Cloud Computing & SME
Stuart Dillon-Roberts
“In the simplest terms, cloud computing means storing & accessing data & programs over the Internet
instead of your computer's hard drive.” source: pcmag.com
What is the Cloud?
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Cloud Computing
Click the image to the right for a short explanation (78sec) of Cloud Computing
Internet based computing▫ Large groups of remote servers - networked
▫ This network allows;
sharing of data processing tasks
centralised data storage
online access to services/resources
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So the Cloud is..
Ingredients needed:
Fast, reliable Internet.
Access at home, at work or on the move
Driven by advances in:
Fast and scalable processing power
Mass and cheap storage
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Cloud Catalyst
Clouds can be classified as;
Public – service multiple clients using shared infrastructure
Private – accessed by a single organisation, providing greater control & privacy
Hybrid – uses private & public clouds e.g. an organisation can use cheaper public cloud services for non sensitive info
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Types of Clouds
Key reasons SMEs cite for moving to the Cloud:
Lack of skills to manage IT in-house
Reduces spend on technology infrastructure
Cost advantages because of ‘Pay for Use’
Improve security/ Disaster Recovery Plans
Easier to share & collaborate with others
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Benefits
Other benefits include:
Scalable & flexible - you only pay for the resources you use
Improved accessibility
Globalise your workforce cheaply
Manage ‘Big Data’
Automatic software updates
Security
Decreased deployment time
Increased protection against computer failures & network outages
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Benefits
Someone else is responsible for your data
Your data could be anywhere
Cyberattacks & insider threats
Legal liability
Lack of standardisation
Lack of support
Ownership of data
Moving to a new cloud provider 9
Risks
Privacy Commissioner’s cloud computing checklist for small business
Click the image to the right to view this great guide
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Mitigating the Risks
Know what info you’ll put in the cloud
Encrypt your data – in transit and in storage
Check out potential providers (audits, breaches, certifications & memberships, compliance with industry specific standards, downtime history, company stability, customer support)
Compare contracts (termination clauses, breaches, clarity, accountability, data management)
Find out where your data will be stored (country, privacy laws, management of government requests)
Determine who will have access to your data (3rd parties and their contracts)
Complete the Privacy Commissioner’s checklist (previous slide)
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Mitigating the Risks
Moving to the Cloud
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Cloud Services
Cloud services are generally grouped into 3 categories;
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
Enterprise infrastructure, cloud hosting, virtual data centres
Operating systems, server software, storage, network access, hosting
Software e.g. Microsoft 365, Google Gmail, Xero, Dropbox.
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Examples of cloud based software:
Financial Accounting Software
Sales Software
HR & Payroll Software
Storage Software
Email Software
Instant Messaging
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More on SaaS
Id your needs▫ What do you want to achieve?▫ What problems are you solving?▫ Don’t replace ‘like for like’ – investigate how it can transform
Do your research▫ Talk to others in your industry, mentors, research online, will your current Internet
connection allow easy fast access to data in the cloud?▫ Seek independent advice
Compare Cloud Providers – pros/cons list
Narrow your list to 2 or 3▫ Take advantage of free trials to double-check service will meet your needs▫ Talk to other businesses using them
Select your provider & plan implementation carefully▫ Consider resourcing, budget, testing etc
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Moving to the Cloud –where to start
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Comparing Providers –Considerations
Customer support
• Can you contact them when you want?• Can you speak to a person?• Response & resolution times?• Metrics provided?
Costs • What is the monthly fee?• What are the costs to migrate data?• Are there support fees?• What other fees are there?
Organisation • Reputation• Where are they based? Where are there
servers?• How long have they been in business?• What is their downtime history?
Scalability • How easy is it to add services?• How easy is it to add data?• How easy is it to add users?
Migration • How does this process work?• Do they need to integrate with your
existing systems?• How would they do that?• If the agreement is terminated how
would they migrate to another provider?
Data • How do they protect your data?• Who ‘owns it’?• Who can gain access to the data?• How will they deal with government
requests?• Are you notified if someone accesses
your data?
Contract • Is it clear & enforceable?• Does it include pricing, contract length?• What are the termination clauses?• What accountability do they have?• What will they do if things go wrong?• Will you be notified of a breach?• What happens to your data if they go
under?
Security • What certifications and/or memberships do they have
• What country are they in and what are the privacy lawsWhat contracts do they have with 3rd
party providers & are the security protections the same?
• How do they deal with breaches?• Are they independently audited?
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Case Studies
Click here for a video case study (2min 42sec) of a SME using cloud based
accounting system
Click here for a video case study (2min 41sec) of a cloud based job management
system