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Cloud Solutions Overview
We provide services such as IT Support for Financial Services, support for Professional Services, and more. We help businesses of all sizes harness the power of the cloud—implementing scalable, secure solutions like Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and beyond to improve flexibility, performance, and resilience. Cloud technology is transforming the way organisations operate, delivering streamlined infrastructure, always-on access, and measurable cost savings that fuel innovation and agility.
Cloud adoption is at an all-time high, with 96% of organisations now using some form of cloud service in 2025. Hybrid and multi-cloud environments have become the standard, with 92% of businesses running a mix of public and private platforms to maximise reliability, control, and performance. In sectors such as finance and professional services, cloud adoption is strengthening compliance, supporting remote teams, and improving customer service delivery.
The shift to cloud infrastructure is about more than storage or scalability—it’s about business transformation. Organisations migrating core systems to the cloud are reporting 30–40% cost reductions, 45% faster recovery times, and significantly improved speed-to-market for new products and services. With global cloud infrastructure spending projected to hit $912 billion by the end of 2025, the message is clear: the cloud has become the backbone of IT strategy.
Investment in cloud technologies continues to surge, with over 50% of enterprise IT spending expected to shift from traditional systems to cloud-based solutions by the end of 2025. This move enables businesses to stay flexible, secure, and competitive—especially in an era where remote working and seamless digital experiences are non-negotiable.
Challenges remain, from managing costs and skills shortages to addressing ongoing security concerns (with 46% of IT leaders citing data breaches as their top cloud risk). But with the right governance and strategic support, the cloud provides a resilient foundation for innovation.
The cloud revolution is already here. Businesses that embrace secure, scalable, and smart cloud solutions today will be best positioned to thrive in a fast-moving, digital-first world.
AI Trends 2025
Cloud technology has evolved rapidly over the past two years, fundamentally reshaping how businesses operate, collaborate, and deliver services. In 2025, several key trends are driving the next phase of cloud innovation—focusing on flexibility, resilience, and smarter, integrated ecosystems.
1. Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Environments Become the Norm
Businesses are moving away from single-vendor strategies, with 92% of organisations now using hybrid or multi-cloud infrastructures. This approach allows companies to balance performance, cost, and compliance by blending public, private, and on-premise solutions. Hybrid setups are particularly popular in regulated industries, offering the agility of the cloud with greater control over sensitive data.
2. Cloud as a Strategic Business Enabler
Cloud is no longer seen as just an IT infrastructure decision—it’s a critical part of business strategy. Companies are using cloud platforms to accelerate digital transformation, launch products faster, and optimise global operations. According to McKinsey, businesses that fully leverage cloud can reduce IT costs by up to 40% and significantly shorten innovation cycles.
3. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity in Focus
With rising cyber threats and climate-related disruptions, disaster recovery is now a core pillar of cloud strategy. 72% of IT leaders say cloud adoption has improved their disaster recovery capabilities. With platforms like Veeam, Acronis, and Datto, businesses benefit from geo-redundant backups, near-instant recovery, and enhanced business continuity.
4. Cloud Security and Governance Take Centre Stage
As cloud adoption grows, so does the emphasis on security and governance. Organisations are enhancing their compliance posture to meet standards such as ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, and GDPR. Zero-trust architecture, intelligent threat detection, and granular access controls are becoming the norm—particularly in industries handling sensitive or regulated data.
5. Cloud-Native Development and Automation Accelerate
78% of enterprises now use cloud-native application development, up from 58% in 2022. Combined with automation tools and containerisation (like Kubernetes and Docker), this enables faster deployment, seamless scalability, and lower infrastructure overhead. IT teams are also using automation to reduce manual tasks, improve consistency, and focus more on innovation.
6. Cloud Supports a Distributed Workforce
Remote and hybrid working models continue to increase reliance on cloud platforms. From Microsoft 365 and SharePoint to Azure Virtual Desktop and Intune, businesses are enabling secure, anywhere access to systems and data. 64% of SMBs now say cloud technology is critical to remote productivity, collaboration, and device management.
7. Sustainable Cloud Becomes a Competitive Differentiator
Sustainability is now a top cloud consideration. Organisations are selecting providers based on carbon neutrality, renewable energy sourcing, and efficient data centre design. Microsoft, Google, and AWS continue to lead green initiatives, while businesses integrate cloud emissions tracking into broader ESG reporting and sustainability strategies.
