Unlocking Efficiency: How Application Hosting and Migration Streamline Business Operations

If you’re a part of the 40% of businesses that haven’t migrated to the cloud, you’re missing out. The businesses that have migrated their application hosting, data storage, and infrastructure to the cloud are unlocking unparalleled efficiency, cost optimizations, collaboration, and more. Migrations can be time-consuming, costly endeavors, with 30% failing outright and 25% missing a deadline. However, the benefits are clear and substantial, with 94% of businesses citing better cybersecurity post-migration and 82% experiencing cost savings. For modern businesses looking to migrate, top cloud platform options include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, VMware, and more. In this article, we’ll share the different approaches to a multi-cloud strategy through SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS, as well as the benefits of a hybrid cloud environment.

Exploring Cloud Adoption: SaaS vs. PaaS vs. IaaS

Are you feeling confused by all the different acronym options? There are three main categories of cloud computing: SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS. Let’s break down what these different approaches to cloud migration look like.

SaaS

SaaS stands for “Software as a Service,” which is the term most people are probably most familiar with. In cloud adoption, SaaS means a cloud provider is hosting different applications for your business. These usually involve a monthly subscription fee and are incredibly scalable for all sizes of businesses. They’re also the most “out-of-the-box solution,” meaning they’re quicker to set up.

IaaS

IaaS stands for “Infrastructure as a Service”. It means a third-party cloud provider hosts the network architecture and infrastructure instead of your traditional on-site data center. For instance, this might include servers, network hardware, and more. IaaS is often the most custom option, giving businesses the greatest level of flexibility for custom-created apps as well as hosting and storing data.

PaaS

PaaS means “Platforms as a Service,” and in this type of cloud model, your business has access to a singular platform for cloud hosting instead of different software. It’s commonly layered on top of other strategies and gives developers both the framework, software, and tools to manage applications. PaaS is a popular option for businesses looking to create their own unique applications and needing an easily accessible platform.

How to Choose Application Hosting and Migration

If you’re ready to migrate, a key element is deciding on your application hosting. This is the process of operating applications in the cloud on public or private remote servers instead of a traditional on-site environment. As more workers are remote, and businesses might not even have a physical headquarters anymore, virtual application hosting ensures secure access for all team members on any device.

The same process applies to application migration; this simply moves your existing apps to the cloud for the same benefits.

Benefits of Hybrid Multi-Cloud

In the world of cloud options, the choices switch between private cloud, public cloud, and on-premise data centers. A hybrid cloud or multi-cloud approach takes the best of both worlds. For example, businesses might move the most sensitive, confidential files to a private server while maintaining customer operations in AWS, allowing for easy scaling up and down in response to demand. Take a look at a few of the benefits of a multi-cloud approach.

Better Performance

Data is the lifeblood of any business, but for many, it’s time-consuming and tricky to quickly access and share. With cloud environments, application access is streamlined and efficient, whereas with traditional on-premise centers, your organization might not even be able to handle the workload of a huge amount of data.

Streamlined Operations

Application hosting, infrastructure security, endpoint security, and more are streamlined in a hybrid cloud environment. Plus, your business immediately becomes more agile as applications are easily accessible by all team members who need access. Teams can increase collaboration across departments by quickly sharing data, insights, and files with others.

Flexibility

The majority of businesses working in a hybrid cloud, experience flexibility. Contracts and payments are often on a monthly subscription based on usage, so your business has complete control and visibility on spending. Moreover, you can quickly increase usage in response to demand, scaling up easily for busy seasons without investing a significant amount in new hardware and equipment.

Cost Savings

With traditional on-site centers, IT teams are responsible for constantly upgrading and maintaining expensive hardware. Plus, any growth leads to purchasing additional physical equipment, which might become completely unnecessary if business slows down. With migration, it’s easier to add additional headcount, as the computing workload for adding or subtracting users is done in the cloud.

Embrace Cloud Application Hosting and Migrations With i-Link Solutions

With i-Link Solutions’ cloud computing options, your business can create a flexible, custom solution based on your business needs. Easily leverage the scalability, cost-effectiveness, security, and performance of public cloud environments while enjoying the peace of mind and security of private servers. If your organization is still relying on large data centers to operate the business, it’s time for a change. Learn more by contacting i-Link Solutions.