Cloud computing has fundamentally transformed the manner in which organizations and individuals operate, retrieve, and employ computing resources and data. Cloud services empower users to utilize an extensive reservoir of scalable and readily available computational resources via the Internet, thereby preventing the necessity for expensive on-premises infrastructure.
In the contemporary digital environment, where the ability to adapt, expand, and reduce expenses is crucial, cloud computing has evolved into an essential technology for businesses of every scale.
Australian businesses and individuals must select the appropriate cloud provider to guarantee optimal performance, security, and compliance with local regulations. Let's look at some top factors to consider while choosing a cloud computing provider and the top 10 cloud providers in Australia.
Here are the 6 important factors to consider while choosing a cloud provider:
-
Certification and Recognition
One of the main tasks before delegating the management of your company's data, software applications, and cybersecurity to a cloud service provider is verifying that the provider has the necessary credentials and complies with the local and national criteria.
You should opt for service providers who are members of established standards-setting bodies such as Standards Australia (SA), which is an ISO member, and the World United Body for standardization. Through these certifications, a service provider can be sure that it meets high standards related to security, stability, and service quality.
-
Security Software
Cloud security should be a prominent concern in recent days to secure your company's vital data and consumer information. Reliable cloud services providers who have security stipulations usually have frameworks within their platforms that prevent access to unauthorized people to your data. Here are some of the important security features that you should look for:
-
Cloud encryption: Research service providers that apply safe encryption protocols, such as identification protocol, which uses multiple keys for correct authentication, or access protocol, which uses only one key for access and authentication.
-
Information access policies: It is equally important to ensure that the provider's data access policies converge with those of the organization. This interior IT process is mainly planned if the company is working with extremely sensitive data.
-
Data breach policies: If a cloud provider is reliable, then it should be sure of its broad and accurate cybersecurity policy that creates a situation of data breaches and maleficence attacks.
-
Scalability
The consideration of scalability is one of the important aspects that an organization considers. With ease of scalability, you can effortlessly expand or contract the kinds of resources required in cloud computing so as to meet their varying needs. During high seasons, those businesses that use a cloud service provider that provides scalable options will clearly benefit in comparison to those that do not outsource their IT. Find the service that offers the opportunity to add, pause, or cancel computing power, storage, and other computing resources at an instant time and pay for what you use only.
-
Reliability
Although enterprises can be dramatically affected by downtime, the key factor that needs much attention is choosing the vendor who guarantees a high uptime and reliability level. Examine if the provider could help to avert service disruption by assessing the redundant systems and infrastructure that they have established and the history of performance. Keeping the efficacy and the levels of performance or service efficiency in mind, these aspects generally have a deep impact on the level of reliability of a cloud solution.
-
Customer Support
Customer service, as we know, is essential. It makes sure that every communication with the company is handled timely and that the issue is resolved. Choose the cloud service providers providing expansive support features including email, phone, and live chats 24 hours per day besides holidays. An experienced collaborative team can significantly improve support to ensure customer resolution rates are high and fast services are provided, which leads to an increase in customer satisfaction.
-
Cost
Although cloud computing may present substantial financial benefits in comparison to conventional IT infrastructure, it is critical to comprehend the provider's pricing structure and related charges prior to committing. Assess service provider models that incorporate flexibility in pricing, including pay-as-you-go, fixed, or hybrid pricing structures. It is advisable to conduct a thorough price comparison among various service providers, taking into account support and maintenance charges, commitments or long-term contracts, and the possibility of price fluctuations over time.
Let's look at some of the top 10 cloud provider companies in Australia:
1. Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is a multi-layered platform that performs cloud computing functions and provides a wide range of solutions, i.e., storage, analytics, virtual machines, etc. With millions of users around the globe and a robust cloud infrastructure, the Azure platform is the first love of every Australian business looking for scalable and reliable cloud solutions. Azure is the ideal choice for companies that prefer to use the Microsoft platform because it is deeply incorporated into other Microsoft products and steadfastly focuses on the issue of security and compliance.
2. Oxtrys
Oxtrys is one of the VPS and cloud hosting providers that offers cost-effective VPS server hosting plans with a reliable network. With data centers in major countries worldwide, Oxtrys has a data center in Australia. To deliver a better user experience, it offers low latency and rapid load times to businesses and individuals in Australia and Oceania.