Cloud solutions in 2025 are about more than storage and servers—they're a foundation for resilience, adaptability, and growth. Businesses that embrace these trends and build their cloud strategy around flexibility, governance, and innovation will be better positioned to thrive in a digital-first world.
Cloud Solution Statistics
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96% of organisations use some form of cloud service.
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92% of businesses have adopted hybrid or multi-cloud environments to improve flexibility and resilience.
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Over 50% of enterprise IT spending will shift to cloud technologies by the end of 2025.
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64% of SMBs say cloud platforms are essential for enabling remote work and collaboration.
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Companies moving to the cloud report 30–40% reductions in IT infrastructure costs.
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72% of IT leaders say cloud adoption has significantly improved disaster recovery strategies.
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The global cloud infrastructure market will reach $912 billion in 2025 (up from $679 billion in 2024).
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87% of organisations cite scalability and flexibility as the top benefits of cloud.
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94% of businesses using public cloud say it has improved regulatory compliance.
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78% of cloud users report faster time-to-market for new products and services.
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78% of enterprises now use cloud-native app development (up from 58% in 2022).
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52% of companies plan to increase investment in cloud-based AI and analytics tools by 2026.
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By 2025, 70% of new digital initiatives will be cloud-native.
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Cloud automation has reduced IT management time by up to 45%.
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Cloud-powered identity and access management tools are strengthening endpoint security for remote teams.
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46% of IT leaders still cite data security as the top concern in expanding cloud environments.
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Platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud are leading sustainability efforts with carbon-neutral, energy-efficient data centres.
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Gartner predicts 80% of businesses will adopt cloud-first strategies for IT operations by 2026.
Cloud adoption is growing rapidly, with organisations across all industries using cloud platforms to cut costs, strengthen resilience, and collaborate more effectively. Whether you’re managing sensitive data, scaling operations, or enabling hybrid teams, the right IT partner makes all the difference.
When choosing a cloud or IT provider, ensure they follow best-practice security frameworks, understand data governance, and can tailor a solution that fits your business goals. See our Outsourcing IT Support page for more information.
IT Desk's Customer Case Studies - Cipher International
Background
Cipher International had long relied on an on-premise IT infrastructure, including physical servers and locally installed applications connected to a SQL Server database. As the business continued to grow, it became clear that this traditional setup was no longer sustainable—scalability, flexibility, and system reliability were becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
After a consultation with IT Desk, it was agreed that migrating to a cloud-based environment would be the most strategic path forward. The goal was to modernise Cipher’s IT systems, reduce hardware reliance, and enable secure, remote access to business-critical applications.
Cloud Solution Implementations
1. Cloud Infrastructure Migration
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Challenge: Cipher’s legacy infrastructure relied heavily on on-site servers, with core applications and data housed locally—posing issues for remote access, scalability, and resilience.
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Solution: IT Desk UK architected a tailored cloud environment using Microsoft Azure. This included migrating the SQL Server database to Azure and relocating file data into SharePoint (included in Cipher’s existing Microsoft 365 setup), significantly reducing dependence on physical hardware.
2. Azure Virtual Desktop Deployment
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Challenge: The desktop applications used by the team required a stable and high-speed connection to the backend database.
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Solution: Azure Virtual Desktop (WVD) was implemented to host and publish Cipher’s core business applications. This ensured low-latency, high-performance access by placing applications within the same Azure Virtual Network as the database. Staff now access their software remotely, with the applications running in the cloud but appearing locally on their devices.
3. Secure Global Access & Remote Flexibility
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Challenge: Access to on-premise systems during Covid-19 lockdowns was extremely limited, creating operational bottlenecks.
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Solution: With the Azure solution implemented during the pandemic, the team was able to transition seamlessly to remote working. Staff can now securely access their systems from anywhere in the world, with a consistent and familiar user experience.
"One of the main concerns was performance for remote users. By configuring Azure Virtual Network properly and publishing the apps as RemoteApps, we were able to deliver a super low-latency experience that felt local—even when accessed globally." - Technical Solutions Engineer @ IT Desk
Outcomes
✅ Cost-Effective Cloud Model: Cipher only pays for virtual servers when desktops are in use—making the solution both scalable and budget-friendly.
✅ Enhanced Flexibility: As the team grows or contracts, new virtual desktops can be added or removed in minutes.
