The very concept of moving software to and running your services from the ‘cloud’ can give an impression that there is a distance or remoteness about it. Perhaps this is also perpetuated by some global mass-market providers relying on high volume and simple generic features.

In many cases the situation is quite the reverse or should be with cloud providers now focussing more on the end-user and building long-lasting relationships. After all this is the measure of success for cloud companies to retain satisfied customers for a long period of time.

Redefining service as part of software delivery
Somehow the process of getting software out of a box, putting a disk into a drive and waiting for up to an hour while it installs while responding to various questions just seems so last century. Did we feel closer to the vendors that produced the software or did we even have contact with them except waiting on the phone to their help desk?

Does the cloud offer the chance of an altogether different experience and relationship with vendors even for SMEs and the end user? I believe it does or at least it should be an important aspect in deciding which vendor to work with. After all, in many cases for core business functions a trusted partner is a desirable outcome. Especially as it is a relationship that typically will last for years.

Addressing specific company needs – aligning objectives
As a business owner or key decision-maker you are looking for your particular needs to be addressed and for any particular vendor to take time to understand them. This is especially true where you are operating in a specialist field. Furthermore, it is invariably not only a question of what you need but how it can fit in with what you have. In other words with your existing IT systems or processes.

Here are a few steps to help you get a better understanding of your cloud provider.

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