“CSP” stands for “Cloud Solutions Provider” and represents an entity in the fast-growing cloud hosting industry. CSPs are organizations that provide third-party on-boarding services, security, support, and maintenance for companies that host their servers on the Cloud.

Structure

CSPs can range from small startup companies focused almost exclusively on cloud hosting, to large enterprises providing a wide range of services for businesses already on the cloud.

Well organized CSPs will staff several essential individuals on their team:

• cloud engineers trained in maintaining the security and integrity of cloud servers
• a dedicated service desk manager available at any time to provide IT support
• a certified security officer specializing in cloud server security and privacy
• an experienced, professional, and highly skilled chief technology officer

Services

CSPs provide a wide variety of services for their clients. These include assessment and planning, migration and deployment, configuration management, automation/dev-ops, backup and disaster recovery, access management, monitoring, security assurances, and 24/7 support. CSPs are designed to meet all of the IT and technology needs of their clients — from service desk requests to full system overhaul, CSPs will assist throughout the cloud hosting process down to the smallest details.

Security

Hosting your data on the cloud has significant advantages for the security and protection of your data. For more information on cloud security, check out this article.

A CSP should be ready to describe their security measures in the following essential areas:

• Data storage (i.e. web firewall, network security, data encryption and segregation)
• Restricted access (i.e. two-factor authentication, limits on personnel access to client data, accountability to the chief technology officer)
• Physical property (i.e. security cameras, limited access to the building, proper disposal of documents)
• Backup strategy (i.e. frequency of backups, secure storage of backed up data)
• Disaster plan (i.e. recovering data, threat analytics)

Cost

CSPs offer subscription plans or “pay as you go” options to bill companies according to how much data is consumed. These plans are customizable to the needs of the client, and generally more affordable than hosting on-site. Particularly for newer or smaller companies, the cost of equipment, IT employees, and extensive security measures can be easily more expensive than allowing an CSP to host for you on a pay-as-you-go plan.

Flexibility

CSPs should be flexible to the needs of their clients. Established CSPs are willing to comply with your industry’s privacy laws and data regulations; they work with their clients to create the best plan of action for a variety of concerns. CSPs will create a system of open communication with the client regarding system maintenance and support, as well. They should be available at a moment’s notice to provide IT support in case of a system outage or threat and to meet the client’s concerns and requests.

CSPs are the backbone of a rapidly growing industry in cloud solutions, and expectations are constantly evolving. What is your CSP doing to meet these changing needs?