Cloud Services in Chicago and Milwaukee
What are cloud services?
Cloud services let you run your software, files, and systems on secure servers over the internet instead of on machines in your office. You reach your work from anywhere, pay as you go, and add or remove space as your needs change. Prescient Solutions designs, sets up, and manages cloud and hybrid setups for Chicago- and Milwaukee-area businesses.
What are cloud services?
Cloud services move your technology off the equipment in your office and onto secure servers you reach over the internet. Your email, files, and business software live in the cloud, so your team can work from the office, from home, or on the road. You rent what you use instead of buying and maintaining your own servers, which lowers your upfront cost and makes it easy to grow or shrink.\
Cloud vs. on-premise: which is right for you?
“On-premise” means your servers sit in your office and you own and maintain them. “Cloud” means your systems run on servers a provider maintains for you. Here is how they compare:
| What Matters | On-premise (in your office) | Cloud (over the internet) |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | High. You buy the hardware. | Low. You pay as you go. |
| Growing or shrinking | Slow. You buy or retire equipment. | Fast. You adjust your plan. |
| Working from anywhere | Harder to set up | Built in |
| Upkeep and updates | Your job | The provider's job |
| Recovery after a disaster | You build it yourself | Often included |
Neither one is always right. Many businesses do best with a mix, called a hybrid setup, keeping some systems in-house and moving others to the cloud. We help you decide what to move, what to keep, and when.
What cloud services does Prescient provide?
Our team designs, sets up, and manages cloud systems built around your business. That can include:
- Moving your email, files, and software to the cloud
- Setting up Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure
- Building a hybrid setup that mixes cloud and in-house systems
- Connecting your offices with secure networks and VPNs
- Private, public, and shared cloud options
- Keeping it all secure and backed up
How does a move to the cloud work?
- Free consultation. We learn how your business runs today and what is slowing you down.
- A plan. We recommend what to move to the cloud, what to keep in-house, and what it will cost.
- Migration. We move your systems carefully, with as little disruption as possible.
- Ongoing management. We keep your cloud running, secure, and up to date, and we are there when you need us.
What are the benefits of moving to the cloud?
Businesses move to the cloud because it makes work easier and cheaper to run. The main benefits are:
- Work from anywhere. Your team can reach files and software from the office, home, or the road.
- Lower upfront cost. You rent what you use instead of buying servers.
- Easy to grow or shrink. Add space when you are busy, and cut back when you are not.
- Automatic backups. Your data is copied and protected without extra work.
- Less to maintain. The provider handles the hardware, so your team does not have to.
The cloud is not the right home for every system, though. Some businesses keep certain tools in-house for speed or control. We help you sort out what belongs where.
Why choose Prescient for cloud services?
We have helped Chicago- and Milwaukee-area businesses use technology for more than 27 years. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, we know Microsoft 365 and Azure well, and our engineers hold current certifications across Microsoft, Cisco, and VMware. We match the setup to your budget and your goals, so you are not paying for more than you need.
Case Studies
See how we have helped businesses like yours get more from their technology.
FAQs
What are cloud services?
Cloud services let you run your software, files, and systems on secure servers over the internet instead of on machines in your office. You can reach your work from anywhere and pay only for what you use.
What is the difference between cloud and on-premise?
On-premise means your servers sit in your office and you maintain them. Cloud means your systems run on servers a provider maintains for you, which lowers upfront cost, makes remote work easier, and lets you scale up or down quickly.
Is the cloud secure for business data?
Yes, when it is set up correctly. Prescient secures cloud systems with encryption, extra login steps, monitoring, and backups, so your data is protected and recoverable.
Do I have to move everything to the cloud at once?
No. Many businesses use a hybrid setup, keeping some systems in-house and moving others to the cloud. Prescient helps you decide what to move, what to keep, and when.
Will moving to the cloud save money?
Often, yes. You trade big upfront hardware costs for a steady, pay-as-you-go fee, and you spend less time and money maintaining your own servers. We help you weigh the costs before you move.
Will moving to the cloud disrupt my business?
We plan migrations to cause as little disruption as possible, moving your systems carefully and often working during off-hours so your team keeps working.