As discussed in my previous post, cloud computing can offer great benefits for title agencies. Still, choosing the right vendor can be overwhelming. A little research and preparation up front can help make the transition to the cloud smooth and manageable.
- How long has the company been around? Make sure you are well versed on the company’s history and track record.
- Where will my server actually be? It’s good to know where your server resides in case of any emergencies or natural disasters; ask service providers to review this information with you. Knowing what time zone is also helpful when it comes to customer service.
- Is this company a market leader? Most companies fall into Tier 1 or Tier 2. Tier 1 data centers have the highest security and are worldwide, while Tier 2 has slightly lower security and are only available nationwide. This should be taken into account when you choose a service provider.
- What does the service level agreement (SLA) look like? The SLA should specify responsibility for data security. Pay attention to any uptime statistics, their disaster recovery plan and how they handle outages. It is important to be able to trust them and know they have a plan they can put in place in the event of an emergency. Finally, make sure that you plan an exit route; you may need to switch providers in the future.
In addition to asking these questions, make sure you have a list of your needs and that the vendor you choose can satisfy those needs. Making the switch to cloud computing can be daunting, but the benefits will enable you to run your business more efficiently.
