Cloud Computing for Business – Secure, Scalable & Flexible

Overview

The cloud is storage for your data online.

The cloud delivers hosted services over an internet connection, so you access your computing resources as utilities, instead of having to buy them outright.

The cloud is available in three forms: Public, Private and Hybrid.

You gain a very broad range of business benefits when you move to a cloud-based solution, which is why a rapidly growing number of organisations – of all sizes and types – are embracing the cloud.

Cloud Computing – Key Drivers

Cost Reduction

Reduced and in many cases entirely absent purchase of both hardware and software.

Scalability

Services usually provided on a monthly per user basis, so you can scale up and down as needed.

Capacity

Virtually unlimited in size and scope, removing space and storage issues

Opex versus Capex

large upfront costs are replaced by more easily manageable monthly subscriptions

Ubiquity

Access anywhere, anytime

Service Guarantee

We provide SLAs (Service Level Agreements) around the various cloud/hosted solutions we offer

Data back-up

Data and applications are stored in secure, high-availability Data Centres, bringing peace of mind.

Implementation

Setting up and integrating new services and applications into an existing enterprise environment can be a complex process that can take months to implement. With cloud-based services, you can often sign up and start using the service instantly. This gives you immediate access and frees up your IT staff to work on other projects.

Connecting to the Cloud

Accessing the cloud is usually quicker than remote connection to your own servers, due to high-bandwidth connectivity at the Data Centres. However, poor internet at your end can hamper your use of these services. So let us help you select the best data line for your needs and budget.

Private, Public, Hybrid

Public cloud uses the internet to make resources publicly available, with hardware and application costs covered by the Service Provider and charged on a pay-per-use basis.

Limitations revolve around configuration, service-level guarantees and security so may not suit all applications and organisations.

Private Cloud is owned by a single company, offering the Cloud benefits of scalability, flexibility and automation, while allowing control over security. It does not have the same level of economies of scale as Public Cloud, so it is usually the preserve of large organisations, particularly those driven by compliance issues.

Hybrid Cloud allows companies to run a private cloud, while also using a public cloud as and when its needed. (for example in peak periods or during predictable outages.)

The Financial Case

Financial advantages of cloud adoption include: reduced on-site equipment, software and maintenance; energy savings; a shift to an opex model.

Many companies do have legacy systems to be considered. There is also a tipping point in the financial viability of some Cloud services. We will work with you to calculate these various factors and strategise the best infrastructure for you.

Many of your existing applications are available as a cloud-based service. We can support and guide you, taking first steps toward transition.