Cloud solutions for Oil and Gas: IT services

In the energy value chain, every link is critical. From upstream production to processing and distribution, the transportation of hydrocarbons acts like the circulatory system that keeps the industry alive. Argentina is no exception: Vaca Muerta already accounts for more than 58% of the country’s oil and gas sector production and 74% of its gas output, with exports surpassing USD 8.5 billion in 2024. These figures highlight not only the strategic importance of the sector but also the magnitude of its challenges.

Energy companies operate in a volatile environment, pressured to increase efficiency, comply with tighter industry regulations, and ensure continuity in critical operations. Against this backdrop, digitalization and cloud technology adoption are becoming indispensable catalysts for remaining competitive and achieving sustainable growth.

Digitalization as a Competitive Advantage

This is not a futuristic narrative. Recent studies reveal that upstream companies adopting digital solutions captured more than USD 5 in additional revenue per barrel of oil equivalent produced. In the downstream, digital initiatives led to savings of over USD 1 per barrel processed. Regionally, other companies managed to reduce CAPEX by up to 20%, generating more than USD 150 million in value within just three years.

The conclusion is clear: digitalization is no longer a luxury; it is a direct path to cost saving and resilience. In an industry where interruptions equal millions in losses, cloud technology is becoming a strategic accelerator.

What does it mean to bring oil and gas to the cloud?

Cloud computing is sometimes perceived as abstract or overly complex. In reality, the concept is straightforward: it is the virtualization of IT infrastructure with the ability to scale rapidly, globally, and securely.

The cloud does not replace industrial systems or existing hardware. Instead, it strengthens, supports, and protects them. It adds a layer of agility and resilience without halting operations. Computing, data storage, databases, cybersecurity, and networks all become on-demand services—with the added advantage of paying only for what is used.

For an industry traditionally built on large capital expenditures (CAPEX), this model transforms costs into an operational expenditure (OPEX) framework, far more flexible and aligned with the pace of the business.

Common Myths About the Cloud in Oil & Gas

Despite its benefits, several misconceptions persist:

“Cloud backups are expensive.” In fact, the pay-as-you-go model eliminates the need to purchase and maintain redundant hardware. Cloud adoption can cut technology infrastructure and operating costs by more than 50%.

“Migrating to the cloud is complex and will disrupt operations.” Transitions are executed gradually, without shutting down critical systems. Migration starts with less sensitive data workloads and progresses step by step, ensuring continuity throughout.

“The cloud doesn’t work in remote locations with poor connectivity.” Hybrid models make this possible. Data storage can be stored locally and synchronized with the cloud once connectivity is available. Being online 24/7 is not a requirement to unlock value.

These concerns are understandable, but they are increasingly being overcome by oil and gas companies experiencing immediate benefits in continuity, data security, and savings.

Vaca Muerta: Challenges and Opportunities

Argentina’s Neuquén Basin, home to Vaca Muerta, holds much of the nation’s energy future. But the region faces specific hurdles:

• Regulatory compliance and audits. Operators must prove full traceability of their data and processes.

• Explosive data growth. SCADA systems, telemetry, seismic data, and IoT devices generate massive volumes of critical information.

• Inefficiencies across the value chain. From upstream to downstream, the lack of integrated digital processes translates into additional costs and limited visibility.
  

In this context, the cloud is not a complement; it is the cutting-edge tool that turns these challenges into opportunities.

The First Step: Backup in the Cloud

Every transformation needs a starting point. For the oil and gas sector, the first step is cloud backup.

Implementing a cloud backup strategy means automatically and securely storing critical sensitive data such as well reports, SCADA logs, and production records. It eliminates the need for costly redundant hardware, safeguards operations against cyber incidents, and ensures regulatory compliance with complete traceability.

In practice, this translates into recovering data within minutes in the event of an attack or system failure, preventing hours or days of downtime. It also means being able to demonstrate resilience to customers and regulators through alignment with international standards.

Real-World Results

The impact of cloud adoption is already visible in oil and gas operations. Since 2022, YPF has migrated 75% of its technology platform to the cloud, aligning this move with its 2030 mission to become a world-class shale company focused on Vaca Muerta.

The results are tangible: reduced operating costs, uninterrupted availability, and greater resilience against external threats. The shift does not mean replacing what works but rather integrating it into a more secure and agile ecosystem that reduces downtime and boosts efficiency..

Why Teracloud

Choosing the right partner is critical for this journey. Teracloud brings more than 50 AWS certifications, a 98% Net Promoter Score, and over 100,000 hours of cloud project experience across 12 countries.

Its value proposition goes beyond consulting: the Cloud Backup Starter Pack includes AWS credits, a personalized 1:1 session with experts, and the ability to simulate scenarios using real production data for predictive maintenance insights.

It’s a pragmatic approach designed to translate cloud technology into operational results, free from technical jargon, with benefits visible from day one.

From Promise to Results

The future of the oil and gas industry in Argentina will either be digital or it will lag behind. The cloud is not science fiction or a distant investment: it is the tool that enables companies today to achieve cost savings, improve resilience, and ensure continuity in an industry where every hour of downtime is measured in millions.

Adopting solutions like cloud backup does not mean changing everything at once. It means beginning a gradual journey toward more agile, secure, and profitable operations where every dollar saved and every recovered hour directly impacts business efficiency. By securing sensitive data, enabling real-time monitoring, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations, Teracloud helps companies look toward the long term with confidence.

At Teracloud, that future has already begun.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does FinOps mean in the Oil & Gas context?

 FinOps is the practice of bringing finance, operations, and technology together to optimize cloud costs. In energy, it ensures that digital consumption is aligned with business value in a volatile environment.

Why start with cloud backup instead of another solution? 

Because it’s a low-risk, high-impact first step. It delivers immediate results—continuity, hardware savings, and compliance—without halting operations or requiring drastic changes.

Is the cloud secure enough for critical operations?

 Yes. Leading providers invest billions in security and comply with international standards like ISO 27001, HIPAA, and NERC-CIP. Their protection levels surpass those of local servers or physical backups.

What about remote areas with poor connectivity? 

Hybrid models allow data to be stored locally and synced with the cloud whenever connectivity is available. Being connected 100% of the time is not necessary to extract value.

Isn’t migrating to the cloud too expensive? 

The pay-as-you-go model replaces large upfront investments with a flexible scheme. Studies show cloud adoption can reduce IT infrastructure costs by up to 50% and cut unplanned downtime costs by 22%.

Does migration mean stopping operations? 

No. Cloud migration is phased. It begins with non-critical components and gradually moves toward sensitive workloads, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

What makes Teracloud different? 

Teracloud combines global expertise (100,000+ hours across 12 countries), AWS certifications, and a pragmatic approach that translates technology into business results. Its Starter Pack includes credits, expert guidance, and simulations with real data to prove value early on.

Tech Writer

Paulo Srulevitch