What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing is a model that
enables access to a configurable computing resource, which is easily accessible
with no or only minimal service provider input.
“If the user does not know the
physical location and configuration of the system that delivers the
services of computation, software, data access, and storage services”, then it
is Cloud Computing.
The Flexible usage of IT services
which are available in real-time/on-line via the Internet/Intranet, enabling
users global access to standardized services. Cloud Services require no (or
minimal) initial fixed cost investment and are charged on a usage basis.
What can be achieved with Cloud?
Within Cloud Computing, varieties of
technically innovative solutions are combined and can deliver the potential for
an innovative business approach leading to:
- Cost Reduction
- Cost Structure Improvement
- Variability of Cost
- Flexibility of Services
- New business models
- Time to market for new products is significantly reduced
Steps to Optimize Cloud Computing:
the Business ready
to use Cloud?
If yes, which services
offered within the Cloud are the most suitable to support the Business Model?
Before engaging in Cloud Computing,
initiate a project that reviews existing processes and products. The review
process should go through the following steps in order to optimize use of Cloud
Services:
Step 1: Standardization – Evaluate the actual level of
process automation within the business being serviced.
Step 2: Virtualization – Identify the opportunities (from
an IT and process perspective) within the existing operating model to
virtualize services.
Step 3: Automation – Analyze level of automation of
processes and identification of potential by using the Cloud for virtualized
processes.
Step 4: Cloud Computing – Introduce those selected services
into Cloud and define how to integrate Cloud services into existing IT/process
environment.
When should a company go for cloud
computing?
There is a growing belief that over
the next few years, Cloud Computing will become a major stimulus for change in
how corporations view and use Information Technology.
Cost efficiency, scalability and availability are the main
drivers in the discussion regarding Cloud Computing. Security and privacy are
the main issues, which need to be dealt with when using services in the Cloud.
From an end user perspective, Cloud
Services will offer small and midsize companies access to a level of technology
that is currently not available to them. Large corporations will be able to
make their IT environment more flexible and reduce their cost base. The speed
of new product developments will increase significantly and will offer major
advantages for the end customer.
