As businesses move more IT assets to the cloud, managed service providers (MSPs)\u00a0must work with clients to ensure a smooth transition. Businesses have to make adjustments when they adopt cloud models that require some serious planning. Without an MSP\u2019s help, they could end up overlooking some critical details.<\/p>\n
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An area that businesses often treat as an afterthought in cloud deployments is bandwidth and connectivity. Accessing applications and systems in the cloud typically boosts bandwidth demand\u2014something businesses don\u2019t always prepare for. When that happens, the results are predictable: Cloud-based resources don\u2019t perform as well as they should, and business executives start questioning their value.<\/p>\n
And if executives question the value of cloud deployments, they will be less inclined to make investments in the Internet of Things (IoT) or digital transformation projects. This could put them at a disadvantage against competitors who make those investments to modernize their operations.<\/p>\n
Proper planning can prevent this outcome. Here are three (of many) best practices to ensure broadband requirements aren\u2019t overlooked:<\/p>\n
Video, streaming media, and big data have greatly strained networks in recent years. Moving critical applications to the cloud can add to that burden, so before a client makes such a move, you\u2019ll need to assess the impact it will have on bandwidth demands and repeat the process for each cloud application.<\/p>\n
Then advise clients on how much they need to invest in bandwidth so that each application performs as it should. In some cases, it may simply come down to a boost in internet service, but in others, it could mean provisioning a new Ethernet or fiber connection to handle the added demand.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s always a good idea to do a test run when implementing technology that changes how a business handles certain functions. It\u2019s no different when a business moves a critical application to the cloud, or turns on a new one in the cloud. Either way, a controlled pilot can tell you a lot about how that application will perform and how much bandwidth it requires.<\/p>\n
While vendors typically provide bandwidth guidelines, a business won\u2019t know exactly how an application will perform until it sees it in action. It isn\u2019t uncommon for an early estimate to be off, so a test can tell you if adjustments are necessary.<\/p>\n
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Bandwidth requirements have changed substantially with the advent of social media, big data, and streaming. As IoT connections grow, we are sure to see another massive increase in demand. Thankfully, bandwidth is more elastic now, so your clients can make adjustments as needed.<\/p>\n
Still, some capacity planning is in order, as is a review of a current infrastructure\u2019s ability to handle future demands. Even with more technologies moving to the cloud, investments in Wi-Fi, the network backbone\u2014or both\u2014might be necessary.<\/p>\n
Bandwidth planning is critical to a successful cloud migration. Don\u2019t let your clients make the mistake of treating it as an afterthought.<\/p>\n
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Pedro Pereira is a Massachusetts-based writer who has covered the IT channel for two decades. Recognized as one of the first journalists to cover managed services, Pedro continues to track, analyze, and report on the IT channel and the growing MSP partner community.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Bandwidth is one area that is overlooked by businesses moving to the cloud. Pedro Pereira offers three best practices to help with proper planning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6378","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","topic-cloud-computing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n