✅ Reduced Infrastructure Management: Eliminating on-premise servers has saved time, reduced maintenance overhead, and removed a key operational risk.
✅ Business Continuity: Azure enabled a smooth operational shift during Covid-19, ensuring uninterrupted access to key systems and data.
"The other companies considered for this project didn't have the approach to manage migration in a way that made us confident in the final result." – Richard Drabble, Finance Director at Cipher International
Conclusion
The partnership between Cipher International and IT Desk has led to a future-ready, fully cloud-based IT environment. Through thoughtful planning and hands-on support, IT Desk delivered a solution that not only modernised Cipher’s operations but also enhanced flexibility, reduced costs, and ensured the team could work securely from anywhere.
With Azure Virtual Desktop and cloud-hosted infrastructure in place, Cipher has built a foundation for long-term growth—prepared for both today's hybrid workforce and tomorrow’s challenges.
IT Desk's Customer Case Studies - HotHouse Beauty
Background
HotHouse is a brand development company established in 2007, with a strong focus on creating British brands manufactured in the UK. Their growing portfolio includes well-known names such as Brown & Harris, St Moriz, Kids Stuff Crazy Soap, ColourVibe, Shades (London), and Asper & Jones. As their global presence expanded, so did the complexity of their IT infrastructure. HotHouse began facing challenges related to scalability, cost management, and system efficiency—prompting them to explore a modern, cloud-based solution.
Cloud Solution Implementations
1. Infrastructure Scalability & Flexibility
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Challenge: HotHouse needed an IT environment that could adapt quickly to fluctuating business demands, particularly across multiple international markets.
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Solution: IT Desk facilitated a full migration to cloud infrastructure, enabling HotHouse to easily scale resources up or down based on usage. This helped them maintain high performance without overcommitting on infrastructure costs or capacity.
2. Cost Optimisation & Strategic Resource Allocation
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Challenge: The company wanted to reduce upfront infrastructure spend while ensuring their systems could support global expansion.
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Solution: By leveraging a flexible, usage-based pricing model, IT Desk helped HotHouse optimise their cloud spend, removing the need for large capital investments. This freed up funds for reinvestment into marketing, product development, and international growth.
3. Operational Efficiency & Automation
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Challenge: HotHouse’s internal teams were spending considerable time managing manual processes and maintaining on-premise systems.
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Solution: The move to cloud allowed IT Desk to streamline IT operations through automation and managed services. This reduced manual workload and enabled staff to focus on core business activities, improving day-to-day productivity.
4. Security & Resilience
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Challenge: Ensuring data security, regulatory compliance, and business continuity was critical, especially with sensitive brand and customer information in play.
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Solution: The cloud platform provided robust security features, including encryption, access control, and disaster recovery options—giving HotHouse peace of mind and a solid foundation for future growth.
Outcomes
✅ Business Agility: Cloud scalability enabled HotHouse to respond quickly to market demands and roll out new features and services without delay.
✅ Cost Savings: The flexible pricing model helped the business reduce unnecessary IT spend and reinvest in growth areas.
✅ Improved Efficiency: Automating key operations and offloading infrastructure management allowed internal teams to refocus on innovation and customer experience.
✅ Market Expansion: With reliable infrastructure and IT Desk’s guidance, HotHouse successfully expanded into over 30 international markets, establishing strong partnerships with distributors worldwide.
✅ Stronger Customer Experience: The improved stability and performance of their systems helped HotHouse meet customer expectations across all regions.
"HotHouse needed a solution that would grow with them, not hold them back. Designing a cloud setup that allowed them to scale resources quickly—without worrying about server limitations—was key to supporting their international expansion." - Technical Solutions Engineer @ IT Desk
Conclusion
The partnership between HotHouse and IT Desk has proven to be a catalyst for meaningful digital transformation. Through strategic planning, hands-on support, and expert implementation, IT Desk empowered HotHouse to embrace cloud technology confidently. The result is a more agile, efficient, and scalable business—ready to compete on a global stage.
Together, HotHouse and IT Desk have not only modernised operations but built a resilient, future-ready foundation for continued growth and success.
