Getting Ready for Cloud Computing

8/12/2019 Getting Ready for Cloud Computing

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White Paper

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Getting Started withCloud ComputingJosh Rubens

Table of Contents

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Making the Case for Cloud Computing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Critical Considerations for IT Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Choosing the Right Cloud Computing Provider. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

About the Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5


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Ziff Davis | White Paper | Getting Started with Cloud Computing

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Introduction

Cloud computing is an increasingly important component of the business and IT strategies for

businesses of all types and sizes. In many cases, cloud computing is essential to cutting costs,

providing more advanced services, and remaining competitive. However, understanding the

business case for cloud computing is just the beginning. Beyond the basic considerations, it

is also critical to ensure that the organizations existing IT infrastructure is properly prepared

to address the demands of a cloud computing solution. Additionally, decision makers must be

aware of how to evaluate and choose the right cloud computing provider. This report, from the

combined editorial and expert community resources of Toolbox.com, provides an overview of

the business case and primary considerations for cloud computing solutions.

Making the Case for Cloud Computing

If you are managing the IT function at a smaller company, youve already got a lot of

challenges. Youre competing not just with local business, but businesses around the world.

The cost of IT infrastructure and software means you cant always provide the same services

as often larger companies with more IT resources. Fortunately, cloud computing can level the

playing field in for all types of organizations in at least four key categories.

1. Cloud computing cuts your costs

For a growing business, connecting to the cloud is ideal. Immediately your

expenditure on hardware and software is greatly reduced. If you access a hosted

service online, you no longer need to worry about software upgrades or the latestpatch or service pack, it is all taken care of, in most cases, in a simple monthly fee.

Cloud computing also means you can access many applications that are generally

cost prohibitive in a smaller environment. This means you can give your customers

more.

2. You can find the people you need

Finding and managing people can be one of the most challenging and costly

aspects of providing goods and services. Many growing businesses can operate

like a larger business by placing their IT function in the cloud. Accessing your

company IT resources remotely means you can hire people in New Zealand,

Singapore or wherever the best person for the job is located. Managing themremotely is infinitely easier with a shared workspace, and you can operate like a

multinational at a fraction of the cost.

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3. You can collaborateMany different types of businesses have already realized how they can work

better with partners by connecting to the cloud. Being able to gain access on

remote sites, or building solutions that enable other businesses to work in your

space is ideal for organizations that work with clients across locations on collab-

orative projects. It saves time, money and sweat.

4. You can pick a solution that fits you

Whatever Cloud Service you need, from entry level services like data storage and

website and application hosting to more purpose-built and complex applications

for managing sales, finances and other core tasks, IT can build solutions that

closely align with their business.

The best approach is to first understand the needs of the business to determine the best

solutions and build relationships with qualified vendors who can help find the right fit for your

companys needs today and into the future.

CriticalConsiderations for IT Infrastructure

As an IT manager, you would know that most IT functions work on a cycle of renewing

infrastructure and services every few years. Whether it happens every three, four, or five years

this opportunity to refresh your environment can be challenging. But it is also an ideal time to

re-architect your IT infrastructure. This means you can be prepared for a migration to cloud

services in the following 3-5 year cycle. The following is a brief overview of the commonproblems you might be experiencing when your IT environment is nearing the end of its

refresh cycle:

Aging infrastructure is no longer able to meet performance needs of the business

Explosive data growth makes it difficult to backup data

Running out of storage space

Limited Disaster Recovery (DR) and no site-based DR capabilities

In some cases, moving some services to the Cloud with existing, outdated infrastructures may

not be an option and trying to remediate an environment while migrating to the cloud is not

advisable. It is critical to update your infrastructure before considering cloud services because

problems on-premise will only be magnified in the cloud. What is needed is a new approach;

one which considered the flexibility to include Cloud based services in the future but only

after the completion of an infrastructure refresh.

