The Case For Cloud Computing and Hybrid Networks
Navigating to Cloud Computing
The driver for Cloud Computing is now very compelling. The ability to support an agile business through controlled and predictable costs, coupled with measurable and committed service levels, is the ambition of any business – small or large.
However, while the benefit listed below is apparent, some challenges around cloud adoption require some planning. Complex legacy infrastructures, security and migration of essential stockholder services are causing some businesses to view Cloud Computing as a more of a ‘tactical approach that is not fully embedded into overall business strategy.
Migrating your core infrastructure wholesale into Cloud Computing is too tricky. Dividing Services into smaller, much manageable chunks is a lower risk approach and has been proven in the past. A good time to migrate an application to the Cloud is when it is due for an upgrade or pick an app that will bring the best investment return.
There are many benefits and advantages to switching to a cloud computing model, and this is undoubtedly revolutionising the way businesses worldwide consume IT.
For new businesses, the Cloud offers an essential differentiator. For the first time, anyone with an idea can start a business and get it up and running quickly on an enterprise-grade IT infrastructure that’s flexible enough to accommodate growth but requires minimal up-front capital expenditure.
For small to medium-sized businesses that may not have vast in-house IT resources, the Cloud allows them to focus on running their business rather than their IT. They can take advantage of a broad portfolio of computer, storage and network products, cost-effectively scale on demand as the business grows, and deliver faster time to market than previously achievable.
For mid-large enterprises with complex hosting needs, varying departmental and corporate-wide infrastructure requirements, high traffic websites and demanding applications, the Cloud offers the ability to drive down costs and deliver increased operational efficiency, productivity, agility and flexibility.
Advantages of cloud computing at a glance
Drive down costs
Avoid significant capital expenditure on hardware and upgrades. Cloud can also improve cost efficiency by closely matching your cost pattern to your revenue/demand pattern – moving your business from a capital-intensive cost model to an OPEX-based one.
Robust Resilience
Automated recovery can be easier to implement in a cloud environment because resources are more consolidated. Many organisations use their private Cloud as a fail-over for a public cloud to increase resilience. In some cases, service providers may respond to outages more quickly than internal ICT personnel.
Strong Security
In general, data in a cloud environment can be secured with as much confidence as can data in a closed enterprise network, provided the system is equipped with appropriate protective measures and is well maintained. Public organisations with rigorous security requirements may opt for a hybrid or private cloud implementation that provides more protection than a public cloud. And policy-based technologies such as role-based authentication are offering ICT managers powerful new options for safeguarding resources.
Cope with Demand
You know what infrastructure you need today, but what about your future requirements? As your business grows, a cloud environment will grow with you. When demand is unpredictable, or you need to test a new application, you have the ability to spin capacity up or down while only ever paying for your use.
Innovate
First, Ever-changing business requirements mean that your IT infrastructure has to be flexible. With a cloud infrastructure, you can rapidly deploy new projects and quickly take them into the live environment, keeping you at the vanguard of innovation in your sector.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Hosting in a data centre rather than onsite allows you to take advantage of the latest power-efficient technology. Additionally, as cloud service providers host multiple customers on shared infrastructure, they can drive higher and more efficient utilisation of our scarce resources, such as energy, water and space.
Future-Proof Your Business
We live in a fast-paced, internet-driven world, and the demand for data and access to it from any device, anywhere, any time is the driving force. Don’t let your business fall behind. By embracing the Cloud, you can handle emerging trends such as Bring your Device and take advantage of the rise of wearable technology with ease. You will also be able to store vast amounts of data, use this in a meaningful way to your business, and maintain your competitive edge.
With Cloud Security in mind, don’t be tempted to have open, flat networks that put organisations at unnecessary risk.
To adapt to this need for interoperability and communication between devices, organisations leverage flat, open networks to speed up transactions, applications, and services. An increasing number of these networks are being developed around high-performance routing and switching infrastructure that doesn’t consist of security due to most security solutions’ performance constraints.
From a security perspective, this can be disastrous. Violating a flat network’s network perimeter allows hackers to establish a beachhead and then move sideways across the network to gain access to credentials, resources, and data.
Cloud Security Challenges:
- Data Breaches and Consequences
- Misconfiguration and Inadequate Change Control
- Lack of Cloud Security Architecture and Strategy
- Insufficient Identity, Credentials, Access and Key Management
- Account Hijacking
- Insider Threat
- Insecure Interfaces and API’s
- Weak Control Plane
Ready to get started?
Contact Us for more information and solutions on how to develop and deploy hybrid network infrastructure,
or migrations to the Cloud
Contact us >>>
Please check other blogs:
What are the ways to connect the on-premises network to AWS Cloud?