Choosing a Cloud Provider

In this episode of the Clearly Podcast, the hosts discuss how to choose a cloud provider. They emphasize starting with the big three providers: Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform, as these offer comprehensive services, long-term stability, and a large pool of skilled professionals. It's generally unrealistic to consider other niche platforms unless you have very specific needs tied to a particular vendor's products.

When evaluating cloud providers, consider what you're trying to achieve and the specific services offered by each platform. It's essential to evaluate all options objectively and avoid defaulting to a familiar vendor without proper assessment. Consultants can help organizations maintain a neutral stance and make informed decisions based on current needs, costs, and skill sets.

The hosts also address the issue of personal biases in technology decisions and stress the importance of making choices based on solid evidence rather than emotions. They note that switching cloud providers, while challenging, is not impossible and can be managed more efficiently with lessons learned from initial implementations.

Negotiation with cloud vendors is possible, especially for larger enterprises, and it's beneficial to work with partners to secure the best deals. Finally, they advise leaving biases at the door and making decisions that are well-justified and based on thorough evaluation.

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Transcript

Andy: Welcome to the Clearly Podcast. My name's Andy Clark.

Shailan: I'm Shailan Chudasama.

Tom: And I'm Tom Gough.

Andy: This is Episode 2 of the podcast. How are we doing? It's quite warm in England or Wales right now.

Tom: Yes, it's much lighter with springtime now.

Andy: A lovely thing, and today's subject is how to choose your cloud provider. We'll try to provide an unbiased and objective process for choosing your cloud provider, especially focusing on data but covering apps and platforms too. Tom, are we focusing more on data and cloud providers for data?

Tom: Yes, but generally, the cloud platform you choose for one area is likely to tie you into that platform for other areas, making it hard to use multiple providers without an integration nightmare.

Andy: OK, let's think about someone currently on-prem looking to go cloud or switch providers. Where do you start?

Tom: Your starting point will likely be the big three: Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform. These providers offer the most complete set of services, ensuring long-term stability and a pool of skilled professionals. Only consider others if you have niche needs tied to a specific vendor's products.

Andy: So, start with a shortlist of three. Shailan, what's next?

Shailan: Look at what you're trying to achieve. Evaluate the services within the big three based on your needs. For example, if you have a large on-prem SQL estate or if you're focused on AI and BI, evaluate the services accordingly. Even if you use Office 365, don't default to Microsoft; evaluate all options based on your specific needs.

Andy: Tom, are there any real contenders outside those three?

Tom: Not really. Outside of the big three, you're dealing with niche platforms. Unless you're tied into a specific ecosystem, it's unrealistic to consider others. You might need Oracle if you're deeply integrated with their products, but otherwise, the big three cover most needs.

Andy: As technologists, we can be biased toward certain vendors. Shailan, how do you stop this bias?

Shailan: It's difficult due to past experiences, but as consultants, we aim to help clients be neutral and evaluate each platform objectively. List out the options and their costs, considering the current skill set of your team and the estimated effort for each option.

Tom: Sometimes, people exclude providers due to personal biases, but it's crucial to ensure the big three are always considered. Justify your choices based on solid evidence, not personal preferences.

Andy: Good point. Tom, you mentioned a shortlist of three. Are there any bad decisions among them?

Tom: Not really. As long as you don't ignore specific needs that drive you to a particular vendor, it's hard to make a bad decision among the big three. Focus on key needs and costs.

Andy: Shailan, if a decision goes wrong, how bad is switching?

Shailan: It depends on the extent of your current setup. If you have a lot of rework, it can be challenging but not impossible. Learn from the initial implementation to make the switch faster and more efficient.

Andy: Given the market of three, how much can you negotiate with these vendors?

Shailan: Negotiation is possible, especially for larger enterprises. Use available offers and work with partners to get the best deal. Always try to negotiate for better prices, terms, and functionalities.

Andy: Great points. Any last words on choosing a cloud provider?

Tom: Leave your biases at the door and justify your decisions with solid evidence.

Andy: Good advice. We'll be back next week with another topic, possibly about data, AI, or business applications. Until then, goodbye.

Tom: Cheers, Andy.

Shailan: Bye, Andy.