Many businesses are urgently reconsidering their communications and collaboration capabilities to keep pace with the needs of the new work environment. Do they stay with their traditional premises-based solution or migrate to the cloud to take advantage of new capabilities, new technologies, and hybrid working?
Let’s talk a bit about why the cloud is so attractive and the options available. First, migrating to the cloud may mean that you no longer need to buy and operate servers and software. You simply purchase the services you need and these are delivered through the cloud.
You can buy software as a service (SaaS) which delivers specific software application services.
Another option is infrastructure as a service (IaaS) from providers such as Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, or AWS. They provide data center services. These are public services where you share the cloud with other organizations.
For enterprises who need a dedicated environment and more control, the alternative is a private cloud. This is more costly and may require advanced expertise within the organization.
Evolution of the Private Cloud
But now there’s a new option for private cloud – managed private cloud services that combine the benefits of public and private cloud services. Mitel calls this new service MiCloud Flex, and it provides three separate communications capabilities:
- Traditional owned or controlled software in a data center – a secure, private solution accessible only by one business.
- Controlled software on cloud infrastructure – for businesses that want to keep control but with the capability to be more agile in deploying communications applications.
- Public software as a service – shared between different organizations with hosting, management, and security the responsibility of a hosting company.
MiCloud Flex vs the Others
So, what’s new about MiCloud Flex and how does it differ from existing cloud services?
Both types of cloud solutions offer telephony, collaboration, conferencing, and features like contact center and integrations. The difference is, a public cloud service is designed for general use, whereas MiCloud Flex offers your business extra control because it’s offered in a dedicated, secure environment.
MiCloud Flex provides the best of both worlds – you benefit from the value and simplicity of cloud-delivered services but retain the greater control of a dedicated private cloud solution. And since it is a pre-built, optimized, and managed cloud service, you won’t need to employ a dedicated IaaS Engineer to maintain it!
One of the key benefits of MiCloud Flex is it can be optimized to exact specifications. Your business can customize systemwide parameters, set default values, and select integrations that meet your specific requirements.
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Is MiCloud Flex the Right Fit for You?
MiCloud Flex is most beneficial for organizations that desire to maintain control themselves but also need the reliability, security, scalability, and global reach that the cloud provides. Businesses spread across several locations or that need to support remote and hybrid workers will also benefit from the seamless, yet secure, connection of MiCloud Flex.
Users can enjoy the same communications experience anywhere, anytime, on any device. Cloud storage means applications and information can be seamlessly accessed, while advanced security protection ensures that sensitive data remains safe.
MiCloud Flex offers organizations, some of which may have previously rejected private clouds due to complexity and costs, an opportunity to take a fresh look. It optimizes all the benefits of public cloud services (such as flexible costs, scalability, global reach, etc.) with the control that many organizations need.
However, not all businesses need that control. As a Mitel Certified Partner, we can help you determine the best communications infrastructure for your business and can offer a fast, seamless migration to the cloud if you find that’s the right fit.
And that’s not all. You can also expect:
- Less disruption than with other cloud vendors.
- The full benefits from your previous investments in phones while also enjoying the additional benefits of the cloud.
- Easier integration of emerging technologies, unlocking all the capabilities cloud communications has to offer.
Whether your business needs a private cloud solution, can make a quick move to the cloud via a public cloud solution, or should stay onsite, Mitel has everything necessary to meet your communications technology needs. As experts in on-prem, cloud, and transitioning from one to the other, you can trust that your experience will be both easy and seamless. Contact us today to get started!
Learn More About Mitel MiCloud Flex:
Mitel MiCloud Flex Brochure 1
