Cloud Computing: What is it and should you be in it

Cloud computing is a method of providing access to applications and services using Internet-based technologies.  Among the many possible benefits are cost savings on infrastructure and workstations, location-independent access to applications, improved reliability, provisioning of applications “on the fly” in hours instead of days, and data security.

There are three basic models for cloud computing:  Public Cloud, Private Cloud, and Hybrid.

In the Public Cloud model, the customer only rents access to applications from a service provider, usually for a monthly fee, in much the same way as you pay for utilities like gas, electric, etc..  In this model, the servers are not physically located at the customer site, nor does the customer actually own any infrastructure (servers, etc.).  It is common for service providers to use a common base of servers for all their customers, thereby spreading the cost of the infrastructure across many clients.  However, it is possible that over time, the customer’s total expenditure will actually exceed the cost of maintaining one’s own infrastructure.

In a Private Cloud model, the customer builds and owns their own infrastructure, but provides access to their user base using the same technologies as a Public Cloud provider.  Some customers will opt for this model due to concerns over intellectual property security, regulatory requirements, or simply the peace of mind that comes with physically controlling your own data.  However, by leveraging Internet-based technologies to deliver services to the user base, the same savings can be realized in simplified configurations, standardization, and maximizing hardware investments. 

In the Hybrid model, a customer will utilize the Public Cloud model for common or “plain vanilla” applications,  such as Microsoft Office,  Exchange, CRM packages, etc., but will also maintain a smaller Private Cloud for mission-critical or highly sensitive applications and data.  When properly implemented, the user is not aware of whether an application is being delivered from a Public Cloud or a Private Cloud.  This model allows the customer to leverage the economies of scale for their common applications, yet maintain the security and physical data ownership of sensitive applications and data.

Some of the technologies that can be leveraged to provide a cloud (Public or Private) are Software as a Service (or SaaS, pronounced “sass”), Managed Services, which are components that automatically monitor and/or correct issues before they become major problems, and web-based applications.  These will be explained in upcoming blog post.

Cloud computing is becoming the next generation of IT, since we are becoming more mobile.  Over the next few years, more businesses will be adopting some flavor of Cloud Computing, but as with any infrastructure investment, all the issues need to be considered before deciding on the appropriate model.

Author: Adrian Zannin

Comments

[Melissa Devine]

This was very informative and I am looking forward to the Managed Services post.