How do you collaborate and communicate with cloud service providers and vendors?

3 Establish clear and frequent communication

Once you have chosen your cloud service provider or vendor, you need to establish clear and frequent communication with them. You need to assign roles and responsibilities, define communication channels and protocols, and agree on communication frequency and format. You also need to communicate your expectations, requirements, feedback, and issues clearly and promptly. You should use tools and platforms that enable easy and secure communication, such as email, phone, chat, video conferencing, project management software, ticketing systems, etc. You should also document and track your communication history and outcomes for future reference and accountability.

4 Collaborate on cloud design and implementation

Collaborating on cloud design and implementation is a crucial part of your cloud project. You need to work closely with your cloud service provider or vendor to design and implement a cloud solution that meets your cloud needs and goals. You need to involve them in the planning, testing, deployment, and optimization stages of your cloud project. You need to share your input, feedback, and approval on the cloud architecture, configuration, integration, migration, and security aspects of your cloud solution. You also need to follow their best practices, guidelines, and recommendations on how to use and manage their cloud service or product.

5 Monitor and evaluate cloud performance and quality

Monitoring and evaluating cloud performance and quality is another important part of your cloud project. You need to work with your cloud service provider or vendor to monitor and evaluate the performance and quality of your cloud solution. You need to use tools and metrics that measure and report on the availability, reliability, scalability, security, efficiency, and functionality of your cloud solution. You need to identify and resolve any issues or problems that arise in your cloud solution. You also need to review and assess the satisfaction and value of your cloud solution regularly and provide feedback and suggestions for improvement to your cloud service provider or vendor.

6 Maintain good relationships and trust

Maintaining good relationships and trust with your cloud service provider or vendor is essential for the success of your cloud project. You need to treat them as your partners, not your adversaries. You need to respect their expertise, experience, and opinions. You need to appreciate their efforts, achievements, and contributions. You need to communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully. You need to honor your commitments, obligations, and agreements. You need to resolve any conflicts or disputes amicably and professionally. You need to foster a culture of collaboration, communication, and trust with your cloud service provider or vendor.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?