Checklist for choosing a cloud hosting provider

The right IT infrastructure can be decisive in a highly competitive market: Only if it can be expanded and extended quickly in the face of high customer demand, functions stably and supports innovations, will the company remain competitive in the medium and long term. The SME portal of the Swiss Confederation describes the IT infrastructure as an "important tool for streamlining complex business procedures and processes". It also requires detailed planning to avoid "exploding costs". IaaS providers, also known as cloud hosting providers, help companies build and expand their IT environment. Here you can find out which points you should consider when choosing a cloud hosting provider.

Scalability of the Cloud Hosting Provider

In recent years, scalability has become a buzzword not only in the start-up scene. Only if the business model and IT infrastructure are scalable can new customers be acquired on an ongoing basis and the position on the market improved. The predefined IT infrastructure packages of hyperscalers such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services rarely meet all the requirements of growing SMEs, start-ups and SaaS providers and usually cannot be adapted. Local cloud hosting providers like us, on the other hand, elicit the individual needs of their customers in a personal conversation. How much computing power is actually needed on a day-to-day basis? Are there peak loads? Are there plans to expand the portfolio and the team in the foreseeable future and to expand the IT infrastructure accordingly? These questions need to be answered when creating an IT concept.

Flexibility of the Cloud Hosting Provider

Many digital natives stated in surveys years before the outbreak of the pandemic that flexible working hours and the possibility of remote work were not an insignificant aspect when choosing an employer. Self-determination is an important asset, especially in Western cultures. For many employees, it is motivating to be allowed to work in a self-determined environment - and in some cases with self-chosen working and break times. Flexibility in working hours and location requires a flexible and stable IT infrastructure. It must be possible to access applications at any time, from anywhere in the world and with multiple end devices.

Market understanding for Switzerland

Cloud hosting providers who are familiar with the Swiss market and its peculiarities and speak the language of their customers support companies in setting up or expanding a stable and reliably functioning IT infrastructure that is geared to the company's individual needs. "It is important to us that we understand the initial situation precisely and can develop suitable solutions in consultation with the customer. In the further course of the collaboration, we strive to keep the customer's back as far as possible and offer regular updates as well as support for any expansions," explains Xelon CEO Michael Dudli.

Behaviour in case of problems

An important factor when choosing an IaaS provider is how to deal with problems. What are the average response times? Is there the possibility of personal support on site? What is the emergency concept? Do you feel taken seriously and understood? With a local provider the customers are not just a number. If a problem occurs, the personal contact person at the external partner can react quickly and offer support. For example, anyone who obtains Professional Services from us receives on-site support, which ranges from a situation analysis and the taking of additional security measures to the creation of an IT emergency plan in the event of a disaster.

Data protection standards for cloud hosting providers

According to the Swiss Data Protection and Information Commissioner, data protection should ensure that proportionality is observed in all cases. This means that only as much personal data as necessary and as little personal data as possible are collected and processed. Companies must therefore guarantee the security of all stored personal data. Both employee and customer data must be protected in the best possible way. If this data is compromised, either accidentally or intentionally, and if it transpires after the cyber attack or data leakage that the company concerned had not taken appropriate security measures, fines and sanctions may be imposed. Local providers comply with Swiss data protection laws and can therefore guarantee the highest data security standards. Our infrastructure is located in ISO-certified data centers in the cantons of Aargau and Zurich. All customer data is subject to Swiss data protection laws and we can therefore guarantee the highest data protection standards.

Cyber-Security, Disaster Recovery and Backup Szernario

Cyber attacks, data theft, or unauthorized network access can cost millions of dollars, lead to lawsuits and irreparable damage to your reputation. When working with an IT infrastructure provider, the external partner usually takes care of the security of the IT environment. With a cloud-based infrastructure located in Swiss data centers, you no longer have to worry about cyber security and protection against hacker attacks. In addition to integrated security programs, cloud service providers' packages often include automatic recording, continuous operation ("business continuity") and emergency planning. The external partner also assumes responsibility for software and hardware and carries out regular patching of the systems, minimizing security risks and ensuring the best possible functioning of the systems.

We help you to build up a tailor-made IT infrastructure

We support companies of all sizes in designing the appropriate IT infrastructure. When providing the IT environment, factors such as company size, working methods, mission, industry, the scope of the online project and portfolio must be taken into account. While stability, reliability and security of the IT infrastructure are usually must-have criteria, the expectations regarding scalability, flexibility and price-performance ratio often differ massively. We would be happy to help you build a tailor-made IT infrastructure.