Besides, the company complies with all the stringent Australian data privacy rules, so you can be assured that you are complying with all the strict data security and privacy regulations. Oxtrys has 24/7 technical support available to resolve your queries on time without any delay. The VPS hosting plans are available for Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, and Windows Server 2016, 2019 (64-bit). They even offer cloud storage services at affordable rates.
3. Google's Cloud Platform (GCP)
The Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a powerful and redundant cloud computing platform where you’ll find a wide scope of services. These services consist of machine learning, storage, data analytics, and computation. The GCP's data management and analytics, as well as its cutting-edge technologies, provide it with a great advantage that attracts different enterprises because they require these technologies to enable them to engage in sophisticated data processing and artificial intelligence activities.
4. IBM Cloud
IBM Cloud offers a wide range of services in the Cloud domain, including Artificial Intelligence services and infrastructure, to accommodate growing firms of different levels and markets. IBM, the big name in cloud services, emphasizes hybrid cloud solutions, which provide seamless integration of on-premises and cloud environments, allowing organizations to capitalize on the advantages of both systems. Additionally, the enterprise's expertise in domains like cognitive computing and security makes it a more reliable choice for institutions that seek advanced-level cloud services.
5. Oracle Cloud
Oracle Cloud offers an extensive collection of cloud services, encompassing servers, storage, networks, applications, and services. These components are all delivered via the worldwide network of managed data centers operated by Oracle Corporation. Oracle Cloud, due to its comprehensive security features and emphasis on enterprise-grade solutions, is an ideal choice for organizations in search of a dependable and expandable cloud infrastructure to host mission-critical applications and workloads.
6. Alibaba Cloud
Alibaba Cloud offers a comprehensive suite of global cloud computing services and is the market leader in cloud computing platforms. Originally designed to support Alibaba Group's eCommerce ecosystem, Alibaba Cloud has since broadened its range of services to accommodate global clients and enterprises of various scales. Due to its robust Asia-Pacific footprint and unwavering commitment to innovation, Alibaba Cloud emerges as an appealing alternative for enterprises in search of a dependable and economically viable cloud solution.
7. Linode (now Akamai)
Linode or Akamai is one of the top cloud service providers in Australia because of the different hosting plans and features that the provider offers. Features like quick scalability, easy development and deployment, easy management, and high reliability and performance make them one of the best providers on the list.
8. IT Svit
IT Svit provides dependable AI, DevOps, and cloud consulting to organizations seeking to capitalize on the capabilities of cloud computing and innovative technologies. IT Svit offers comprehensive solutions to assist organizations in optimizing their cloud infrastructure, streamlining DevOps processes, and integrating AI capabilities into their operations through the efforts of their team of specialists.
9. Professional Advantage
Professional Advantage is an Australian IT consulting and solutions firm that assists businesses to digitize their processes, modernize collaboration and communication, and secure their IT environment. As part of their varied services, Professional Advantage offers technical assistance to help businesses evaluate, plan, migrate, support, and optimize the cloud environment. From providing consulting services to full-scale deployment and infrastructure optimization services, they cover an entire range of services that a business requires while transferring to the cloud.
10. AllianceTek
AllianceTek is a software development firm with a skilled workforce of more than 200 software developers, project managers, and designers. It specializes in providing comprehensive customized solutions, including cloud-based services, in assisting organizations in accomplishing their digital transformation objectives and improving their entire IT infrastructure.
When selecting a cloud provider for an Australian business, it is critical to evaluate your particular needs and priorities thoroughly. A comprehensive evaluation of various aspects, including cost, customer support, scalability, security, and dependability, is imperative to guarantee a smooth migration to the cloud and sustained prosperity.
Recognize that no single solution suits all circumstances; therefore, spend time understanding each provider's distinct value proposition and ensuring that it corresponds with your organization's goals. Oxtrys is a dependable and reasonably priced hosting option to consider. Founded in 2018, Oxtrys seeks to offer dependable hosting options to organizations of all sizes.
By capitalizing on cloud computing's capabilities and establishing a strategic alliance with an appropriate provider, one can acquire competitive advantages in the ever-changing Australian market, optimize operational processes, and unleash innovative possibilities.