Find an experienced private cloud provider. Learn essential tips for choosing a third-party provider that best meets the needs of your company.
In a private cloud, resources are dedicated to an organization or company. They are typically hosted, private clouds run by IT managed service providers. This article provides essential tips for choosing a third-party provider to best meet the needs of your users.
What’s the Value in an Onsite Visit?
Onsite visits give you a chance to familiarize yourself with how the MSP conducts its operations. While there, determine whether the facility is secure and if you’re comfortable with the people who will keep your system up and running. Sometimes, onsite visits aren’t practical for either party, but you could always request a commercial tour or visit the company’s site to watch promotional videos that include footage from the actual site.
Why Should You Ask for Independent Audit Results?
Reputable cloud providers undergo audits about once a year. There are many types of audit processes, but SOC 2 compliance is the most common. Ask to see the results of the last SOC 2 audit to evaluate the center on a range of requirements.
Basically, SOC 2 determines the managed service providers’ capability when it comes to:
- Security
- Confidentiality
- Availability
- Integrity
There are two kinds of SOC 2 results. In Type I assessments, the MSP’s systems and procedures are evaluated at a point in time. The auditor grades the facility on its controls, their suitability and the data center or facility’s adherence to the controls.
Type II considers whether the controls in place are effective by observing them for at least six months. In this time period, the auditors examine whether sufficient controls are in place and whether the protocols at the center are followed consistently.
If your company works in a regulated industry, ask whether the facility complies with the relevant standards, such as HIPAA and GDPR.
What Features Does the MSP Offer?
Featured checklists are another great tool for comparing MSPs, so always ask for one. The audit results can boost your confidence in a provider. However, you should formulate a list of must-have features to meet the needs of your company. Here are some things to consider:
- Does the facility have experience with your current platforms, such as AWS or Google?
- What about gaps in your existing IT strategy? Do you need a provider to take over your cybersecurity threat detection and prevention efforts?
- Do you need help creating or improving your disaster recovery plan?
- What are your current open roles? Would it be better to outsource them?
What Customer References Can the MSP Offer?
The provider probably already has online testimonials but you should conduct your own research online. Read through the company’s case study page and look for any examples in your industry. In addition, asking for references and calling them may help you make a final decision.