Is IaaS the best place for businesses seeking to get started in cloud computing?

Cloud computing presents organizations with so many options that it is almost impossible for them to know what area to jump into first. By now you’ve probably encountered the terms SaaS and PaaS (Software-as-a-Service & Platform-as-a-Service), perhaps you’re wondering why IaaS is generally seen as “the only choice” over these types of models?

In terms of actual use(s), SaaS is the most readily accessible form of cloud computing, but its reach is somewhat limited in all actuality. Basically, SaaS is loosely defined as the use of any software through a cloud. As with almost every other form of cloud computing, SaaS is also generally deployed as a metered service; you pay for access to the software, really. There are so many examples of SaaS out there and virtually all businesses will encounter it at some point if they’re not already using some form of it right now that is.

However, SaaS is not a complete IT solution by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, you could think of SaaS as being akin to a single service offering, something that performs one task (or group of tasks) very well. Simply put, SaaS doesn’t comprise any form of extensive infrastructure that can be used for running extensive cloud-based hardware, SaaS is generally seen as just another virtualization process that’s delivered to customers a la carte’.

Then of course you have PaaS, which is a major leap forward from SaaS in terms of overall abilities. But PaaS isn’t generally used by businesses to run their IT operations (internally or externally). Sure, PaaS can be boxed up and packaged so that it can function as a complete cloud computing offering / solution, but what we actually find is that businesses like to use it for development instead. In truth, PaaS closely resembles IaaS in a number of ways, but is not nearly as flexible when it comes to overall control.

PaaS offerings are typically set in stone and offered by vendors who plan on managing users’ cloud service(s) themselves. Additionally, most PaaS solutions are generally accessible through a browser. If you have an organization that requires multitudes of individuals working together in developing something (software is a good example), PaaS will allow for an increasing number of participants with little to no problems. However, PaaS is itself not really a completely whole or flexible cloud-based IT solution; and it certainly doesn’t allow for more complete management of infrastructure from the point-of-view of the user.

Where the other two models fall short, IaaS goes long. IaaS encapsulates all other layers (PaaS and SaaS), can be deployed as a complete IT solution, and affords the absolute greatest control of any available model. In other words, if an organization wants to replace their IT assets with IaaS, they can do so without losing too much direct control over the actual management of their infrastructure. Naturally, they’ll still have to contend with their provider(s) handling the direct management, upkeep and on-site physical security, but these are generally more expensive issues anyway and better left to them. In fact, being able to trim costs associated with the upkeep of hardware (or even software) is pretty major, through statistical surveys we often find that the budgets of businesses are being ate up by incessant upgrade costs.

IaaS and cloud computing have the ability to completely change the relationship between a business and its IT department. Through the cloud, an organization can actually save (via reduced energy consumption and the suspending of necessary hardware/software upgrades) extraordinary amounts while at the same time, increasing their abilities. From this standpoint, IaaS is more than a good investment, it is a game changer. Likewise, due to the nature of frequent change (in cloud computing), newer forms of applications and software are emerging all the time which have the potential to propel certain areas of a business operation (far) forward (almost overnight in some cases).

These are just a few of the reasons why companies are flocking to cloud computing and IaaS, there are also some groundbreaking developments going on which seek to rewrite the rules yet again. For instance, there are new types of IaaS coming onto the scene which will allow businesses to quickly switch the orientation of their cloud from public to private. This is beneficial in that it will allow organizations to employ forms of security which might only be used in one of the aforementioned configurations.

Without a doubt, IaaS offerings should be explored by companies who are seeking either upgrades to their existing service or those who are even first time users. Properly utilizing IaaS however will likely depend on how well versed your IT personnel are with regards to IaaS training as well as cloud computing (certification) in general.

Dell Cloud Dedicated emerges as a good choice for IaaS

Currently, when people think IaaS, they’re likely to see only Amazon’s EC2 (elastic cloud compute). This is because EC2 really changed all the rules, it allows for a more pure cloud computing experience that’s all encompassing and fairly easy-to-understand. One of the big constants that have emerged over the last several years (with regards to cloud computing) is the dominance of Amazon and AWS (Amazon Web Services) in general. What does this have to do with Dell and their cloud services, you ask? Well, as it turns out, there are very few companies that have the ideas, resources or sheer bravado to challenge Amazon’s dominance in the cloud market. Dell Cloud Dedicated appears to be poised to give the great online retailer / cloud computing giant a little competition in the IaaS department.

