8 Ways to Save Money on Cloud Computing
Cloud computing provides major benefits over traditional on-premises computing, but also comes with some costs that you’ll want to plan for upfront so that you can avoid sticker shock later on. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to save money on cloud computing if you do your research ahead of time and look for discounts where you can find them! Here are eight ways to save money on cloud computing to help get you started.
1) Buy a good host with strong specs
You don’t have to overspend on a powerful server. Think about it: You only need as much power as you need right now, and that number is bound to decrease over time. Thus, instead of buying servers with cutting-edge processors or an obscene amount of RAM, get a standard system and add only what you need later. You should be able to upgrade your hardware without taking down your site or sending things into a tailspin. Google and Amazon are good examples of solid hosts with affordable prices.
2) Use transfer credits wisely
If you’re using cloud based software, it can sometimes make sense to transfer your credits from one company over to another. For example, if you buy a subscription from Microsoft for its Office 365 suite but then find out that Google’s office productivity program suits your needs better, you can move your credits from Office 365 over. You can use them for Google apps instead. It will save you money, and give you more flexibility in how and where you work.
3) Always select a payment plan
When you’re getting started with cloud computing, selecting a dedicated plan is a good idea because it allows you to pay for exactly what you need. The problem is that committing long-term can be costly. So in order to save money, it’s better to select a contract that’s shorter than twelve months, or try out several different companies and compare them before deciding which one is best for your needs.
4) Use promo codes from time to time
Many cloud computing companies offer coupon codes and special discounts for first-time customers, so it’s worth checking out if you’re currently paying too much. Usually, these can be found on company websites or social media accounts. (Some providers also have an employee referral program that will give you a discount if someone you know signs up.) Promo codes are often easy to apply once your account is created; in some cases they will instantly reduce your bill by 10–20%.
Here’s a list of major cloud providers with links to their official websites:
Amazon Web Services
Google Cloud Platform
IBM Soft Layer
Rackspace Hosting
5) Use credit card loyalty programs
Most credit cards provide discounts and special rewards for users, and some even give discounts on purchases you make every day. If you pay off your balance each month, consider ditching your old plastic in favor of a new credit card with a better rewards program. If you’re still unsure about making the switch, check out NerdWallet’s favorite rewards cards before you do so. You can also search for specific business-related terms and get tips from professionals who have personal experience saving money on cloud computing. One of these simple changes could save you thousands.
6) Use coupons for upgrades and add-ons
When you’re switching platforms, you don’t have to pay full price for your subscription and additional features. Many providers offer deals when it comes time for upgrades and add-ons. Try services like GoDaddy Coupon Codes or Coupon Monk for help getting more bang for your buck. And, of course, check social media; most companies are offering coupons just for following them!
7) Only use cloud storage you need (like photos, videos, etc.)
When you sign up for a cloud storage service, you’re often given a lot of space for free. And although it’s nice to have so much space, it’s better to not use all that free storage and only save what you need. That way, your monthly bill will be less because there’s no longer a need for extra storage. If you want additional space or if you simply forget to clear out your photos from time to time, Amazon Glacier is an inexpensive and effective solution. It costs $0.01 per gigabyte and in most cases files are retrievable within 24 hours, allowing for fast retrieval whenever necessary but requiring no additional cost if those files aren’t used right away (or ever).
8) Avoid overage charges if possible
There are a few different things you can do here. One is to try and use up all of your current cloud computing storage before adding more. Most providers will offer a certain amount of free storage, so take advantage of that and if you can’t get down to 0, get close. You may also have choices when it comes to plans; some providers offer several tiers of service with varying amounts of storage, while others just have one choice.