There’s been a vast amount of interest from end users and providers alike over the past 2 years around cloud computing, and the new delivery models and acronyms around this technical sphere is growing at a exponential rate, although everyone seems to have their own opinion and differing definition of cloud computing.
While still evolving and being defined, cloud computing is here to stay. It promises a transformation – a move from capital intensive, high-cost, complex IT delivery methods to a simplified, resilient, predictable and a cost-efficient delivery platform. As an end user organisation of different sizes, you need to consider where and when cloud may offer benefit and a positive edge to your business.
Cloud computing is a new concept of delivering computing resources, not a new technology. Services ranging from full business applications, security, data storage and processing through to Platforms as a Service (PaaS) are now available instantly in an on-demand commercial model. In this time of belt-tightening, this new economic model for computing is achieving rapid interest and adoption.
Cloud computing offers substantial benefits including efficiencies, innovation acceleration, cost savings and greater computing power. No more year long upgrade cycles; as huge IT burden like system or software updates are now delivered automatically with cloud computing. Cloud computing also brings green benefits such as reducing carbon footprint and promoting sustainability by utilising computing power more efficiently.
Cloud computing can refer to several different service types, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). SaaS is generally regarded as well suited to the delivery of standardised software applications and platforms, like email, office productivity, collaboration, CRM and accounting. The development of the SaaS business model has been rapid and it is now being used to provide high performance, resilient and secure applications across a range of company sizes and industries.
Cloud or SaaS does not provide one-size-fits-all solutions, and not every application in the cloud will be right for your business. You should consider in what areas it makes sense to utilise the cloud. Where can your organisation gain improvement in areas of business efficiency, resilience and cost reduction? Look to others in your sector and what they have done, and look for simplicity and obvious choices in your first cloud solution adoptions.
Ignoring the cloud or moving everything to it in a race are both foolish options. Taking educated steps to the cloud will ensure you gain the benefits that it can bring and that you don’t end up in a technological storm.