Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Cloud Hosting : Top 3 parameters for rating a cloud providers

[sam9]

Hi,

As a provider, what do you think are the top three things users/customers are looking for in a cloud provider?

As a user/customer, what are the top there things you are looking for in a cloud provider?

Some of the probable parameters:

1. Infrastructure
2. Cost
3. Payment flexibility / pay as you go options
4. API
5. Choice of OS and flavors
6. Instance/server management / Support

I am not seeking names/providers here. I am just asking for parameters.

Cheers!

[MikeTrike]

I think the #1 concern is what a given providers definition of "cloud" is.

[layer0]

Performance is a big aspect - a lot of cloud setups are simply underwhelming.

[Spudstr]

Originally Posted by MikeTrike

I think the #1 concern is what a given providers definition of "cloud" is.

Agree. too many people are jumping ship and calling a simple VPS machine a "cloud".

But this brings a valid point of. What is a cloud. There is no industry standard on what a cloud is, and if you ask 10 people you will get 10 different answers.

[sam9]

I think for the purpose of this discussion on how to rate a cloud host, we can perhaps stay with Cloud Hosting as an on-demand, pay as you go, redundant hosting with APIs.

[HostColor]

Originally Posted by sam9

1. Infrastructure
2. Payment flexibility / pay as you go options
4. API

I consider these above as most important. Another important thing is no to force consumers to start learning Cloud computing only because they are moving to Cloud infrastructure... Everybody says they don't, but the apps and the software interfaces are usually very different from everything they used to use.

[sam9]

Originally Posted by HostColor

I consider these above as most important. Another important thing is no to force consumers to start learning Cloud computing only because they are moving to Cloud infrastructure... Everybody says they don't, but the apps and the software interfaces are usually very different from everything they used to use.

I kind of agree. There needs to be a homogeneity in the user interface when one migrates from a non to a cloud environment.

[Stratogen]

I'd say infrastructure first - there is so much difference between the cloud providers that you really have to check out their infrastructure. Next I'd say installation flexibility, and thirdly cost. There you go! hope that helps.

[abidsultan]

The three parameters from customer's end.

1. Scalability
2. Reliability (may also includes support)
3. Cost

[erickmiller]

As a provider, honestly, the priority of parameters entirely depends on the customer's objectives. What's most important is that a provider's environment and support is designed to properly meet all objectives. With that said, for general purpose computing, I believe that reliability belongs on top. Few people accept "any" downtime as a satisfactory service qualification. I'd go with support, then cost after this.

[Winky]

1. Performance
2. Security
3. Good support

[adhfu]

1. Performance
2. Security
3. Good support

i agree with above.

[IGobyTerry]

I think everyone's should be performance, reliability and scalability.

Good support, and flexible payment terms should just be a given for ANY host.

[ewitte]

The thing thats really hard to do for a startup (for those that are still working a normal job) is *fast* support. The rest is fairly easy if you know what your doing.