The world of the internet has descended upon the business sector with all its benefits and its frustrations. As the demand for businesses to establish a strong web presence continues to rise, web-based solutions for businesses are also at an abundance.
At the pinnacle of the priority list for business websites is the capacity to provide an enjoyable and functional customer experience, meaning that performance issues can create a number of challenges for any business.
Cloud computing has made a significant impact on the manner in which business conduct their online interactions, but one of the primary complaints surrounding cloud-based services is performance. However, there are a number of ways in which businesses can effectively mitigate performance issues commonly associated with the cloud.
Loss of Control of Performance and Functionality
One of the primary reasons why businesses have been slow to migrate from local servers to the cloud is the fear that they will lose control over the performance of their site.
While working with third-party cloud-based service providers exposes a business to the weaknesses associated with specific services, this does not necessarily mean that the business will have to sacrifice complete control over performance and functionality.
First of all, businesses should take advantage of cloud-based tools that are available to help maximize performance, including monitoring tools like APM, RUM and Network Monitoring.
Monitor those Elements that cannot be Directly Control
Even when it comes to certain cloud-based solutions that limit the ability of a business to maintain direct control, it does not leave the business completely helpless. When it comes to those solutions that call for the business to sacrifice control, it is imperative that the business invest in tools that allow them to effectively monitor the performance of those specific elements.
Through consistent monitoring of these components, businesses will remain abreast of when there are performance issues on their site, and they will be able to work directly with their service provider to quickly rectify the issue. When using cloud-based solutions such as IBM AS400, which provides a number of powerful benefits, including cost efficiency and reduced power requirements, business will have access to analytic tools that will allow to remain aware of the current status of their site, ensuring that they will be able to identify any performance problems that might arise.
Be Proactive in managing those Components that Remain under the Company’s Control
One way that businesses can help improve the performance of their sites, even after switching to the cloud, is to streamline the customer experience on their end. The idea here is to make sure that the customer does not have to jump through a dozen hoops in order to complete a transaction or purchase. The customer should be required to move through as few steps as possible to complete their search, purchase or any other endeavor that is possible on the site.
While moving to the cloud can create some performance issues, the truth is that the vast majority of the issues that many companies are concerned about can be mitigated or eradicated completely through simply being vigilant and proactively involved in the processes associated with the site.
Lela Watkins has an e-commerce website. She likes to write about her experiences to share with others online. Look for her articles on many e-commerce websites.