Notable Changes in AI (2024-2025)
Cloud technology has undergone a major evolution in just two years, moving from an operational enabler to a strategic powerhouse for businesses of all sizes. Here are the most significant changes shaping the cloud landscape:
1. Cloud Becomes a Business Strategy—Not Just IT Infrastructure
In 2023, cloud was still seen by many as a tool for storage, access, and scalability. By 2025, it’s become deeply embedded in core business strategy.
Cloud platforms now underpin innovation, global expansion, and operational resilience—not just within IT teams, but across functions like marketing, finance, HR, and customer service.
2. Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Environments Dominate
The shift away from single-provider models has intensified. As of 2025, 92% of organisations operate hybrid or multi-cloud environments.
This trend is driven by the need for workload flexibility, data localisation, cost efficiency, and compliance—especially in finance, legal, healthcare, and government sectors.
3. Cloud Investment and Market Growth Accelerate
Cloud infrastructure spending has surged from $592 billion in 2024 to a projected $912 billion in 2025.
Cloud-native platforms, SaaS ecosystems, and AI-as-a-Service are the fastest-growing segments, with over 50% of enterprise IT budgets now allocated to cloud technologies.
4. Resilience and Recovery Take Centre Stage
With ransomware, system outages, and climate-related risks on the rise, businesses are doubling down on cloud-based continuity tools.
Cloud-powered disaster recovery solutions—such as geo-redundant backups and automated failover—are enabling faster response times, data resilience, and regulatory compliance.
5. Cloud-Native Tools Redefine Application Development
Cloud-native development has become standard practice. By 2025, 78% of enterprises are building and deploying cloud-native applications using serverless computing, containers, and CI/CD pipelines.
This shift supports rapid iteration, infrastructure agility, and reduced time-to-value for new digital products.
6. Security and Governance Become a Priority
As data volume and complexity grow, so do the demands for airtight cloud security.
Organisations are refining governance strategies around GDPR, ISO 27001, and Cyber Essentials Plus, while adopting zero-trust frameworks, role-based access, and automated security monitoring across their environments.
7. Cloud Supports the Distributed Workforce
Remote and hybrid work is now embedded in company culture. In response, businesses rely heavily on platforms like Microsoft 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and cloud-based identity tools to maintain security, collaboration, and device control.
Cloud is no longer optional—it’s the foundation for a modern, flexible workforce.
In just two years, cloud technology has shifted from a supporting role to a central driver of business transformation. Companies that embrace this shift are not just improving IT performance—they’re building more resilient, innovative, and future-ready organisations.
How IT Desk stay up-to-date with Cloud Solutions
At IT Desk, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just something we say—it’s a core part of how we operate. As a Microsoft Partner, we’re regularly invited to exclusive Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 training sessions, giving us direct insight into the latest cloud features, security updates, and best practices—straight from the source.
But our learning doesn’t stop there.
We actively monitor trusted resources such as Microsoft Learn, Gartner, Forrester, and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to stay on top of emerging trends in cloud governance, automation, and resilience. Our vendor partnerships with leading providers also give us early access to tools, technical white-papers, and implementation guides, all of which we rigorously test in-house before recommending to clients.
We believe that continuous learning is essential in an ever-evolving digital environment. That’s why we embed cloud knowledge into our everyday routines—with regular team huddles, internal tech showcases, and lunch-and-learn sessions designed to keep our entire team informed, aligned, and cloud-confident.
Our commitment to learning means we don’t just offer cloud solutions—we live and breathe them. That’s how we help clients make smart, secure, and scalable decisions in today’s cloud-first world.
IT Desk's Cloud Solution Policies
At IT Desk, we take cloud security and governance seriously—even in the absence of a dedicated cloud-specific policy. As an ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certified company, our internal systems and processes are already built around industry-leading standards for information security, data protection, and quality management.
We don’t currently have a standalone cloud usage policy for platforms like Microsoft Azure—but the same principles that guide our AI policy and internal security practices apply across all our cloud services. These include:
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Strict access controls and multi-factor authentication
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Encryption of data in transit and at rest
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Regular internal audits and data protection reviews
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Alignment with GDPR and other regulatory requirements
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Secure onboarding processes for staff and devices
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Clear guidance on acceptable use and risk management
A policy we do like to have is our Information Security Policy for Supplier Relationships and Cloud Providers. This policy establishes the information security requirements that must be met by all IT Desk suppliers and cloud providers that handle or contribute to IT Desk information assets, to ensure the protection of sensitive information assets and data. Within this policy, all cloud providers that offer cloud-based solutions to IT Desk myst adhere to the following requirements:
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Confidentiality
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Security/data integrity
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Service availability
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Information handling
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Proactive support
As a Microsoft Silver Partner, we also adhere to Microsoft's best practices for cloud deployment, security configuration, and compliance alignment—ensuring our solutions are implemented and managed responsibly.
