One of the most important conversations in board rooms and offices around the country is the decision to migrate IT services to the cloud. Cloud computing is becoming increasingly common in business environments, but there are a few very important elements every business needs to be aware of as it considers migration to the cloud. What are these elements? How should they be handled? And perhaps most importantly, what impact can they have on your business if ignored?

Bandwidth is one of these important elements that need to be considered because it can significantly affect the user experience once cloud computing is implemented. Considering this piece of the cloud puzzle and keeping it in mind as you move forward will make your migration easier and experience better.

Bandwidth Issues

The biggest bandwidth challenge in relation to the cloud is that companies tend to overlook or forget to consider it. Your bandwidth may support your current operations, but you should consider whether or not it can support operations when you are on the cloud. Cloud computing will change how your business operates, in some fashions, requiring you to rely on the internet and connectivity more than you have in the past.

One example is Facetime or Skype calling. How many times have you tried to connect with co-workers, partners, clients or vendors via these mediums and experienced interruptions, such as broken audio or delayed video? Or maybe you need to access a large file to finish up some details, but your computer is telling you it is going to take 2 hours to download.

The problem isn’t your device, it’s your bandwidth. These interruptions can significantly affect your productivity, your communication and overall company efficiencies. This is why bandwidth is an important consideration.

Bandwidth Usage

Before making the decision to migrate to the cloud, analyze how your current bandwidth (find out what your bandwidth is by talking to your phone services provider) is being used. How many users do you have and how are they using your bandwidth?

Once you have a good understanding of how your bandwidth is currently being used, take time to consider how cloud computing may change how bandwidth will be used within your organization. Identify the differences and determine your bandwidth requirements once you’ve implemented cloud computing.
Here are common ways businesses use bandwidth:

• Emailing
• File Transferring
• Web Browsing
• Processing Credit Cards/eCommerce
• Accessing Cloud Applications
• Voice Calling
• Video Conferencing
• Social Media

Dangers of Miscalculating

Miscalculating the bandwidth needed for cloud computing results in lost productivity and dissatisfaction among your customer base. An employee looking to log on remotely will experience stress and frustration at lost or slow connectivity. Extended file transfer time delays production and frustrates users. Delayed voice or video chats appear unprofessional and annoy both parties. Transactions that take less than an instant frustrate buyers. These are just a few examples of the irritations and frustrations caused by lack of bandwidth. Don’t let bandwidth issues impact your day-to-day operations.

Bandwidth issues are multi-faceted and, as a result, require thorough consideration to avoid problems. An IT management services provider experienced in Carrier Services can help your business analyze its possible bandwidth issues, determine which services are suitable for your cloud computing requirements and ensure that you avoid negative impacts on your business.

It is vital that your business takes the time to consider your bandwidth requirements before making the transition to the cloud. Without doing so, your migration could be problematic and your business operations interrupted. Request a consultation with a Carrier Services Specialist to discuss bandwidth requirements based on your specific business needs.