Cloud computing fundamentals
IT is a fashion industry, and cloud computing is the new black. Currently at the height of its hype, it will suffer a backlash before becoming fully mainstream and established, by which time a new phrase will have captured the imagination of IT pundits.
Some fashions are longer lasting than others. Cloud computing as a term may have a use-by date, but the technical, operational, and commercial innovations behind it are here to stay. Cloud computing is a real innovation in the logic of how IT is sourced and managed and how services are delivered, and its use will grow steadily over the next 12 months. It is no longer a question of whether or not enterprises will use cloud computing, they already are. However, it is still early days for both suppliers and users, many of which have yet to figure out how to take advantage of the various elements of cloud computing. There are plenty of early-adopter benefits to be gained, despite the variety of challenges that cloud computing puts in their way. Taking advantage of the new capabilities of cloud computing requires a change of mindset and the learning of new skills, both of which are better done on the basis of practical experience than academic discussion. Getting hands-on with the cloud is the best way to understand its strengths and weaknesses and its impact.
Some fashions are longer lasting than others. Cloud computing as a term may have a use-by date, but the technical, operational, and commercial innovations behind it are here to stay. Cloud computing is a real innovation in the logic of how IT is sourced and managed and how services are delivered, and its use will grow steadily over the next 12 months. It is no longer a question of whether or not enterprises will use cloud computing, they already are. However, it is still early days for both suppliers and users, many of which have yet to figure out how to take advantage of the various elements of cloud computing. There are plenty of early-adopter benefits to be gained, despite the variety of challenges that cloud computing puts in their way. Taking advantage of the new capabilities of cloud computing requires a change of mindset and the learning of new skills, both of which are better done on the basis of practical experience than academic discussion. Getting hands-on with the cloud is the best way to understand its strengths and weaknesses and its impact.
SUMMARY
Definition
Impact
Ovum view
Key messages
BUSINESS IMPACT
Cloud computing
Overview
Benefits
Private clouds
Overview
Benefits
Public clouds
Overview
Benefits
IaaS public clouds
Overview
Benefits
PaaS public clouds
Overview
Benefits
SaaS public clouds
Overview
Benefits
Hybrid clouds
Overview
Benefits
SELECTION CRITERIA
Cloud computing
Private clouds
Public clouds
IaaS public clouds
PaaS public clouds
SaaS public clouds
Hybrid clouds
SOLUTION MATURITY
Cloud computing
Private clouds
Public clouds
IaaS public clouds
PaaS public clouds
SaaS public clouds
Hybrid clouds
DEPLOYMENT AND MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Cloud computing
Private clouds
Public clouds
IaaS public clouds
PaaS public clouds
SaaS public clouds
Hybrid clouds
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for enterprises
Be specific
Consider whether you are ready for cloud computing, not just whether cloud computing is ready for you
Adopt a holistic approach to public, private, and hybrid clouds
Take your time, but start now
Head up, take stock, and create your own recipes
Look at cloud computing with a fresh eye
Cloud computing will make IT more complex
Public clouds can reduce costs but need to be scrutinized
Practicality is more important than lower costs
Always have a “plan B”
Recommendations for vendors
Weave cloud computing into your strategy
Adopt lock-in risk-mitigation strategies
Focus on why customers should rather than can
Improve and diversify SLAs
Be transparent and proactive
Help enterprises make the right technology and design choices
Help users’ governance efforts
APPENDIX
Methodology
Ask the analyst
Further reading
Definition
Impact
Ovum view
Key messages
BUSINESS IMPACT
Cloud computing
Overview
Benefits
Private clouds
Overview
Benefits
Public clouds
Overview
Benefits
IaaS public clouds
Overview
Benefits
PaaS public clouds
Overview
Benefits
SaaS public clouds
Overview
Benefits
Hybrid clouds
Overview
Benefits
SELECTION CRITERIA
Cloud computing
Private clouds
Public clouds
IaaS public clouds
PaaS public clouds
SaaS public clouds
Hybrid clouds
SOLUTION MATURITY
Cloud computing
Private clouds
Public clouds
IaaS public clouds
PaaS public clouds
SaaS public clouds
Hybrid clouds
DEPLOYMENT AND MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Cloud computing
Private clouds
Public clouds
IaaS public clouds
PaaS public clouds
SaaS public clouds
Hybrid clouds
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for enterprises
Be specific
Consider whether you are ready for cloud computing, not just whether cloud computing is ready for you
Adopt a holistic approach to public, private, and hybrid clouds
Take your time, but start now
Head up, take stock, and create your own recipes
Look at cloud computing with a fresh eye
Cloud computing will make IT more complex
Public clouds can reduce costs but need to be scrutinized
Practicality is more important than lower costs
Always have a “plan B”
Recommendations for vendors
Weave cloud computing into your strategy
Adopt lock-in risk-mitigation strategies
Focus on why customers should rather than can
Improve and diversify SLAs
Be transparent and proactive
Help enterprises make the right technology and design choices
Help users’ governance efforts
APPENDIX
Methodology
Ask the analyst
Further reading
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Cloud computing: slow-moving convergence
Figure 1: Cloud computing: slow-moving convergence