Planning and delivering the seamless roll out of new platforms to all parts of the business

begins with a solid strategy to boost storage online and include a more responsive Disaster

Recovery capability which may include the following first steps toward cloud computing:

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A new a VMware upgrade, using V-sphere 5.0 A centralized highly available Exchange 2010 solution

Utilization of EMC VNX5300 SAN hardware

An upgraded Commvault backup and Archiving solution

A new communication network environment for remote access and Virtual desktop and

application delivery

These specific upgrades enable businesses to centralize services across their organizations.

Remote access means that staff can access data and applications from anywhere and on

any device, saving time and enabling them to more closely align with the actual needs of their

business.

The VMware upgrade also means that applications can be consolidated onto fewer physical

servers which means cost savings through reduced hardware.

Apart from the obvious benefits of the renewal of IT hardware and software services, this type

of forward thinking allows you to consider the next stage of renewal. You can also consider

moving to cloud-based services during the coming refresh cycle, not at the end in two, three,

or even four years into the future.

If your IT offerings are nearing the end of their normal life cycle, seek qualified advice on what

approach is right for you. It could be an upgrade, a move to cloud services, or a combination of

both.

Choosing the Right Cloud Computing Provider

When it comes to migrating to the cloud, its only natural to consider the biggest and best

when making a decision. But, as businesses flock to the cloud, its becoming increasingly

clear that cloud specialists are delivering far superior and better-tailored solutions than their

more commercial competitors. Frankly, commercial giants are still busy figuring out what the

cloud means to their business to deliver real cloud solutions.

The giants know that cloud hosting and solutions are the future but theyre not there yet.

Some members of the industry are still nervous and indecisive about their take on the cloud. I

T managers dont find relying on bigger companies for cloud solutions appealing. It is

after all an era of tailor-made cloud solutions solutions that can manage complex cloud

environments and help organizations in migrating to the cloud in the most effective way. It is

therefore essential that any company considering migration to the cloud speaks to a specialist

that can build a flexible, tailored solution.

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About Ziff Davis

Ziff Davis, Inc. is a leading digital media company specializing in the technology market, reaching over 40 million highly engaged in-marketbuyers and influencers every month. Ziff Davis sites, which feature trusted and comprehensive evaluations of the newest, hottest products,

and the most advanced ad targeting platform. Ziff Davis B2B is a leading provider of online research to enterprise buyers and high-quality

leads to IT vendors. More information on Ziff Davis can be found at ziffdavis.com.

About Toolbox.com

The Toolbox.com network of online communities enables anyone to access the collective knowledge of a worldwide audience of experienced

professionals. Through Toolbox.com, executives and professionals can collaborate with their peers to resolve problems more efficiently, make

better decisions by leveraging best practices and lessons learned, and increase their efficiency in the workplace.


Take the time to speak with prospective providers and gain a better understanding of whatthe right cloud solution will mean for your business. By aligning with the right vendor, you will

be able to build solutions based around your needs, not just the services they provide.

Conclusion

Cloud computing is good for business but also requires the proper amount of due diligence.

By understanding what you need to cut costs on infrastructure, empower collaboration, and

provide even more advanced services, you stand a better chance of a successful move to the

cloud. It is also important to understand the limitations of your existing infrastructure and how

to best provide the foundation for an effective cloud deployment. Now more than ever it is

critical to choose the right provider who will guide you through the necessary upgrades andprovide a custom cloud solution for your particular business. By taking the time to consider

your limitations, evaluate your options, and choosing the right partner, youll be able to build a

competitive advantage.

About the Author

Josh Rubens has been working in the IT industry for over 10 years and has been in

leadership roles for over 15 years. Most recently Josh was the Sales Director of a highly

successful IT Infrastructure services company. In his time at this consulting firm Josh lead the

effort to grow this organisation over 1700% in a four year period. As an individual who values

innovation that provides real business benefits. Josh is extremely passionate about Cloud andwants to help clients on their journey during these times of change.

www.cloudsolutionsgroup.com.au

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Getting Ready for Cloud Computing