Here are some things that Dell Cloud Dedicated has going for it:  

1. Perfect for all office-like applications
2. Dell actually handles management of the infrastructure
3. Was designed to make room for emerging apps / software
4. You have various networking and storage options to choose from (which can be added to your package)
5. Allows for more pointed design of cloud infrastructure that can be used to support one’s outsourcing operation(s)
6. Access to private cloud computing resources can be painlessly added
7. Provides Hybrid Cloud abilities through connectivity with services like VMware.
8. Servers can be assigned to individual customers
9. There are unique service options available which can be added
10. A completely metered service on all levels (you only pay for what you use)

Basically, Dell Cloud Dedicated is meeting the challenges of the cloud on two separate fronts – immediate capabilities and prepared environment for future abilities. This awareness of the ‘present & future paradigm’ is what makes Dell’s cloud service a contender.

As technology moves forward, we must realize that the actual work or aim of production largely remains unchanged. This is to say that average businesses don’t often come up with entirely new products or types of services; they simply find new ways of accomplishing more well-known tasks. For example, there are plenty of parallels between physical retailers and their online counterparts; at the end of the day, they’re both still selling the same products however (just going about it in two entirely different ways).

However, innovations in approach can make all the difference in the world. But after all is said and done, computing resources are still going to be used to help customers and employees navigate inventory, track sales, etc… The point is, while business itself never really changes, the technology associated with how it is carried out does. Innovations like IaaS allow organizations to approach their internal and external operations from a position of power, stability, security and control, which ultimately translates into benefits for the consumer (through better products, service, access and development).

One of the aforementioned items which make Dell Cloud Dedicated a significant threat to the big cloud vendors (like Amazon) is its ability to incorporate private and hybrid cloud elements. As we continue to witness cloud technology exploding in every direction, the importance of being able to quickly “turn-on-a-dime” and employ a new approach is going to become very essential. Simply put, there are specific abilities and benefits which only private cloud computing can offer. Through DCD, it is possible to quickly leverage these benefits while sacrificing no part of one’s original infrastructure or setup. This is just one example of the sort of power that’s emerging from newer forms of cloud computing infrastructure.

For those businesses that employ IaaS specialists and/or those with basic to extensive cloud computing training and certification, Dell’s Cloud Dedicated solution is akin to a “missing part of the puzzle” which can be used to build a more stable and functional IT operation. At this point it’s unclear as to whether or not Dell’s cloud solution will give Amazon and EC2 a run for their money, but it should be known that it is still very comparable. This is generally (always) very good news for consumers because a greater number of providers often leads fluctuations in overall service costs, which ultimately creates more competitive pricing.

Online ordering and the ability to choose from pre-configured bundles or from a list of on-demand services is another facet of the Dell Cloud Dedicated service. Dell is really going out of their way to provide its users with options galore while at the same time ensuring the strength of each potential offering. Likewise, they are prepared to handle all necessary infrastructure management issues and are employing a security approach that makes use of real-time monitoring (via SecureWorks) as well. Whether or not Dell will really give Amazon some competition remains to be seen, but it should be perfectly clear at this point that Cloud Dedicated should be considered one of the better IaaS choices out there.

Confused about Cloud Computing?

According to recent data, the average person is still in the dark about the Cloud

Chances are, if you ask the average person what cloud computing is and how they feel about it you’re going to get some wildly mixed responses. The fact is, most people still don’t have a clue about the real potential of the cloud and certainly don’t understand what separates the technology from its forerunner(s). In a nutshell, cloud computing constitutes a completely “elastic” (and collective) approach to computing and networking where hardware and/or software are completely centralized. Through a cloud, resources are remotely managed by vendors who offer metered services (which are technically capable of delivering higher performance capabilities) at even lower costs than expected. Simply put, the cloud is an extensive set of resources which automatically shift and mold to meet your requirements.

Generally speaking, when a regular person out there turns their attention to cloud computing, it’s usually through some special service (or site) that they want to take advantage of. There are so many sites / services springing up everywhere which make use of cloud-based technologies; from storage and email, to social media distribution and access, the cloud is driving virtually everything these days.

Perhaps the biggest shortfall in understanding has to do with the relationship between cloud computing and modern IT. To say that cloud computing is (and will continue) having and effect on IT is a bit of an understatement. In truth, the basic approach to IT is morphing into something else entirely, thanks to the cloud. Old rules and limitations are quickly melting away as new cloud-based capabilities continue to emerge on an almost daily basis.

A great example of this innovation is IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service). IaaS allows IT departments and firms to carry out their duties in nearly the same fashion as they are currently used to. The main benefits of IaaS include the ability to leverage the power of private cloud computing while retaining a greater deal of direct control over the service infrastructure. However, what really creates value (in IaaS) is the fact that providers are still tasked with managing and paying for all physical hardware/software updates and issues.

