The shift towards cloud managed workstations is revolutionizing the way businesses operate, offering unprecedented levels of efficiency, security, and scalability. At Stringfellow.com, we specialize in leveraging this technology to transform your IT infrastructure. This guide explains why cloud managed workstations are essential for modern businesses and how they can drive your company forward.
So, what are Cloud Managed Workstations Anyway?
Cloud managed workstations are devices configured, monitored, and maintained entirely through the cloud. This approach allows for seamless integration with cloud services, ensuring devices are always connected, synchronized, and updated.
In simpler terms, your PC is in the cloud, and you can connect anywhere you need. You can connect from your home laptop, desktop, iPad, iPhone, Android Phone or Table, or any other device that you want to use. The systems have as much (or as little) computing power as you need at the time and are priced accordingly. They can be improved (or toned down) as needed to manage costs, and they can be shut off at night to save money. Imagine computers on demand anywhere and you’re getting close to a Cloud Managed Workstation!
7 Key Benefits of Cloud Managed Workstations
Simplified IT Management
Cloud managed workstations simplify the deployment and management of corporate devices. This system eliminates traditional IT challenges associated with physical servers and “in the network closet” solutions, such as Active Directory (AD), which is often cumbersome and not scalable for remote environments or multiple locations.
Enhanced Security and Compliance
One huge advantage of cloud managed workstations is the enhanced security they provide. With automatic updates and integrated security measures, these workstations protect against cyber threats more efficiently than traditional setups. The elimination of SSL and site-to-site VPNs decreases vulnerability points, making your IT infrastructure more secure. Your IT partner can also limit which systems can access the cloud managed workstations, meaning that only the users and devices your company uses can connect.
It’s also your company computer, meaning you can lock it down as needed and only allow for work activities on the cloud PC. You can get reports on usage and really dial in the way the cloud workstation is used to keep the user focused and productive while at work.
Cost Efficiency: Only Pay for What You Need
Transitioning to cloud managed workstations reduces both operational and capital expenditures. It minimizes the need for extensive physical infrastructure and lowers ongoing maintenance costs, translating to significant savings on cybersecurity and IT management. The systems don’t have to be on all the time, but rather, can only be spun up during business hours. Also, they can be just enough horsepower to do the job the staff member needs. For example, a data entry system won’t need near as much processing power or memory as a graphics designer or engineer building complex models. Tailoring the system to your employee creates a bespoke workstation, unique to your team members work case.
Streamlined Disaster Recovery
Cloud managed workstations facilitate quicker disaster recovery and easier compliance with data protection regulations. Features like one-click system resets allow businesses to recover swiftly from malware attacks or hardware failures, minimizing downtime and loss of productivity. Just imagine: no system to lose or break, just a website to login to do your work. If the system stops working for some reason, its simple to just spin up another one in minutes and get going with all your same program and settings!
Integration with Existing Infrastructure
Integrating cloud managed workstations with your existing cloud services can be seamless. Whether it’s cloud storage, SaaS applications, or cloud-based communication tools, these workstations ensure that all components work together harmoniously. Not only that, but the ability to clone systems for new employees with similar roles will save tons of time and money as you won’t have to order systems and wait for them to arrive.
Future-Proof Your IT
Cloud managed technology adapts to the evolving IT landscape, ensuring your business is equipped for future technological advancements. It replaces outdated technologies like Group Policy Objects (GPOs), which are not suited for modern, dynamic business environments.
You’re probably already there if you’re a Stringfellow client and have done a recent cloud migration. The benefits of cloud servers are well known and experienced daily. Having your files in Teams and OneDrive make working anywhere and on mobile a cinch. Well imagine being able to pull up your PC on your iPad or iPhone and chug away at work from anywhere, should that need arise. And of course, remote workers will have a much easier time onboarding and offboarding whenever their job is done.
The Vision of “Cloud Managed IT”
At Stringfellow.com, our vision of “cloud managed IT” goes beyond typical service migration to the cloud. It involves a holistic management approach where everything—from mobile devices to servers—is integrated into the cloud infrastructure. This comprehensive strategy ensures a truly cloud-native environment, maximizing the potential of cloud technology.
This isn’t a new innovation for us. Since we started in 2005, we’ve been cloud native. If you’ve been following along with our blog posts, you’ll see articles and entries about our cloud strategy going back decades, not just years. With that expertise and experience, we know best how to prepare, migrate, and maintain cloud environments for businesses of all sizes. From smaller single office shops to nationwide enterprises across multiple time zones, Stringfellow has got your back with the support staff and expertise to keep your team going strong.
Educating Your Team on Cloud Managed Workstations
Understanding and leveraging cloud managed workstations is crucial for maximizing their benefits. We provide education and support to ensure your team is well-versed in the functionalities and advantages of cloud managed IT, helping them to fully embrace this innovative approach.
Cloud managed workstations offer a pathway to more secure, efficient, and scalable business operations. By adopting this technology, you position your business at the forefront of IT innovation. Explore how Stringfellow.com can facilitate your transition to cloud managed workstations and help you leverage the full spectrum of cloud computing benefits.
