Cloud computing promises agility and cost savings, but poor provider choices can lead to spiraling costs and operational headaches. That’s why we’ve compiled the most common errors companies make when choosing cloud services so you can make a more informed decision.
Differences in platform design, industry specialization, available features, and performance levels create a broad spectrum of cloud offerings.
For example, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure serve a wide range of industries and provide extensive global infrastructure. At the same time, some providers focus on niche markets, such as healthcare or finance, with built-in compliance features and security protocols tailored to those fields.
Assuming all providers offer the same tools and performance levels could lead a company to select a cloud environment that doesn’t support its long-term digital strategy.
Cloud platforms typically fall into three categories: public, private, and hybrid. Each represents a distinct approach to delivering computing resources.
Without a clear grasp of these models, a company may pick a public cloud when sensitive data protection demands a private cloud, exposing itself to compliance risks. Alternatively, selecting a private cloud without the scalability needed for peak demand can cause bottlenecks.
Cloud environments differ in architecture and supported technologies, affecting how software performs after migration. Legacy applications built for on-premises servers often require refactoring or replatforming before they operate efficiently in the cloud. Simply lifting and shifting software to a cloud environment can cause performance degradation or increased costs due to inefficient resource use.
Cloud-native applications are specifically designed to take full advantage of the cloud’s features, such as elasticity, microservices, and containerization. This allows them to scale automatically while managing failures with ease.
Contracts with cloud providers may bind companies to specific technologies or services that become costly or difficult to move away from. Vendor lock-in happens when migrating workloads to another platform demands significant effort, retraining staff, or rewriting applications.
A startup that signs a multiyear contract with a provider heavily reliant on proprietary tools might later struggle to adopt innovations available from competitors. In contrast, companies prioritizing open standards and portability reduce the risk of lock-in. Evaluating contract terms carefully, including exit clauses, data ownership, and migration assistance, keeps your business flexible.
Cloud billing models can appear simple but often hide complexities. Charges may accumulate based on compute hours, storage capacity, data transfers, and other metrics. Without ongoing budgeting and cost management, spending can escalate quickly, catching finance teams off guard.
For example, an organization launching a new app might underestimate the bandwidth costs from high user traffic or fail to delete unused virtual machines running in the background. Setting up alerts, conducting regular cost audits, and rightsizing resources help maintain financial discipline in the cloud.
Choosing a cloud provider that fits your business doesn’t have to be a complex and error-prone process. With the right approach and guidance, organizations can effectively evaluate their needs and select a provider that offers the best combination of features, pricing, and reliability. Contact us today to learn how our experts can help you navigate the cloud market and make the most out of your investment.
