Cloud computing refers to an IT solution where different services, such as storage and applications, are deployed via the Internet. Services are typically consumed on an as-needed, pay-per-use basis and are maintained by the cloud provider.
Thanks to cloud computing, organisations can have access to powerful and flexible computing capabilities. Businesses can personalise their computing infrastructures to suit their specific needs and the requirements of their particular industry. This allows organisations to externalise all or part of their IT systems, applications and storage.
- Inspire trust
Cloud computing creates numerous market opportunities for organisations. It helps businesses to address their computing challenges by enabling them to do more with their IT budgets. However, choosing the right cloud computing service provider is critical.
One way for potential customers to assess providers is by looking at the certifications they hold. By choosing a certified provider, organisations can have the assurance they need to leap into the Cloud. It’s important for organisations to choose a provider whose certifications address the specific challenges of cloud computing.
Many organisations hesitate when considering cloud computing as an IT solution. Migrating to the cloud raises questions and concerns, particularly where secure, business-critical applications are at stake. When a company decides to purchase cloud services, it’s important that the cloud service can offer enough guarantees in areas such as reliability, security, and continuity.
One credential that may ease concerns is ISO 9001 certification. ISO 9001 is a recognised industry standard for the quality management of business procedures. It applies to all processes, offers product control solutions and better management regulation for any business. As such, it can be especially helpful to cloud providers and their customers.
- Ensure customer satisfaction
The growth of any business is dependent on customer satisfaction, which is driven by consistency and reliability of products or services. In short, if your customers trust in your ability to deliver a secure and reliable service, you’ll benefit from repeat business.
ISO 9001 accreditation offers proof of an organisation’s commitment to its customers, consequently inspiring trust in a business’ ability to deliver. It demonstrates an organisation’s willingness to find new ways of improving services.
In the case of cloud service providers, the most important service element is data management. Providers must be able to handle data and personal information in a specific manner when transmitting over public networks, storing on mobile devices and recovering or restoring important information. Customers will feel more assured in trusting a cloud service provider that can demonstrate third party validation of market-specific best practices. Compliance demonstrates that a company has a deep understanding of how to safely handle information and that it is dedicated to protecting its customers’ data.
- Increase market share
Similarly, certification sends out an important message to potential customers. An independent verification of your internal Quality Management Systems shows a commitment to quality, customer service and continuous improvement.
With ISO 9001 certification, your organisation can confidently compete for business. As an internationally recognised standard, accredited certification means organisations meet a high level of quality. Accreditation can give a business the edge over similar set-ups, enabling a provider to differentiate its brand from its many market rivals in the increasingly competitive Cloud.
- Address security issues
Cloud providers have the capacity to control vast quantities of their consumers’ personal information. Data breaches, however, are an unfortunate consequence of the Internet age. Yet, this isn’t necessarily because cloud service providers have weak security. Reputable providers focus on finding new ways to keep data safe and secure. In addition to their efforts, governing bodies like the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), also devise new standards and guidelines to help provide guidance on data protection. ISO 9001 accreditation can offer clients peace of mind that the security of their data is being taken seriously.
- Improve efficiency and effectiveness
While cost is often cited as a reason not to implement ISO 9001, once in place, certification is often credited with creating enhanced operational efficiency and subsequent cost savings. The standard stresses quality assurance and an important aspect of this, is security.
Accredited cloud providers ensure that threats to the business are assessed and managed on a continual basis. Identity and access management solutions are often put in place to help protect corporate applications, resources and data. From introducing multi-factor authentication to monitoring suspicious activity through advanced security reporting, potential security issues can be mitigated. In this way, the overall efficiency and effectiveness of company procedures undergo continual improvement.
