Cloud Services Explained
Cloud offerings are everywhere, and so is the hype around cloud computing.
It has become a much-vaunted term within IT over recent years. It is therefore paramount to remember that Cloud is, like all technology, simply a solution to a business problem. It is not a must-have, and should be considered in exactly the same way as any other technology decision. However, estimates put the size of the global market at $150 billion by 2013, but with widespread concerns over security and service continuity, are such forecasts simply cloud cuckoo land?
Let's boil down what is meant by cloud computing or a cloud-enabled service. In simple terms we see it as a combination of computing systems provided over the network through an 'on-demand' commercial model. Hosted computer facilities and resources are often blended to enable users to benefit from IT services without the need for costly, dedicated infrastructure. It's not a new concept; in fact it is often seen as a progression of the mainframe delivery model, but with enhanced connectivity and service delivery capabilities. However, with the expansion of the internet, the maturity of infrastructure solutions and associated delivery capability, a wide range of utility services has become possible 'out there in the cloud'.
It has become common to break-down or categorise cloud services through some fundamental tehcnical characteristics, and in accordance with this, we have developed a model for our cloud services as shown here:
So who will be entering the cloud? Does it offer all things to all people? Not so, according to LaunchPad Europe, who found that almost 50% of businesses said they are not using or planning to use any cloud technologies within the next 12 months, citing security concerns as the primary deterrent. Growth will be fastest in the consumer and SME market, rather than in large enterprise and government. Perhaps this shouldn't come as any surprise; when looking at the risks, larger enterprises and public sector bodies tend to be less tolerant of security concerns and service outages.
So when considering a cloud solution, or when selcting a service provider, in addition to being confident they can deliver the service they are offering, we suggest you are able to answer these questions:
- Does the solution solve your business problem?
- Does the solution meet your performance requirements?
- Are the SLAs tight enough? What measures are available to you if they are not met?
- Is the provider's security model appropriate?
- Is the provider sufficiently flexible as your needs change? How quick is the provisioning process?
Back to Cloud Services
Most popular backup service awards - April 2012
Every month Online Backup Directory UK rank the 25 most popular companies offering managed backup capabilities.
The list is based on the number of profile visits a company receives and the amount of times their details are viewed each month. This ensures that every month an up to date list of companies offering reliable is provided.
Click here to see the full results for March 2012
Read our new case study - reducing delivery times by 50%
Providing a global Investment Bank with an action plan to cut fulfillment times for infrastructure services by 50%
Landscape Profiling Assessment
The client recognised that its IT service delivery process was inefficient, with projects taking too long to complete when compared with its competitors. 4sl was commissioned to identify these inefficient working practices and make clear recommendations on how to resolve them.
Click here to read the case study.
DPaaS - introducing the new backup machine
Data protection has traditionally simply meant ‘backup and recovery’ which in and of itself, has often been viewed as offering no tangible business value.
But with increased threat levels from external and internal data loss, security breaches and greater demands on compliance and risk management, that view has changed. Also, recent pressure for IT departments to offer more pay-as-you-go utility services using virtualisation and cloud computing techniques is forcing many organisations to think differently about backup & recovery.
Click here to see how the traditional backup has become Data Protection as a Service.
4sl welcomes new joiners in April 2012
Supporting our continued growth 4sl welcomes new joiners.
We are delighted to welcome new menbers to the 4sl team including Isabel Smythe (financial accounting), Ryan van der Wielen (backup consultant) and Robert De Piano (new business account manager).
They are joined during April 2012 and are based in the London office.