Cloud computing platforms are now essential to businesses, but no two services are the same. In addition to the major three competitors in the market – Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform – there are now a number of smaller, niche services to consider. Meanwhile, cloud service providers offer multitudes of differently priced packages, with different features, and frequently update or add new functions. In this diverse landscape, choosing the right platform for your organization can be a big challenge.
Ultimately, finding the best fit is about honing in on your unique needs so that you are able to get to the custom package that’s right for you. You’ll need to consider your hardware and software integration needs and what is and isn’t working for you about your current solution – whether that’s an existing cloud service or local storage solution. You’ll also want to think in particular about support and service level needs, as well as data management and security.
When you begin your next procurement project, your instinct may be to search for RFx templates that you’ve used in the past, or documents that have worked for other organizations. But in a rapidly changing market, this may or may not help you to get to the provider and package you need. Popcorn RFP’s Cloud Services RFI and RFP kernels are specifically designed to help you include the right information and questions on an evolving basis.
To get you started, our Cloud Services RFP kernel prompts you to describe your current data storage and computing power solution, as well as your existing software and hardware. In selecting the right cloud services for your organization, having architecture that matches up with your environment is key. Everything from data retrieval to workflows should factor into your purchasing decision.
Next, our kernels ask you about your organization’s support and service level needs. Different packages offer customers different kinds of support, response time, and capacity. Asking questions about support up front and coming to an explicit agreement about what you’ll have access to is critical to ensuring that the needs of your organization are met without unpleasant surprises.
Finally, choosing cloud services with strong data management and security features is essential. Our Cloud Services kernels direct you to ask explicit questions that reflect your unique industry and regulatory environment. With Popcorn RFP’s prompting, you will zero in on the security features you’re after, and note any industry-specific compliance requirements around data.
The process of choosing the best cloud services for your organization need not be overwhelming. Popcorn RFP’s signature kernels take away the guesswork out of the purchasing process. Instead of spending weeks researching the cloud services landscape, you’ll focus on what you know best: your organization’s goals and priorities. Give it a try for free and let us know how we can further support your purchasing process!
