Cloud Compliance and Why You Need IT Services in Los Angeles

What Is Cloud Compliance?

IT services Los Angeles

IT services providers in Los Angeles often deal with clients who have sensitive information of the “private” variety which comes with legal compliance requirements.

There are general breach notification laws which differ per state, and some legal requirements–like those of HIPAA–which are specific to certain industries, or national. Cloud computing initiates a new “wrinkle” in the compliance sphere.

Cloud Providers Differ in Data Management

Just because you’re working with a top-tier cloud company doesn’t mean they’re able to match the unique requirements of your business in terms of legality or security. Key areas IT support experts in LA commonly advise you to focus on include:

  • Storage and Backup
  • Data Transfer and Access
  • Data Retrieval

Each of these areas necessitates cloud compliance preparedness actions. Generally, internal IT techs will implement necessary compliance, sometimes additional internal departments may become involved.
Additionally, oftentimes internal tech departments just don’t have the same resources as outsourced tech management solutions. There are decision-making considerations which require attention, audits, generalized monitoring, security, protection of data, legal issues, risk management, and governance to factor in. This can get complicated quickly.

Taking Multiple Factors Into Account

IT services providers in Los Angeles can advise your business pertaining to what cloud compliance idiosyncrasies exist between different providers. They’re not all the same. Certain cloud options utilize a grid-based approach, while others use lists.

Some providers categorize data, others use different organizational methods. The Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud incorporates lists, Google and Microsoft are more interested in grid-based approaches.
If you don’t review everything very carefully, details like this can put you at risk of compromising Personal Information (PI) for which you’re legally liable. IT experts advise you must avoid assumptions, and seek consultation to cover all your bases.

Facilitating Comprehensive Compliance, Even Including Cloud Options

At Advanced Networks, our IT services team in Los Angeles can help you facilitate compliance in the midst of multiple legal requirements for differing businesses and localities. Additionally, we can help you understand the idiosyncrasies differentiating various cloud providers. As cloud computing becomes more integral to professional IT utility, associated management becomes more integral. Contact us for more information on cloud compliance, and your best tactics for secure operations in this area.

IT Support in LA: Why SMBs Should Move to the Cloud

Cloud Migration StrategyIf you work for or own a small to medium-sized business and have not yet taken advantage of the cloud, it is time to consider the merits of this breakthrough technology. Some say the cloud levels the playing field, empowering small business to take on the big boys even with minimal assets and manpower at their disposal. Yet, there are few businesses that have not made the leap to the cloud. Here are the considerations of IT support experts in LA why transitioning to the cloud is well worth it:

The Cloud Decreases Downtime

Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed in a recent Vanson Bourne study stated there were fewer periods of downtime following the transition to the cloud. Those who made the leap and still had downtime reported these periods to be shorter than prior to moving to the cloud. They also reported full recovery could be achieved faster on the cloud than off. Over 90 percent stated they were confident in their ability to bounce back following an outage. Nearly three-quarters responded they felt data integrity in the cloud was more robust than off the cloud. This is intriguing as data integrity has traditionally been the top worry when it comes to relying on the cloud.

The Cloud Cuts Costs

The Vanson Bourne survey also shows a higher return on investment. Improved cost-effectiveness are the top factors executives consider when pondering a shift to the cloud. Over 60 percent of respondents stated adopting cloud computing made money available for reinvestment in operations like product development, advertising, customer outreach programs and so on.

Enhanced Security and Privacy

The cloud provides solid anti-virus protection, spam management services and updated systems. In fact, over 90 percent of those surveyed who adopted cloud services reported they are more secure after transitioning the cloud than prior. If you are hesitant to move to the cloud due to security or privacy concerns, let an IT support provider in LA answer your questions and address your concerns. An IT support provider can educate you about the cloud, explain its security features and can make you transition to the cloud without any concern regarding data integrity or improper access.

