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What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is where IT is delivered as a service. Instead of the user installing, and managing, IT infrastructure on their own premises, it is transparently provided by third parties across the internet.
Cloud computing generally encompasses three distinct components:
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Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Compute resources such as servers (or individual server components such as CPUs), storage and networks. Examples include Macquarie Telecom.
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Platform as a Service (PaaS): Platform elements required to build and run anapplication, such as development languages, application servers and managementtools. Examples include Force.com and Google App Engine.
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Software as a Service (SaaS): Bespoke software applications, generally web based, forconsumer or business functions such as CRM or email. Examples include Salesforce.com and Gmail.
Impact of cloud on mid-sized businesses
The benefits accrued from the usage of Cloud computing for mid-sized organizations are:
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Creation of flexible cost models
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Reduced operational overhead
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No upfront investment
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Access to expert resources
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An effective level of IT performance, availability, security and scalability
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An easier and cost effective path to enterprise grade software and infrastructure
What to move to the cloud and when?
The key for organizations to successfully exploit Cloud computing is to identify the right components of their IT portfolio (those that may deliver the highest return on investment) as well as the optimum time to migrate them.
Components of an organization's IT portfolio that mightpossibly take advantage of Cloud Computing could include:
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Processes providing competitive advantage
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Infrastructure of mission critical applications
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In house applications housing legacy technology which is no longer viable to maintain
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Customer and partner facing applications or portals
Every organisation should approach their Cloud strategy with the goal of ensuring that both the Cloud and in-house services selected provide the most effective model for each particular component without compromising the business.
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