For many businesses, it simply isn’t possible to establish comparable IT systems using only their available budgetary means, and aside from initial costs there are annual / semi-annual upgrade expenditures to contend with as well. Basically, IaaS is akin to outsourcing the hardware buildup and upkeep aspect of an operation; you’re paying for access to someone else’s resources and still get to design and manage the inner workings of the infrastructure itself. *On a side note, businesses and IT professionals that are seeking to delve into IaaS need to strongly consider both standard cloud computing certification as well as IaaS-specific training.

Getting back to how the average person views and uses cloud computing, there is still a great need for increased cloud education (across the globe). People just aren’t grasping how cloud computing benefits us collectively. Arguably, the two biggest perks of the cloud are its:

1. Effect on overall energy savings
2. Ability to deliver cheap access to very extensive processing abilities

In other words, cloud computing is extremely budget-friendly from the perspective of businesses yet is also good for the environment. How is it good for the environment exactly, you might be wondering?  Let’s think about traditional “waterfall” IT for a moment. As you are already aware, this older model relies on an interconnected series of self-contained machines which are often left powered on (all hours of the day and night). Well, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize that if you have dozens (or hundreds / thousands) of machines that are sucking electricity from the grid and aren’t actually performing any work, you’re wasting finances. Likewise, all of this wasted electricity isn’t doing anything good for the environment either. Through cloud computing, it is possible to more accurately pinpoint and direct energy usage; if everyone were to take this approach, just imagine the collective energy we’d save from being wasted.

The other big benefit of the cloud has to do with its actual abilities in terms of processing power. Simply put, there is an almost ridiculous amount of power inherent in cloud computing. Currently, research institutes which routinely process, store and analyze mega-sized (multiple terabytes and beyond) units of data use cloud computing. Why? Because a dedicated cloud is more or less the only thing out there that’s powerful enough to actually perform the duties and calculations required; likewise, it’s one of the most affordable solutions on the market as well. In this manner, cloud computing is actually helping to push higher levels of scientific research forward further than anyone could imagine (just look at NASA and its’ recent use of cloud computing in the ongoing Curiosity mission, for example).

What is the difference between private and hybrid IaaS?

When you think IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service), you’re really thinking about a very specific type of private cloud computing. In your typical IaaS offering for businesses vendors are actually providing their clients with the hardware (and/or software) required to run an entire IT operation. What makes this unique of course is the fact that these types of services (IaaS) usually include the creation of private clouds; either through partition / segregation or physically isolated hardware. In this way, IaaS is generally seen, and often deployed, as one of the most sensible and accessible private cloud solutions out there.

What many might not be aware of however, is the fact that IaaS is now taking advantages of public cloud resources. When you have IaaS (which is largely private) taking advantage of or using public clouds in any way, you’re dealing with “hybrid IaaS”.

One of the big benefits being talked about with regards to Hybrid IaaS is versatility. In other words, Hybrid IaaS is able to take advantage of the good aspects of both private and public clouds. Seriously, what more could one possibly want?

How does hybrid IaaS positively leverage public clouds, you ask? Simply put, public cloud computing is more akin to going to a restaurant and ordering a buffet plate. You pay one price for access to all of the individual items (services), but you can’t exceed the volume of the package you have purchased.

However, public cloud computing isn’t necessarily going to be all-you-can-eat; it is at its heart, a metered service. In other words, you pay for what you actually use (a common cloud theme), often based on hourly rates. Where the public cloud differs however, is in its prices. Quite simply, the public cloud is generally significantly cheaper than other forms of cloud computing; we’re talking cents on the dollar for access to additional servers here (amazing value). Why is this important? For organizations that typically or occasionally perform extensive or tedious research (involving the use of computing), public cloud computing offers a very cost effective way to requisition extensive resources very quickly.

Aside from the size and abilities of the pubic cloud, there’s also the issue of its ability to provide swift access to packaged services. If, for example, a business already has a private IaaS system in place, tapping an extra public cloud component might allow them to take advantage of specific types of apps or new offerings that come onto the market without having to rearrange or even modify their core IT infrastructure. You might see this type of thing occurring when an institution is running what amounts to two separate IT campaigns, perhaps one for internal operations and one that acts as an interface with the public or consumer base at large. The point is, there’s no need for these two types of IT approaches to be dependent on one another, although through the use of hybrid IaaS, one would be able to more easily integrate and analyze data (in a cross-functional capacity). In fact, keeping things separated at the level of internal operations vs. external sales, advertising and customer data processing, allows businesses to create what amounts to an additional security layer (if you really think about it).  If critical / sensitive data and software aren’t even on or accessible via a company’s public interfaces, then malicious attacks or outright theft is impossible.

