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With the COVID-19 pandemic going on, businesses of all sizes are looking for ways to optimize their operations and increase efficiency. One way to do this is by utilizing cloud services, which can provide a cost-effective and secure platform for hosting your most important applications and data. But with so many different cloud service providers on the market today, how do you know which one is right for your team?

The answer lies in understanding the features that each provider has to offer.

Defining Cloud Services and Remote Desktops

First, it’s helpful to understand what cloud services and remote desktops are. Cloud services are services that allow you to store data and applications in the cloud instead of on your own hardware. You can access these applications and data anywhere, anytime, from any device.

Remote desktops are a type of software technology that allows users to access their computer’s desktop, applications, and data remotely. With a remote desktop, you can access your PC from any location with an internet connection.

Now that we have a better understanding of what cloud services and remote desktops are, let’s look at the seven features to consider when selecting the best cloud service provider for your team.

1. Security and Safety

Modern cloud services employ advanced and secure encryption methods to protect data in transit and at rest. To ensure your data is safe, look for providers that offer sophisticated security protocols, such as multi-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption. You should also know if the provider utilizes regular security scans and practices to keep its users safe.

It is also important to be aware of the data protection laws in your region. Look for providers that adhere to regulations like GDPR and HIPAA so your data will be safe and secure at all times.

2. Reliability and Uptime

When looking for a cloud service provider, you should consider its reliability and uptime. The last thing you want is for your data and applications to become unavailable due to an outage or downtime. Look for providers that offer a service level agreement (SLA), which guarantees uptime of at least 99% over a certain period of time.

In addition, you should also look for providers with an established track record of stability and reliability. A quick online search can help determine if the provider is known for its uptime and reliability.

3. Cost Efficiency

One of the top reasons businesses move to the cloud is to reduce costs associated with hardware and software acquisition, maintenance, and upgrades. Look for providers that offer monthly and annual subscriptions and usage-based pricing models to find the best option for your budget.

It is also important to consider the cost of additional services, such as setup fees, customization costs, training sessions, and customer support services. Make sure you factor in all these costs when making your decision.

4. Cross-Device Compatibility

If you want to access your applications and data from any device, look for providers that offer cross-device compatibility. This means that the provider’s services are accessible on both PCs and Macs and on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.

It is also important to make sure the provider offers an app or software that is compatible with your devices. Compatibility with different devices will make it easier for you to access and manage your data from any location.

5. Disaster Recovery and Backups

Data loss is one of the biggest risks associated with cloud computing. To avoid this, make sure you select a provider that offers secure and reliable disaster recovery and backup services. These services will ensure that your data is always backed up and can be quickly recovered if ever lost or corrupted.

You should also look for providers that offer both on-site and off-site backups. This will help protect your data from disasters like power outages.

6. Scalability

As your business grows, you may need more storage space or processing power for your applications. Look for providers that offer flexible pricing plans and the ability to scale services up or down as needed. Having scalability will help ensure that you can always access the resources you need when you need them.

In addition, make sure to check if the provider offers additional features that can help you scale up more quickly and efficiently, such as automated provisioning or elastic scaling.

7. Customer Remote Support

Finally, make sure the provider offers customer support services. In addition to offering support via phone or email, look for providers that offer remote assistance so you can get help quickly and easily. Remote support will ensure that any technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.