What are the most common mistakes to avoid when comparing cloud vendors?

1 Not defining your requirements

Before you start comparing cloud vendors, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with the cloud. What are your business goals, technical specifications, and budget constraints? What are the features and services that you need, and what are the ones that you can compromise on? Not defining your requirements can result in choosing a cloud vendor that does not meet your expectations, or overpaying for unnecessary features.

2 Not comparing apples to apples

Different cloud vendors may offer different pricing models, service levels, and performance metrics. You need to compare them on a fair and consistent basis, taking into account the total cost of ownership, the quality of service, and the value proposition. Not comparing apples to apples can result in overlooking hidden costs, underestimating risks, or overestimating benefits.

3 Not testing the cloud vendor

Before you commit to a cloud vendor, you need to test their services and performance. You can use free trials, demos, or sandbox environments to evaluate how the cloud vendor meets your requirements, how they handle issues and support, and how they integrate with your existing systems and tools. Not testing the cloud vendor can result in unpleasant surprises, compatibility problems, or performance bottlenecks.

4 Not considering the future

The cloud is a dynamic and evolving environment. You need to consider how your needs and the cloud vendor's offerings may change over time. You need to look for a cloud vendor that can scale with your growth, adapt to your changing demands, and innovate with new technologies and features. Not considering the future can result in being locked in with a cloud vendor that cannot keep up with your needs, or missing out on new opportunities and advantages.

5 Not reviewing the contract

The contract is the legal document that defines the terms and conditions of your relationship with the cloud vendor. You need to review it carefully and understand what it covers and what it does not. You need to look for clauses that may affect your rights, obligations, liabilities, and exit options. Not reviewing the contract can result in being bound by unfavorable terms, facing unexpected fees or penalties, or having limited recourse in case of disputes or problems.

6 Not getting feedback

The cloud is not a one-person decision. You need to get feedback from your stakeholders, such as your team members, managers, customers, and partners. You need to understand their needs, expectations, and concerns, and how they will use and benefit from the cloud. You also need to get feedback from other users, such as reviews, testimonials, or references, who can share their experiences and insights with the cloud vendor. Not getting feedback can result in choosing a cloud vendor that does not suit your organization, culture, or goals, or facing resistance or dissatisfaction from your stakeholders.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?