The Cloud
You Know it Can Benefit Your Organization, but WHAT IS THE CLOUD?
Cloud is a big topic, with a scope that can be daunting. But really it’s just working smarter, by shifting to a virtual environment for data storage, servers, databases, applications, and networks. With cloud computing, most services are now available and serviced by the cloud. The obvious advantage is being able to securely access a vast network of remote up-to-date servers around the globe, not tied to one physical point, or one inflexible budget. The ability to sale up or down and pay for only the resources needed offers huge flexibility. The additional security, typically available by utilizing the frameworks available from large cloud compute providers, helps protect organizational assets, and ensures businesses keep running. There are a few different ways to look at the cloud, as well as how it’s offered, deployed, and interacted with.
75% of cloud’s predicted value comes from boosting innovation… Cloud promises an average rise in EBITDA of more than 20% across industries.” McKinsey Quarterly, February 2021
Cloud refers to a broad array of services and processes used by individuals and organizations. It’s a big topic…
that, in a sense, isn’t even a physical thing. What the user sees is the webpage where they run Salesforce or the window with Slack. But there’s a lot more going on behind
the scenes. Consider it a shifting virtual environment for data storage, servers, databases, applications, and networks. The advantage is you can access a vast
network of remote servers around the globe and not be tied to one physical point.
Cloud Is A Smart Choice
Technology is constantly advancing and
upgrading, providing new functionality while
ensuring security. Making the right choice is so
important. Cloud is the fastest technology to work
with, with more and more industries becoming
reliant on it for good reason. Cloud providers also
o er organizations additional services that
address application management, security and
compliancy needs, patching, and updates, plus
advanced services like load balancing, disaster
recovery, and business continuity.
The Value
Private Cloud
(Single Tenant) is one organization all on the same hardware. There are many options for of premise solutions, and on-premise deployment is also possible. Providers who excel in this space are Tierpoint, Flexential, and Rackspace.
Hybrid Cloud
in today’s world, organizations often take a very dynamic approach, with some aspects kept on the premises or in a colocation facility, while others are running on a public cloud infrastructure. There can be crossover, redundancy, or dedicated processes. Flexibility is always a function of the cloud. Datacenter providers often tie to one of the hyperscalers, with AWS, Asure, and GCP again being excellent choices.
Public Cloud
Shares resources and offers services to the public over the Internet. Typically they are very scalable horizontally, with the ability to take things up and down very quickly, and add resources on demand. You can think of this method as “Hyperscalers” due to this flexibility – great examples include AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Multi-Tenant Cloud
Typically based on vmware or hyper-v platforms, gives organizations access to best of breed CPU, RAM, and storage on well-known hypervisors (the software that creates and runs virtual machines). This cloud network is still private, but, like a condominium, lets each tenant enjoy shared elements without assuming the full budgetary burden. Great providers include Tierpoint, Rapidscale, EvolveIP, Flexential, and Effortless Offce.
Older Systems Can’t Match Today’s Providers
The Two Layers of Cloud Technology Work
Front End, is the portion that you, the customer (or end user), actually sees and interacts with through a digital
device via browser or standalone app. It’s this GUI (Graphical User Interface) that is clicked on to navigate through
information, and actionable commands…like what’s seen when browsing Facebook. Think of it as the access point,
connected via the internet, that receives and works with the resources. The front end will often include digital device,
network, and browser/app.
Back End, is the database and other logic that sits behind your customer/user experience (front end). This includes
the data storage systems, cloud-based applications, logic, workflow design, and shared/dedicated servers that are the
backbone of the cloud. The back end is ultimately responsible for cloud performance, and the interaction experience.