Streamlining, Saving and Success: 6 Reasons to Migrate Your IT system to the Cloud

In the ever-evolving business landscape, staying competitive and adaptable is crucial. For companies seeking innovation, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced flexibility, adopting Cloud-based IT solutions could be the answer. Extech Cloud understands firsthand how moving your business to the Cloud can revolutionise your operations while saving both time and money – and we have the data to back it up.

1. Streamlined IT Management and Service

Managing on-premises infrastructure demands a dedicated IT team, or IT manager, to handle maintenance, updates, and security patches. Cloud platforms, on the other hand, offer built-in security measures and automated updates, reducing the burden on internal IT personnel. This shift frees up valuable IT resources, enabling them to focus on more strategic initiatives that drive business growth.

One Extech Cloud client, a London-based legal firm, was found to have lost 8,500 working hours over the course of one year owing to tech issues and the resultant downtime caused by repairs and fixes. Since outsourcing IT support with Extech Cloud and undergoing a digital transformation to the Cloud, the client has saved over 3,400 working hours (which amounts to 140 business days) in just under three years. Where the business was previously generating 2-5 IT support tickets per user per month, an average of just one ticket per user per month is now filed.

These improvements were already being realised within the first month of the client’s work with Extech Cloud – in just four short weeks, the number of IT support tickets, produced by 150+ employees, was reduced by half. This was made possible by our ethos. Our service desk’s aim is not to provide patches and quick fixes to IT issues – we work to provide permanent solutions. Find out more about Extech Cloud’s IT support desk.

2. Reduced Hardware Costs and Maintenance

Traditional on-premises infrastructures often come with hefty upfront investments in hardware, servers, and networking equipment. The Cloud eliminates these expenses by providing scalable computing resources on a pay-as-you-go basis. With Cloud services such as Microsoft Azure, there is no need to purchase, maintain, or upgrade physical hardware. This results in immediate savings and allows businesses to allocate resources more strategically.

The cost of hardware has increased dramatically over the last five years. Where installation would cost around eight to twelve thousand pounds in the past, businesses are now looking at a charge of between fifteen and nineteen thousand pounds for the very same technology. This is the result of numerous factors, such as supply and demand issues caused by Brexit, and the Covid-19 pandemic. And who knows how the cost might further inflate.

3. Savings on Software Licensing

In the past it may have been a little easier to cut corners in terms of sharing software licenses in a business. It has got stricter however, as every user must be registered. Software licensing fees can quickly add up, especially for businesses with numerous employees and systems. Software licensing can cost around £40,000 upfront for hardware systems, or £15,000-£20,000 for servers. However, using software such as SQL Server on the cloud can cost as little as a few pounds per user per month. Cloud-based solutions typically operate on a subscription model, which often proves to be more cost-effective, scalable, and flexible. This agility is especially valuable for industries with fluctuating workloads or seasonal demands. With the Cloud, resources can be adjusted instantaneously, preventing over-provisioning and optimising cost efficiency. This approach ensures that your software is always up to date without the hassle of manual updates or additional costs for upgrading licenses.

4. Seamless Transition to Remote/Hybrid Work

The COVID-19 pandemic brought remote/hybrid work into the spotlight, underscoring the importance of a flexible and accessible infrastructure. Businesses that had already embraced Cloud solutions found themselves well-prepared to shift operations remotely. Cloud-based platforms enable employees to access crucial data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection, ensuring business continuity even during the most challenging times. It also aids collaboration between staff and colleagues, or clients, from anywhere. Extech Cloud makes remote working, work.

5. Navigating the Impact of the Pandemic and Brexit on Hardware Costs

The pandemic and Brexit introduced unprecedented challenges, impacting hardware supply chains, and raising costs. Border restrictions and supply chain disruptions made procuring hardware a complex and costly endeavour. Certain pieces of hardware are only manufactured in certain places, which sometimes businesses have no alternative other than to wait up to 7-8 months for a replacement part.

By moving to the Cloud, businesses could sidestep these issues, as the Cloud eliminates the need for physical hardware purchases. This strategic shift, known as Digital Transformation, allows organisations to maintain operations without being hindered by hardware availability or price fluctuations.

6. Enhanced Security and Protection

Migrating your business to the Cloud not only offers tangible cost savings and operational efficiencies – it also presents a robust cybersecurity advantage. Cloud providers such as Microsoft Azure invest heavily in state-of-the-art security measures, employing dedicated teams of experts such as Extech Cloud to safeguard their platforms. This translates to enhanced protection for your data and applications against cyber threats. With features like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits, the Cloud offers a higher level of defence than most on-premises solutions can provide.

Additionally, the ability to centralise security management simplifies monitoring and enforcement of security policies, ensuring consistent protection across your entire infrastructure. By entrusting your cybersecurity to the Cloud, you can focus on your core business activities while benefiting from the peace of mind that comes with fortified digital fortifications. Our innovative cloud-based cyber security solution, CDE (Cyber Defence by Extech Cloud) helps businesses to keep cybersecurity up to date. Unlike many cybersecurity products, CDE enables continuous monitoring of a business’s compliance level, and automatic remediation of any security threats posed. Get in touch to learn more.

Extech Cloud is expert in cybersecurity and compliance – we ensure you get the solutions you need to protect your business.

How can Extech Cloud support you?

The decision to migrate your business to the Cloud is not just a technological transformation – it is strategic investment in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability. A number of Extech Cloud clients have shared their success stories about harnessing the power of the Cloud to save time and money while future-proofing their operations.

Whether you are looking to cut costs, save time, or adapt to remote working trends, we can help you navigate the Cloud.

The Extech Cloud team specialises in providing comprehensive consultancy and support to small and medium businesses located in Burgess Hill, Crawley, Brighton, and throughout Sussex and Surrey. If you are thinking of transforming your business to the cloud, contact Extech Cloud today.