Key Decision Points for Choosing the Right Cloud Platform

I have a reputation for taking five years to pick the perfect nightstand. And don’t even think about asking me to choose paint colors, it’ll be grey every time, because any attempt at boldness has ended in absolute disaster. Luckily for you, my indecision stops at home décor. When it comes to software and tech solutions, I’m a decisive ninja. In fact, one of my favorite pastimes is crafting decision matrices. That’s exactly what brings us here: a newly designed series to help you choose the perfect cloud platform for any scenario, every time.

Choosing the right cloud platform is crucial as no business can adequately scale without first laying foundations on an intelligent cloud architecture.

Like building a home, if you set a cracked foundation on mud, you may be able to put up walls however they won’t last very long. Good cloud architecture is what allows you to build a strong, steady, reliant and scalable business. And it all begins with choosing the right cloud platform.

This article is the first of series orchestrated to walk you through my method of selecting the right cloud platform every time, affectionately titled The Cloud Blueprint. Leaving behind unnecessary technical jargon and gatekeeping tech is so well known for, this series will tell it like it is. The Cloud Blueprint is a step-by-step that will lead you to choosing the perfect platform: Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud.

The Cloud Blueprint

If I could, I would compress this entire strategy into one article, however it would be cruel to try and jam so much in your brain in one sit down, so I’ve attempted to break this up in pleasant snack sizes. To do so I've organized the blueprint into five simple steps. The next article series will walk you through each step, one by one, to your final solution. Here is a quick overview of the five steps:

1. Evaluate Key Factors
   Start by identifying the critical decision points that matter most, like integration, pricing, security, scalability, and support options. Our next article will describe in greater detail for you.

2. Assign Weight Values to Priorities
   We will then use a ranking method to assign weights to our key factors based on individual circumstances.

3. Score the Platforms
   Using our weighted key factors, we will rely on Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis or Weighted Scoring Modeling to analyze the fit of Azure, AWS, AND Google Cloud, in terms of total score comparison.

4. Consider Real-World Scenarios
   We will then review real-life scenarios so you can conduct a scenario review of your results to ensure it is a good fit in each particular instance based on human intelligence.

5. Make an Informed Decision
   Finally, we’ll tie everything together, with a clear and logical basis for your cloud platform choice.

Is there something sexier than data driven decisions paired with human intelligence? I don’t think so.

English Please: The Cloud Blueprint in Action

To put this process into image, let’s review a simple case-scenario where it’s been applied to a fictive company called EcoFlow.

Step 1: Evaluate Key Factors

EcoFlow’s leadership team starts by identifying their business needs and the key criteria for evaluating cloud platforms:

1. Integration with Existing Tools: EcoFlow uses Microsoft 365 and Dynamics for internal operations, so seamless integration is critical.
2. Pricing: With a tight budget, they need cost-efficient solutions for storage, data processing, and scalability.
3. Security and Compliance: As they handle sensitive customer data, compliance with GDPR is non-negotiable.
4. Scalability: The company plans to expand globally, requiring a platform that can scale quickly.
5. AI/ML Capabilities: They aim to leverage AI for predictive maintenance of renewable energy equipment.
6. Support Options: With limited IT staff, they need strong technical support for deployment and troubleshooting.

Step 2: Assign Weight Values to Priorities

The team ranks their priorities and assigns weights to reflect their importance:

• Integration with Existing Tools: 25%
• Pricing: 20%
• Security and Compliance: 20%
• Scalability: 15%
• AI/ML Capabilities: 10%
• Support Options: 10%

Step 3: Score the Platforms

EcoFlow evaluates Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud against each criterion based on research, demos, and consultations with sales teams. Here’s their scoring:

Step 4: Consider Real-World Scenarios

Based on the scoring, EcoFlow determines that Azure is the best fit. Here’s how it aligns with their needs:

• Integration: Azure’s native compatibility with Microsoft 365 and Dynamics ensures smooth workflows.
• Pricing: Although not the cheapest, Azure offers hybrid cloud discounts, reducing costs for their specific use case.
• Compliance: Azure has strong GDPR compliance and advanced security tools.
• Scalability: Azure provides robust global infrastructure and tools to support their planned expansion.
• AI/ML: Azure’s Cognitive Services are sufficient for their predictive maintenance needs.
• Support: Enterprise-grade support is available to supplement their lean IT team.

Step 5: Make an Informed Decision

EcoFlow’s leadership finalizes Azure as their cloud provider. They document their decision process, including:

• Criteria weightings and scores.
• Justification for Azure based on business goals.
• Future-proofing considerations, such as Azure’s roadmap for AI and global presence.

If you’ve ever stood in a grocery aisle debating between twenty brands of coffee, you’ll understand the need for a methodical approach to decision-making. But unlike coffee, where a bad choice just ruins your morning, picking the wrong cloud platform could derail your business for years. No pressure, right?

The good news is that by following the Cloud Blueprint outlined here, you can replace guesswork with clarity. Each step is designed to guide you with precision and confidence, transforming a chaotic decision into a strategic one.

In the next article, we’ll take a closer look at key evaluation factors—not just what they are, but how to analyze them in depth. Get ready to decode the cloud, one step at a time.

Because at the end of the day, making smart, data-driven decisions aren’t just practical—it’s empowering. See you for Step 2!

Click here for Step 2