When you think of migrating to the cloud, what comes to mind? Confusion? Feeling overwhelmed?
Well, rest assured, you’re probably already in the cloud – at least to some degree. Newly deployed apps are usually cloud-based, so it is likely that you are working with programs that are served via the cloud. Salesforce management, Customer Relationship Management and Office Management tools core to your business are applications run from the cloud.
Understanding the Cloud (click to tweet)
Cloud is a term that envelops qualities that exist behind a data center. Those qualities include hardware, software and applications creating a converged infrastructure to serve user needs. If you have a data center on-site, you likely have a private cloud system in place. It may not be the most efficient possible, but it is your current cloud structure.
The cloud maximizes the efficiency of shared resources. With cloud computing, users access applications with no reference to the physical servers (or data center) on which they are running.
Separating the server and the application from the data center can free up resources and expand capacity. To improve efficiency, accessibility, storage and security, many move to a new system or cloud infrastructure. Depending on budget, needs and other factors, there is a consideration of whether to keep applications private in a dedicated on-site data center or to outsource it to a public source. Another option is a combination of a private data center and a public source which is a hybrid cloud. This allows for normal services to be provided from an onsite data center with additional resources available at any time via a public source.
Costs of Moving to the Cloud (click to tweet)
Migrating to the cloud usually is a move away from a traditional CAPEX model (Capital Expense—buy the dedicated hardware and depreciate it over a period of time) to the OPEX model (Operational Expense—use shared cloud infrastructure and pay on a consumption basis). It can appear more expensive on a cost per gigabyte basis, however, costs include headcount for administration, troubleshooting, and all of the risks that go along with running a data center.
Starting net-new, it is easier to go to the cloud than to staff up a data center for anticipated needs. With the cloud, a business can easily scale and add resources as needed. The key when moving legacy systems and applications to a new cloud model is to balance business and end-user needs while avoiding disruption to everyday operations.
Your Cloud Configuration Supports Core Values (click to tweet)
Business value considerations when migrating to the Cloud. Aligning with business values can help overcome concerns about migrating to a cloud-based data center. Build your cloud to meet your needs.
Flexibility—with cloud infrastructures, you can grow, shrink, and adjust things on the fly.
Service—you can build qualities into your data center and give that capacity to your customers (think Amazon).
Collaboration—you can add multi-tenancy where your internal customers are sharing that internal structure—private cloud—which is great for larger companies and to give organizations offsite capacity.
Scalability—you can expand the capacity to meet customer demands.
Cost Efficiencies—you only pay for the resources consumed.
Responsiveness—with cloud, you can maximize available resources at a moment’s notice.
Trusting the Cloud (click to tweet)
If you are uncertain about pushing your data and intellectual property into the cloud, consider adopting cloud in phases. You can start by running backup in cloud to save costs and increase flexibility vs backup tape storage. When you recognize the added security and the 24/7 availability of resources, you will build confidence and realize the efficiencies of this infrastructure. This will build trust in expanded options for your data center management needs.
For reassurance of a smooth transition, turn to the experts when moving your data to a new cloud configuration. At cStor, we help plan, organize and orchestrate data center development to maximize efficiencies and minimize downtime. As your partner in data center management, we’re in it for the long haul.
