, Less Compliance Risk
This organization’s existing IT environment followed a traditional managed services model, with networking server infrastructure residing in a secure, enclosed rack in their office. They had outgrown the capabilities of their previous managed services provider, who had a poor response rate and lacked accountability. This client also had to meet strict HIPAA and GDPR requirements in order to conduct business with other companies. Their internal IT team could handle day-to-day desktop issues, but they needed a better strategic relationship to enable true CIO service delivery.
Ancero’s solution includes cloud infrastructure and management, endpoint antivirus and patching on local desktops, and monthly monitoring and management of the client’s networking infrastructure. The client simplified their on-premise environment by eliminating existing server infrastructure in favor of cloud infrastructure, which has the advanced security tools to meet strict compliance requirements.
2. Lower Costs, Reduced Complexity
This organization owned infrastructure at a separate location. They also operated a secondary location for disaster recovery and used premise-based email and SharePoint servers. Faced with a costly refresh, migration to the cloud would provide a more scalable IT environment and eliminate the costs of managing their own data center.
Moving to the cloud was a far more cost-effective, long-term solution. Ancero’s cloud infrastructure with management services provides the organization with Active Directory, File & Print and web services, as well as SQL database services for their production environment. The solution also includes secondary web and SQL database services for research and development.
By eliminating the premise-based data center and consolidating servers, Ancero reduced the company’s overall monthly costs, even after adding managed services to optimize IT operations. Ancero’s cloud infrastructure satisfies all compliance requirements, while Azure backup and site recovery services provide geo-diversity and allow the company to eliminate the secondary disaster recovery site.
3. Cost-Effective Solution to End-of-Life Risk
This organization was also facing a large infrastructure refresh. Because they were running mostly unsupported Windows 7 professional workstations, there was urgency to upgrade to avoid a data breach. The company had a premise-based virtual server environment and a local Exchange server that had reached end of life, and a traditional backup solution with no offsite backup for disaster recovery.
Ancero produced cost savings by migrating the client to cloud infrastructure and moving their email system to Office 365. Windows 7 computers were replaced with refurbished Windows 10 desktops and laptops. Instead of purchasing PCs for employees who only need access to email, Ancero implemented thin clients for half the cost. The organization’s data was more accessible and secure in the cloud because no assets can leave the cloud environment, nor can the data be copied or stolen.
Is IaaS a Good Fit for You?
In 2020, the cloud is a good fit for almost any organization, as long as you work with a reputable cloud provider who knows how to integrate your data, applications, and workflows into a cloud environment. Your company is likely a good fit for IaaS if:
- Compliance is a top priority.
- You operate multiple offices and employees work remotely.
- You’re looking to streamline costs and transition your IT budget from capex to opex.
- You’re in need of a hardware or software refresh or upgrade.
- A lease or service contract is expiring soon.
- You want built-in disaster recovery features.
- You expect rapid growth or downsizing due to moving, opening, or closing offices, as well as merger/acquisition activity.