The pressure for CIOs to reduce costs while increasing efficiencies and ensuring quality to business groups is at an all-time high. Technology leaders have started to address these issues by moving certain operations to the cloud.
But which cloud deployment is better for the enterprise when the main concerns are security, availability and dependency (control of systems)?
We know the cloud allows us to eliminate CAPEX associated with hardware/software and gives us more cost control – as we only pay for what we use. Not to mention, we can reduce risk in terms of disaster recovery and continuity.
Private vs. Public – What are the features of each?
I heard an insightful explanation of private vs. public cloud from my friends at CloudReplica.
The public cloud is like an apartment complex.
- Tenants share utilities and storage
- People only pay for the time they spend there
- It’s easy to pack up and leave when the lease term is done
- There is limited security and customization
- It’s usually cost effective
The private cloud is like owning your own home.
- Utilities and storage are in control of the owner
- Security is designed for the property
- Resources are specifically for the owner
- Completely customizable
- More of an investment than renting or leasing
Enterprise adoption of the cloud
Most enterprises are considering the private cloud as a secure sandbox for testing cloud features. A good example is MD Anderson’s success building a Texas-sized private cloud for running research and data applications.
“The bulk of our clients come in thinking private. They want to understand the cloud, and think it’s best to get their feet wet within their own four walls,” says Joe Coyle, CTO at Capgemini in North America.
Hybrid cloud
It seems a hybrid approach might make the most sense. Consider hosting back office applications in the public cloud and keeping vital functions in house. If you’re an enterprise, your N+ data center is optimal for mission critical applications anyway.
What kind of cloud technologies are you evaluating? Please share examples of cloud adoption that have worked for your business.