“The Cloud is Green”

This one might be hard to believe, yet it is true. Segue to the cloud and your organization will prove that much more environmentally-friendly. A recent study shows offices that moving to the cloud used upwards of 90 percent less energy after moving to the cloud. Make the shift to the cloud at a pace that is comfortable for your business, and it will not be long until you can tout the fact that your company is “green”. Operating in an environmentally-friendly manner just might make a difference in terms of attracting new clients and business partners. Furthermore, it will make you feel good and it is the right thing to do.

Are you in need of IT support in LA? If so, Advanced Networks can help. We provide IT services, digital security, network design, backup and disaster recovery and many more. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Advantages of Cloud Solutions in Los Angeles in Terms of Security

IT consulting in Los AngelesA New Tech Environment

Cloud solutions in Los Angeles can do a lot for your business. If you haven’t looked into these, it is definitely time to do so. In terms of security, it’s interesting to note that cloud computing solutions might actually provide better security than traditional in-house server solutions. Notable advantages recognized by professionals in the tech community include:

  • Diminished issues with IT
  • Expanded security
  • Teamwork improvements
  • Expanded agility
  • Continuous disaster preparedness

Diminished Issues With IT

There are a lot of stressful things which go hand-in-hand with IT management. An internal team won’t be able to do much in a “forward moving” sense. An outsourced team can take all the stressful maintenance difficulties away from any internal techs. This allows the focus on moving your operations forward, rather than keeping them in stasis.

Expanded Security

Cloud solutions in Los Angeles can comprehensively secure a business via the cloud. There’s better expertise in cloud computing and you can fortify key elements of your operational infrastructure through such informed professional teams that put that expertise to good use.

Teamwork Improvements

Tools for collaboration of the most cutting-edge kind are available through the cloud. It’s a lot easier to get things done individually and as a team if you’ve got the right tools for the job. Certainly, you can use a screwdriver’s blunt end like a hammer but it’s just not going to be as effective. In the same way, you can use an internal network to host a remotely accessible BYOD-solution. Although, it’s not going to do the job as well as cloud computing tech will. With a cloud solution, even remote team members can be integrally useful in varying projects.

Expanded Agility

A physical technology solution limits you in the trans-locational Internet of Things (IoT) modern atmosphere. With the cloud, worldwide continuous accessibility and scalability are immediately at hand, whenever you need such flexibility. Flexibility and agility go hand in hand.

Continuous Disaster Preparedness

Disasters happen. If you deal with such a thing at your business’s physical location, the costs and the collateral fallout could seriously damage your business. You may even find that you’re unable to continue profitably forward after an egregious enough technology kerfuffle. Do not deceive yourself, kerfuffle will come. Technology of the computational variety becomes obsolete at three to five-year intervals, dependent on your position in the industry.

Just upgrading is going to put your business in a position where you’re apt to make easy mistakes. You should always have a fallback plan, a safety net, a parachute, a contingency solution. With cloud computing in Los Angeles, if something you or an employee does incidentally erases everything; BDR (Backup and Disaster Recovery) can restore everything up to the moment of loss. Backup is simplified, and restoration is less complicated to implement.

Cloud Conversion

Cloud solutions in Los Angeles through Advanced Networks can cost-effectively upgrade your business’s operations while helping you maintain operational integrity even in the face of substantial disasters. We offer BDR solutions, teamwork tools, network hosting solutions, storage, and continuous backup for emergency preparedness at all times. Contact us to learn more.

Maximizing Cloud Security Using IT Support in LA

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Does your IT support in LA provide cloud security?

Have you explored the possibility of integrating your existing IT infrastructure with cloud services in the Los Angeles area? These questions are important to ask to keep up with modern technology. While some businesses are still hesitant to have anything to do with the cloud, many now see the cost and security advantages. Here are some reasons to consider protecting your business with cloud computing security.

Control of Your Data

If you do elect to use the cloud with your IT support in LA, make sure your team knows where your data lives to keep it secure. The cloud is a complex network of many servers, but as long as you know where your data is stored, you’ll have more control over it. Learn the differences between public and private clouds. It’s easier for data to get lost in a public cloud, while private clouds are mandated by the government for certain organizations, such as hospitals and insurance companies.

