Thrive CTO Michael Gray explains what it really takes to implement a zero-trust cybersecurity model across what has become highly distributed computing environments.
Like many of you, I have had some time in recent weeks to reflect on my role and how we as a NextGen managed services and security provider are helping during this pandemic. Much of my daily life before COVID-19 was convincing businesses that a cloud first strategy was the right choice, not only from a security and cost perspective, but primarily due to how the workforce has changed.
Before the pandemic, most of us relied on a platform that allowed us to work from any place at any time with flexibility during our busy lives on the go. Even with all the convenience provided by the cloud, most businesses that we spoke to still had a negative impression of moving “everything” to the cloud.
Here’s what they had to say:
- The cloud is too expensive.
- I have better security at my office.
- I cannot run 100 % of my applications.
- I don’t trust the cloud.
- I can get another few years out of my server that lives in the closet down the hall.
In August of 2019, we convinced a client of ours to move the cloud. We advised them to take a leap and move everything to a modern cloud platform that would support their goals of a cloud first strategy and a true mobile workforce. A few benefits that they were looking to gain were:
- Better and more turnkey remote access, no clunky VPN’s
- Higher security
- Operate more efficiently
- The ability to scale quickly
- Access to 100 % of the firm’s data. (files, folders, network drives, and all applications)
They decided to move their entire organization to the cloud and by November of 2019 this firm was up and running. I spoke with our client last week (April 2020) and he mentioned something to me that I had to share.
“Thrive and the NextGen cloud platform might be one of the single best decisions that we ever made as a firm! 100 % of our firm is now able to work in the cloud from anywhere. Had it not been for this move during this COVID-19 pandemic, we simply would not have been able to work in this manner. Our firm would be in a much different place.” ~ Michael Cohen, Managing Director – Glass Jacobson
Stories like these not only point out how a good cloud first strategy helps our client’s business during normal times, but really shines during times like these. As a NextGen MSP and MSSP, I know that we have armed our clients with a robust cloud computing platform that is helping their business every day and enabling them to keep their virtual doors open and employees productive from anywhere.
For more information on Thrive’s Cloud Solutions, CONTACT US TODAY!
The cloud is becoming part of peoples’ everyday lives, and more and more businesses are moving to use it, realizing its importance and recognizing the extent to which it will become an important part of commerce moving forward. But the cloud remains a misunderstood technological innovation, and one which has created numerous myths which are completely misguided. Here are some of the most popular: (more…)
In the current economy, many businesses across the globe are seeking alternatives to costly data backup methods. A popular solution to costly backup methods is cloud backup, which works well as a strategy for business continuity planning and disaster recovery. Data backup and storage in the cloud means that the cloud service provider takes responsibility for costly backup hardware and redundancy methods. The company seeking cloud storage pays a monthly subscription fee, which is based on the amount of backup and storage which is required.
In order to successfully backup and store data in the cloud, you must choose a reliable provider that has a track record for using multiple backup servers, advanced security, and immediate access and recovery in the event of a disaster. A lot of companies prefer to pursue the best of both worlds by combining the speed of local backup with the security of cloud backup. This concept is known as hybrid backup and is more cost effective than tape methods and other offsite storage methods.
During a difficult economy, virtualization and cloud hosting represents a viable solution for cutting costs while increasing company productivity and IT services. Many companies are considering the use of virtualization and cloud hosted Services as a means for reducing IT costs through hardware consolidation.
But what happens to compliance standards and service level agreements that must be maintained if you decide to use virtualization and cloud hosted Services? (more…)
Cloud computing provides many companies with the ability to reduce IT infrastructure costs while improving productivity and responsiveness. This allows company staff to focus on getting results instead of monitoring and maintaining the infrastructure that supports critical business applications.
According to Gartner, an IT technology research and advisory company, cloud revenue is expected to (more…)
Anticipating the IT resources that are necessary for current and future company requirements is an ongoing and challenging responsibility for IT professionals. The most difficult part of implementing new applications is the knowledge that your existing server environment may or may not be able to accommodate them.
If servers are utilized efficiently then implementation may be possible. However, the challenge you face with an older server infrastructure involves (more…)
Can you define ‘Cloud Computing’? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to the “Digital Software and the Cloud Report” from the market research firm NPD, just 22% of U.S. consumers could explain it. To add to the confusion, when you attempt to find the true definition on the Internet you get a wide variety of answers, but which is the right one?
Thrive Networks took to the streets of Boston to ask people what ‘The Cloud’ means to them. As expected, we got a variety of responses. Some were more accurate than others. Watch the video below to see what we mean.
[hana-flv-player video=”http://thrivenetworks.com/assets/movies/whatisthecloud.flv”
width=”640″
height=”360″
description=””
player=”4″
autoload=”true” autoplay=”true”
loop=”false” autorewind=”false”
clickurl=”http://www.thrivenetworks.com/it-services/hosted-cloud-services.html”
clicktarget=”_blank”
splashimage=”http://www.thrivenetworks.com/assets/movies/video-grab/what-is-the-cloud_640_380.jpg”
/]
(more…)
There are many advantages to storing your data in the cloud. This is the primary reason that cloud storage has increased in popularity during recent years. Many businesses are realizing the benefits of cloud storage in terms of cost savings, convenience, and accessibility.
Like anything else, when it comes to protecting important data there are things you should consider (more…)