IT decision-makers are constantly searching for ways to enhance the efficiency of their infrastructure, minimize spending, and maximize performance. Gains in efficiency can be instrumental in providing improved competitiveness with market rivals and be a major factor in the success and growth of a business. As we will see, cloud computing offers many ways of improving a company’s operational efficiency.
Enlightened companies are also concerned with reducing their environmental footprint to help address critical issues such as climate change, waste, and excessive energy usage. Companies can bolster their public relations persona and appeal to informed consumers by minimizing their impact on the environment without negatively affecting their businesses through the use of cloud resources.
Cloud computing offers companies a path to reduce their environmental footprint while simultaneously enhancing efficiency to support their businesses. Migrating to the cloud can be a win-win situation that provides an organization with multiple benefits. VAST helps your company make the right decisions when migrating to the cloud so your business can thrive.
Environmental Benefits of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing provides multiple environmental benefits that address some of the potentially negative aspects of traditional methods of supporting an IT infrastructure.
Minimizing hardware purchases and reducing waste
Organizations that use cloud computing resources eliminate the need to purchase hardware for an on-premises data center. Cloud service providers (CSPs) furnish all of their customers with energy-efficient and long-lasting state-of-the-art components. Public cloud delivery models serve multiple customers on hardware that would have been used by a single on-premises infrastructure.
Consequently, there are also no obsolete or broken pieces of equipment that require disposal by individual customers. Many CSPs recycle and decommission unneeded hardware using environmentally friendly techniques that minimize electronic waste.
Reducing energy consumption
CSPs minimize data usage through the use of optimized hardware and advanced cooling technology. Providers also decrease the number of physical servers necessary to service customers through virtualization and resource consolidation. Most cloud data centers are operated in a more energy-efficient manner than on-premises alternatives as it benefits the provider’s bottom line.
Utilizing resources efficiently
Cloud providers enable businesses to dynamically scale resource utilization to align with current requirements. This means companies can eliminate provisioning excessive resources to address peak demand and then have to maintain idle systems when requirements change. The efficient use of computing resources helps control energy usage and can reduce the size of the facilities necessary to service customers.
Leveraging green IT practices
Large CSPs such as AWS, Microsoft, and Google have made significant efforts to institute green practices in their cloud data centers. This includes taking actions such as strategically locating data centers near natural resources to reduce water and energy usage. Partnering with these providers enables small companies to contribute to the drive for more sustainable computing environments.
Decreasing the carbon footprint
Cloud computing helps decrease its customers’ carbon footprint by making data accessible from any location with an internet connection. Users can access systems from home and eliminate time-consuming commutes that generate pollution and stress the environment.
Enhanced Efficiency With Cloud Computing
Cloud computing offers organizations multiple methods of increasing efficiency, some of which mesh nicely with its environmental benefits.
Scalability and flexibility
The dynamic scalability that provides environmental benefits also promotes more efficient business practices. Companies can quickly scale resources such as storage or computing power to take advantage of new market opportunities. Obtaining these resources from a cloud provider rather than having to purchase hardware eliminates the risk of over-provisioning and wasting limited IT funds.
Reduced maintenance costs and responsibilities
CSPs are responsible for maintaining the hardware used to provide customer services. This eliminates this task for customers and allows them to concentrate on running their business. Based on the type of service, the cloud provider may also be responsible for software and firmware updates.
Improved reliability and performance
Cloud providers use top-rate technology to offer customers reliable and high-performing systems. The levels of performance available from a CSP often eclipses that which is possible with dated, on-premises hardware. Reliable CSPs will enter into service level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee uptime and keep systems available to address business requirements more efficiently.
Universal data access and collaboration
Data stored in the cloud is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. The universal access inherent in cloud data makes it the perfect vehicle for collaborative activities with geographically diverse teams. Cloud data access is an essential ingredient in supporting today’s remote workforces.
More effective security
CSPs typically implement the most modern and advanced security measures to keep data safe from threat actors. Better security fosters efficiency by minimizing concerns over data safety and enabling the organization to focus on its core business activities.
Partner With VAST for a Successful Cloud Migration
Businesses considering a cloud migration to address environmental concerns and improve operational efficiency are faced with many challenging choices. They need to decide how much of their infrastructure to move to the cloud and select a CSP that can address their business requirements and objectives. Ideally, the CSP will be implementing green cloud technology to reduce the environmental footprint associated with supporting an IT environment.
VAST IT Services has you covered in all aspects of cloud computing from planning and selecting a provider to managing an organization’s cloud environment. We are strategic partners with all the major cloud computing players and can help tailor a solution that aligns with your business objectives.
Following is a sampling of the services we offer to facilitate a successful journey to the cloud.
- Our discovery and assessment service gathers information about your existing environment so we can make informed recommendations regarding the best path to the cloud.
- Effective planning is essential for a successful migration. Our planning and migration services ensure that all bases are covered when you move to the cloud. We’ll cover the various cloud solutions available and provide you with the information you need to make the right choices.
- Our VAST View Cloud Management Platform provides complete visibility into your cloud infrastructure and promotes reduced risk and efficient management of your resources.
Call us today and get started on a successful cloud migration that drives efficiency and reduces your environmental footprint.
