It is important that businesses ask the right questions to service providers when looking to move to the cloud. Here are 10 key areas you should consider before choosing a cloud service provider.

1. Location: Where will your

data be stored?

You need to be aware that different countries have different rules about what constitutes private information.

Cayman or another location? A key consideration is whether you cloud in Cayman. A major issue is the fact we live in a highly active hurricane and quake zone. This would suggest that you would need to seriously consider hosting in an off-shore location that is not prone to hurricanes or earthquakes (such as Curacao).

2. Network: What network

is used?

How reliable is the network?

3. Integration: How easy will it be to migrate your information over to the service?

How easy it will be to retrieve your data?

4. Support: What level of support will be provided?

What is the customer service structure?

Will you have 24/7 access to technical support?

What are the response times?

5. Scalability: Can the service grow with your business?

This is also a factor should your business downsize.

6. Business continuity: Does the provider have a plan in place?

The provider should have multiple data centers to prevent any loss of data should anything happen to a center.

7. Costs: How are the costs calculated and how does this compare to your current costs?

For example, is it per user?

What are the charges and fees?

8. Communication: How will the provider communicate with you?

Will you have a dedicated account manager?

Will I be kept up to date with any changes in your service?

How are charges and other costs communicated to you?

Will I be informed of any service issues?

9. Compliance: Does the service meet your compliance requirements?

10. Auditing: Does the

provider carry out

internal audits?

Will this information be made available to you?