3 Ways Cloud Management Can Improve Your Network
The “cloud” is one of those tech buzzwords that gets whipped around all the time, consequently the term is used so broadly few folks seem to actually understand what cloud computing is or even how it could help their business. To put it in the simplest terms, cloud computing is a type of internet based infrastructure that provides shared processing resources and data to users and devices. This sharing of resources over the internet allows for businesses to use on-demand, configurable computing resources such as networks, servers, and applications, rapidly scaling them up without having to pay for the upfront cost of physical infrastructure.
1. Simplifying Network Management
The first and less obvious use of such technology is in the ease it allows you to manage enterprise networks and troubleshoot them. Cloud managed devices such as Cisco’s Meraki switches and security devices work with cloud services and hardware securely over the internet to give visibility to all the devices on a network and make them more manageable. Such devices provide instant remote access to information on what is happening at your network’s edge. The data provided by them can tell you if your internet service provider has been down, or if several of your employees have been too busy watching the latest Warriors game to get any work done.
2. Minimizing Downtime and Improving Reliability
End users often demand a solution that allows them to be able to immediately know what is happening on their networks. With the metrics provided by devices such as Meraki switches, IT departments and MSPs are instantly alerted to any failures on their networks and are able to immediately remedy nearly any issue they may be facing with as little service interruption as possible. Cloud managed networks are also great because they tell new devices on the network what roles they play, downloading the appropriate configurations, and rolling out updates with minimal hands-on. This allows an MSP to quickly replace a failed device, even in a remote location and keep out of the client’s way so they can get their work done without a team of technicians running about.
3. Prioritizing Network Traffic to Improve Productivity
Another of the powerful ability that cloud managed network devices are able to help techs provide end users is to better understand and manage their bandwidth requirements. As businesses increasingly rely on the internet based devices for communication such as VOIP phones, client facing servers, and even security devices, understanding which devices as well as what type of traffic is eating up your bandwidth is becoming crucial as more services and devices consequently become internet dependent. By properly managing your network and prioritizing the most important traffic, you can drastically improve your organization’s productivity in terms of both man-hours and dollars.
If you found this information useful or you have a question about computers, technology, or business feel free to leave them in the comment section. We will be updating this blog and content regularly with information to better help you manage your technology foot print!
About the author:
Jeremy Rector – An industry expert with more than 20 years of experience in handling just about everything that has to do with information technology. He is the founder and CEO of Big Dog Computing a managed service provider servicing the IT needs of businesses all over the Bay Area and Western United States.