Regular Data Backup

Cloud computing provides easier methods for data backup, whereas traditional infrastructure is not always up-to-date on the best ways to store and access data. Modern data centers use multiple backup servers and make redundancy a priority so that you can easily restore your system quickly without downtime should a power outage or a cyber attack occur. It’s important to keep current copies of your data and applications at all times.

Secure and Reliable Data Centers

The best data centers make cloud security a top priority. Find out if your cloud services in Los Angeles works with companies that must meet HIPAA and PCI requirements. If so, it means they likely provide sophisticated security that encompasses intrusion detection tools and 24/7 monitoring. Ask the data center for references so that you can research clients and get their opinions about the quality of services. The more financial clients the data center serves, the more likely they take proactive measures to provide maximum security.

Rigorous Testing

Many businesses put themselves in jeopardy by forgetting or avoiding to regularly test hardware and software. The cloud saves you from worrying about hardware maintenance and can open the door to a wider range of software possibilities. While there is no guarantee that the cloud will be the answer to all your business needs, it makes life easier on many levels, especially when it comes to security and maintenance.

Your IT support will still need to conduct plenty of testing to be confident your data and applications are well-protected in the cloud. They must constantly run tests to make sure the most sensitive data is difficult to breach because of antivirus, firewalls and other modern security layers they’ve set-up. Some of the strategies that help evaluate the safety of your digital assets include routine vulnerability scanning and backup and recovery testing.

The cloud continues to rise in popularity, so find out what your IT support in LA knows about it. Be aware of why private clouds are much safer than public clouds. If you need to improve your business with cloud computing, contact us at Advanced Networks. We help organizations by providing a wide spectrum of IT services, including custom solutions, so that your business runs as smoothly as possible.

Your Server Options: Finding the Right IT Support in LA

IT support LA, cloud solutions Los AngelesIt is challenging to find the right kind of servers for your business, but the right IT support provider in LA can help you find the best solution. Webhosting, online cloud-based solutions, and in-house servers provide their own unique pros and cons. A qualified IT support company helps you navigate through the confusing technology that is available to your company today.

Traditional Hosting and Data Storage

For many businesses, in-house server and data storage has been the norm. Applications, development, and data are all kept on servers within your businesses premises. This arrangement gives your department complete control over security, applications, and access. However, it is very rigid and your business is responsible for all updates, capital costs, and operational costs. With the nature of IT, the capital costs to upgrade hardware or software are unpredictable, which causes significant risk to your company. Your own in-house IT staff is also going to be heavily worked when there are failures or outages.

Taking It to the Cloud

Today’s companies are trying to remove some of the risks associated with in-house server solutions. The alternative is cloud solutions in Los Angeles. A significant amount of IT companies offer cloud-based services that reduce some of the risks and costs associated with onsite servers. Dropbox, Quickbooks, and Amazon all offer corporate cloud services that can enhance your businesses computing and data storage abilities. Your business enjoys the always up to date software and hardware while taking little risks. Monthly costs are predictable, and your employees have access to 24/7 support for many of these services. Companies that deal with remote workers also enjoy the flexible access available through cloud services.

Drawbacks to the Cloud

In theory, the cloud is the perfect solution for almost all of your IT support needs in LA. In practice, however, there are some issues. Primarily, cloud servers are very limiting in development and software. Your business is restricted to the applications that the cloud service provider gives you. For some companies, more control is needed.

The cloud is also very dependent on your Internet speed. All of the data that your staff tries to access must come over from an offsite server. This can take up a great deal of time, especially if your company looks at large data sets for analytical purposes.

Hybrid Solutions

As it becomes more apparent that cloud-based services are lacking, hybrid solutions are being developed. In these server solutions, part of your business’ servers is dealt with on a cloud service. However, your company still has control over applications and security on aspects stored in-house. This helps you scale your services as required while keeping important parts of your IT architecture in-house.

Technology continues to change and evolve. The solutions of yesterday are quickly adapting to meet the needs of businesses all over the world. IT support in LA is ever moving and your business must make the most of today’s advancements. At Advanced Networks, we provide many of the server and data solutions that your company needs. To learn more, contact us today.