Breaking down what's in your cloud SLA
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Ten commandments of understanding a cloud SLA
Thou shall not misinterpret a cloud SLA. Knowing how to weed through the details can enhance your understanding of the agreement. Read Now
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Don't be had; know your SLA terms up front
Watch out for scary SLA terms before you sign to avoid cloud service nightmares. A careful eye can be the difference between a good and bad SLA. Read Now
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Do your homework before you sign a cloud SLA
Cloud computing is risky, but doing your homework before signing a cloud SLA can keep you out of detention and get you the best terms possible. Read Now
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Pack the essentials for your trip with internal SLAs
Look for the bare necessities of an internal SLA to ensure the best quality of service and uptime. Read Now
Editor's note
A cloud SLA is not a document to gloss over. It is a binding contract between your chosen cloud provider and your company that outlines responsibilities on both sides. So before you grab your pen and give the service-level agreement (SLA) your John Hancock, learn how to sift through it, piece by piece.
Cloud SLAs contain details in several areas, including cloud governance, security specifications, compliance, and performance and uptime statistics. When shopping for the best cloud provider for your company, be sure to compare and contrast the specifications for each of these areas among your top options.
In the planning phase of a cloud migration, determine what the most important areas are for your company. Do you want to ensure your data stays in the United States? Do you need 99% uptime guarantees? Be sure they're all detailed in your cloud SLA.
The first step for understanding a cloud SLA is to get a feel for all of its pieces. This Essential Guide looks into three crucial areas and gives an overall picture of SLA analysis.
1Cloud governance, compliance major SLA concerns
In the wake of the Patriot Act and the more recent NSA scandal, companies, particularly highly regulated ones, are concerned about losing control of their mission-critical data. Cloud governance will be outlined in your SLA with a cloud provider, so make sure the specifications meet your needs. Some companies, such as AWS, will have data centers located outside of the United States and others may not meet the strict compliance regulations your industry requires. It's essential to read the fine print.
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Calming your cloud compliance concerns
If you are avoiding cloud services due to concerns about storing data in a public cloud, understanding cloud compliance can calm your nerves. Read Now
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Cure cloud compliance woes with compensating controls
Coming up with a good cloud compliance strategy is no picnic. Understanding cloud compliance complexities and these four compensating controls can help. Read Now
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What to ask to avoid a cloud data security disaster
Data security in the cloud can give anyone nightmares. For sleep's sake, here are ten questions to ask to ensure your data stays safe and secure. Read Now
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PCI DSS cloud guidelines may cause anxiety for computing adopters
If cloud security gives you anxiety, the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council report with PCI DSS cloud guidance may not be your Xanax. Read Now
2Don't be caught unaware with poor cloud performance
Cloud outages have made headlines in the last few years, even from the most famous cloud providers, such as Amazon. These outages can be costly for users and their customers, and they can kill a company's reputation. Though you can never truly completely protect yourself, put specifications in place that say who is responsible in case of disaster.
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Enduring cloud computing SLA failures and what follows
When a cloud computing SLA failure strikes, being prepared for the aftershocks can help limit the damage. Will your plan be enough if your SLA fails? Read Now
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Availability vs. performance highlights the cloud SLA saga
Understanding the difference between cloud computing SLA claims around availability and performance better prepares you for the risks that follow. Read Now
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Ensuring your storage SLA covers all the bases
Storage SLAs cover a lot and each agreement can vary. Ensuring your SLA meets your needs can avoid issues later. Does your SLA cover all the bases? Read Now