Hybrid IaaS is also being used to bundle public cloud packages/offerings as individual services which can then be deployed via a private cloud infrastructure. We need more of this type of “outside-the-box” thinking (in the cloud computing world). Being able to utilize the best abilities of multiple cloud computing configurations, while limiting your exposure to their individual weaknesses – it’s enlightening, to say the least. Using a public cloud in this way is also a great way to create security “bottlenecks”, or specific areas which merit more intensive analysis and constant monitoring.

IT department not prepared for cloud computing?  Here’s an affordable and convenient solution for you…
Simply put, having some type of cloud computing training and/or certification is fast-becoming an expectation among those hiring IT personnel (in today’s business world). The truth is, cloud computing is experiencing unprecedented growth and popularity right now. Businesses are saving money, getting things done and providers and expanding technology and turning big profits (not too shabby, especially in a down economy). For the benefit of your business, (as well as for the IT workers) gaining greater insight into the inner workings of the cloud via certification or study in specific areas like IaaS, will only improve everyone’s expectations for the future. Now, you can get quality training at an affordable price through e-learning (group rate discounts are also applicable).

What are some of the long-term benefits that Cloud Computing brings with it?

While a move to cloud computing offers both short and long-term benefits, it is the prospect of receiving lasting paybacks which attracts most businesses. Just what kind of perks are we talking about here? Economics is almost always at the heart of any decision to adopt the cloud; this extends to include many different areas (like software licensing, hardware upgrades and the service itself, which we’ll delve into shortly). However, economics alone doesn’t really push organizations to actively seek out the cloud, increased capabilities on the other hand, most certainly do. Long term benefits with Cloud Computing

Let’s start off by examining some of the economic benefits in the long term. To say that companies typically invest fortunes into software licensing is a bit of an understatement. Some businesses actually devote many millions of dollars (over a 5-10 year period) toward ensuring that their typically used software packages are up-to-date. It’s easy to see why this is undesirable.

First off, the life-span of most software used in a business capacity is quite short. Secondly, there are also labor costs associated with actually installing/updating software (not to mention the lengthy amount time that IT will spend actually performing this task). It’s safe to say that there are much better things that any IT department could, and perhaps should be doing as opposed to laborious tasks like performing software updates. For instance, what happens if an update cycle occurs at the same time as an IT-intensive business project?

One of the really great things about the cloud is that software licensing is often automatically factored into the cost of the service itself. In other words, you pay one price which includes the cost of multiple software licenses which are automatically upgraded for you when the time comes. Likewise, as new software is released, your cloud provider will likely upgrade your system without adding any additional charges to your account (individual policies will vary however).

Hardware is even more expensive to upgrade and maintain than software. Arguably, the biggest value associated with long-term cloud computing stems from the benefits and savings of not having to do your own hardware upgrades or maintenance. For businesses that are very dependent on cutting-edge IT services, spending a ton of money was simply unavoidable until cloud computing become available.

The brisk pace of development in the realm of hardware is well documented and seems to speed up with each passing year. While businesses are certainly excited about the new capabilities which hardware upgrades will bring, the steep costs are painful enough to offset the perks. For a large organization, staying on the cutting edge in terms of hardware might mean spending millions of dollars annually!

Naturally, cloud computing is the alternative to up-front hardware investment and often is able to deliver even more capabilities. Furthermore, it would be the responsibility of your vendor to ensure that the hardware systems are being properly maintained – which is extremely labor-intensive and could also be quite expensive. Aside from the expenses of maintaining a large IT force capable of managing an extensive cloud, providers must also have specialized personnel on hand with very specific training, experience and certification in cloud computing.

On a side note:  if your organization is interested in prepping your IT department with cloud computing training, certification or in a (specialist) area like IaaS – click here.

Then of course you have the benefit of the actual cloud computing service itself. One of the things that make the cloud so cost-effective is the way in which it uses energy (electricity). Unlike in a traditional setup, where machines are usually powered on for long periods of time, sucking energy without actually doing any work, cloud computing offers a more “elastic” approach. Basically, individual machines only need to be powered on or draw upon processing assets if they are actually in use.

Since virtualization plays a big role in cloud computing, the idea that each machine requires its own segregated assets is a thing of the past; now, you can divert resources from virtual machines which are not in use to those that are (and might require some extra horsepower). Moreover, because you no longer have unused machines (or even extensive on-site IT hardware) drawing electricity, annual energy bills will be significantly reduced.  In the long-term, energy reduction savings will be very significant; especially when you consider that worldwide electricity costs are rising.