Many companies are actively implementing cloud technology in order to take advantage of the opportunities it presents. The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has made it clear that cloud technology allows for more convenient, on-demand and ubiquitous networking. The cloud allows for the connection of various technological aspects of a business’s entire computing system, including applications, services, servers, storage and networks. Businesses no longer face the conflict in choosing to move to the cloud as much as they need to figure out what specific parts of their business need to implement the technology. Creating an effective cloud strategy can help make migration much simpler.
Creating a Cloud Strategy for Business
Businesses will want to know how they can easily move to the cloud, which vendors they can invest in without worrying about scams, which pieces of their computing systems can move to the cloud and more. In order to make a smooth transition to cloud technology, it’s important to keep these requirements in mind:
- Businesses should allow for virtualization, giving their companies the opportunity to run in a virtual environment that prevents the need for unrecorded operating system calls and other issues that can normally arise.
- Computing layers should remain unaffected by the transition to cloud technology, such as applications that anticipate messages through IP/TCP interfaces and display information on screens.
- The function requires a modular design that doesn’t rely on other modules. Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is more ideal for cloud transition, but legacy systems that rely on other applications or business logic can present issues.
Factors Involved in Cloud Strategies
Businesses should take several elements into consideration when coming up with an effective cloud strategy, such as scalability, cost, portability and overall agility. Businesses will want to save money on cloud services, but the other factors are just as important to look at. The highest level of cloud service is optimal, of course, allowing companies to thrive using this technology. Software as a service (SaaS) is considered the top level of service, with platform as a service (PaaS) and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) following it.
When transitioning to the cloud, companies should also seek outside providers rather than considering in-house cloud technology. External providers cost less and require less resources than in-house operation. With external providers, companies can choose cloud services that are scalable, flexible and agile.
Many cloud providers offer a hybrid approach to cloud services that allow you to run applications with cloud technology using their own technology. One of the ways to avoid complications when moving to the cloud is to segment the company’s levels of technology, allowing for cost effectiveness and efficiency of operation. Cloud service providers are ideal for cloud services, with the expertise needed to provide quality services without incurring expenses seen with in-house operation. Once companies have a good idea about which parts of their systems can function effectively on the cloud, it’s much easier to consult with providers and discuss specific system requirements when making the transition to cloud technology.