We believe in transparency and continuous improvement. As cloud technology evolves, we’re committed to refining our internal policies to meet new challenges and maintain the trust of our clients and partners.
Headline Cloud Solution Statistics
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96% of enterprises use some form of cloud service.
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Global cloud infrastructure spending will reach $912 billion by the end of 2025 (up from $679 billion in 2024).
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92% of organisations now operate in hybrid or multi-cloud environments.
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64% of SMBs say cloud platforms are essential for remote work, collaboration, and growth.
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Companies migrating key systems to the cloud report average cost savings of 30–40%.
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Over 50% of enterprise IT spending is expected to shift to cloud services by the end of 2025.
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72% of IT leaders say cloud has strengthened disaster recovery and business continuity.
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87% of organisations list scalability and flexibility as their top drivers for cloud adoption.
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78% of cloud-using companies say it has accelerated time-to-market for new products.
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94% of companies using public cloud say it has improved compliance and audit readiness.
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46% of IT leaders cite data breaches as the top cloud risk.
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52% of businesses plan to increase investment in cloud-based AI and analytics by 2026.
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By 2025, 70% of businesses are expected to adopt a cloud-native strategy for all digital initiatives.
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Cloud automation has reduced IT management time by up to 45% in high-adoption organisations.
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78% of enterprises now use cloud-native app development (up from 58% in 2022).
FAQs about Cloud Solutions
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services—such as storage, servers, networking, databases, and software—over the internet ("the cloud"). It allows businesses to access technology resources on demand without owning or maintaining physical infrastructure.
Is the cloud secure?
Yes, cloud solutions can be very secure—often more so than on-premise systems—when implemented correctly. They typically include features such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, regular security updates, and access controls. However, it’s important to follow best practices and governance frameworks to ensure data remains protected.
What’s the difference between public, private, and hybrid cloud?
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Public cloud: Services are hosted on shared infrastructure and delivered over the internet.
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Private cloud: Resources are dedicated to one organisation, offering more control and customisation.
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Hybrid cloud: Combines both public and private models, allowing businesses to run workloads in the most suitable environment for their needs.
How does cloud computing benefit my business?
Cloud solutions offer flexibility, scalability, cost savings, and enhanced collaboration. They support remote work, reduce the need for hardware, improve disaster recovery capabilities, and allow you to scale resources up or down as your business evolves.
How does cloud backup and disaster recovery work?
Cloud backup involves automatically copying and storing data in a secure, off-site location. In the event of data loss, system failure, or a cyberattack, cloud disaster recovery solutions enable you to quickly restore systems and minimise downtime.
Can cloud solutions help with compliance?
Yes. Many cloud platforms are designed to support compliance with standards like GDPR, ISO 27001, and other data protection regulations. However, it’s still the responsibility of each business to configure their cloud environment correctly and monitor usage according to their regulatory requirements.
How scalable are cloud solutions?
Cloud services are inherently scalable. You can easily increase or decrease resources—such as storage, computing power, or user licenses—based on your current needs, without the delays or costs associated with physical hardware upgrades.
What are the risks of using cloud solutions?
While the cloud offers many benefits, there are risks including data breaches, misconfigured settings, downtime from service providers, and vendor lock-in. Working with a trusted IT provider and following best practices can help you mitigate these risks.
How do I know if my business is ready to move to the cloud?
If your business is growing, managing remote teams, facing hardware limitations, or looking to improve resilience and flexibility, you may be ready for the cloud. An IT assessment can help determine which parts of your infrastructure are suitable for cloud migration.
Will moving to the cloud disrupt my business?
With proper planning, cloud migration can be done with minimal disruption. The process is often phased, ensuring critical systems remain online while data and services are securely transitioned. Working with an experienced IT provider can make the move smooth and seamless.
Written by:
Steve Harper
Commercial Director
Sources
Statista, Forrester, Gartner, McKinsey, Forbes, Tech Council, IDC (International Data Corporation), Microsoft Learn, National Cyber Security (NCSC), PwC
Relating Insights
