What is Amazon’s (AWS) “Glacier” storage solution?

Data storage has become one of the preeminent areas of focus and interest in recent times. Aside from the monumental piles of information that individual users are collectively adding to the internet on a daily basis, businesses and corporations too are accumulating data at a feverish pace. However, all data is now created equal; some bits and bytes are simply more useful than others. Amazon’s “Glacier” storage solution presents what is arguably the most cost effective approach for archiving rarely accessed data. Glacier Cloud Computing

Basically, Glacier allows you to get Gigabyte’s worth of storage space for pennies on the dollar (per month). In fact, Amazon is actually advertising 1 GB of storage per month at a cost of $0.01. This is assuming of course that you have the right type of data for the Glacier service and are looking for more of an archiving solution.

Who is the ideal Glacier user? Simply put, Glacier is not designed to facilitate conventional storage or bandwidth-heavy remote access for those building social media-like sites. The tradeoff for the ultra affordable cost of Glacier is its slower access speeds. Research organizations which routinely gather large volumes of data when carrying out studies are among the type of groups that might greatly benefit from Glacier. But it’s not just those in the scientific field that will be able to use this wonderful new solution, virtually any business that needs to store large amounts of data in the long-term will find Amazon’s new service to be “right up their alley”.

In terms of focus, Glacier isn’t about short-term planning, Amazon has already stated that this new approach to data archiving is designed to help maintain information throughout the century! That’s right, Amazon is taking big steps here, they might very well be laying the blueprints for something much bigger than we presently realize. As more and more corporations continue to expand, assimilate, monopolize and establish their long-term survivability, they also need comparable storage solutions that can also survive the ages. Glacier it seems is perfectly suited for organizations that have broader goals in mind which require more time to achieve.

However, there are still those who are vehemently challenging Amazon and Glacier, companies that specialize in data archiving in particular seem to be quite frightened. In the cloud computing world, businesses that concentrate on recovery and backup are fairly common and are often paired up with cloud vendors as well. The main fear is that Amazon will put all of these smaller organizations out of business, which could in turn greatly slow down development in those key areas. The reasoning behind this proposition is quite simple; everyone starts turning to Glacier because it’s really cheap and can act as a sort of backup solution, which in turn, slows down (or halts) the growth of businesses that are on the cutting edge of devising better recovery / backup solutions for cloud computing. In other words, while there will be a great short-term benefit in terms of lower costs, we might miss out on those new developments and/or applications of technology that would have been applied in the field of data recovery. Naturally, this is all speculative of course, but there is a definitive link between data archiving and backup / restoration that cannot be overlooked.  

For those that are eager to begin using Amazon’s Glacier service, any problems encountered will likely be due to transportation or migration of data. Basically, the hardest part of getting started with Glacier is going to be physically getting gigabyte’s worth of data into their infrastructure. You might very well have to spend extra on labor (large amounts of time spent uploading) and any bandwidth-related costs (from your cloud / internet / etc. provider(s). These types of unexpected costs can become quite high if we’re talking about really incredible amounts of data (multiple terabytes and so forth). Once again however, if long-term storage is an absolute necessity you’re not likely to find a more reasonably affordable solution than Glacier.

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Are you running a Cloud Computing operation?  Or, are you planning on implementing a Cloud-based IT solution? You need quick, affordable & accessible certification for your employees
In any situation, you need the right tools for the job, correct? Given that cloud computing is replacing traditional IT, it would seem that the time has come to begin looking at your upgrade options, assuming you haven’t done so already of course. One of the most overlooked aspects of any cloud adoption / transition is the skill and comprehension level of IT employees. This is true for a majority of businesses; groups often think that they’re fully prepared, yet tend to be lacking when it comes to specific forms of cloud training, general certification and specialty education (like IaaS). Getting things back on the right rack is simple however; you only need to visit theartofservice.com. Don’t let your organization falter in the face of the cloud, get prepared!

Unisys and Interoute are bringing us a new type of IaaS

Some things are just destined to be together because they work so well together, take ice cream and cake for example. This is the kind of situation that exists between Interoute and Unisys.  Interoute’s IaaS (also called “virtual data centre”) is a unique take on this type of model; it works just like any other form of IaaS, but is actually capable of being deployed as either a private or public cloud. VDC is basically an all-in-one solution when it comes to cloud computing as storage, apps, and hosting are all covered. Additionally, Unisys’s attached management tool put a great deal of power into the hands of users and allows them to both quickly set things up as well as fine-tune their infrastructure.

What is it that’s setting this new partnered form of IaaS apart from others, you ask?  To make a long story short, it is security abilities. In essence, this new IaaS service is among the best in the world when it comes to scalability, but all of this power won’t come at the cost of security. As previously mentioned, Interoute’s VDC allows for shifts between public and private cloud scenarios. So, you can access thousands of remotely positioned servers, yet also engage them as if you were utilizing private cloud-type security. Quite simply, this is a bit like “having your cake and eating it too” (to use an oft-quoted phrase). Clients get all of the benefits of an extended network of remotely positioned servers with virtually none of the drawbacks associated with security lapses.

Another interesting facet of this partnership is Interoute’s forward-thinking attitude toward impending European cloud commission legislation. Basically, users are able to pick and choose exactly what servers they want to tap based on what country they are located in. Once more formal conditions for cloud computing operations emerge; there will likely be a slightly confusing period of adoption to contend with where cross-border agreements are concerned. In this way, the Interoute and Unisys partnership is helping to provide potential solutions for disagreements which might crop up amidst cloud computing vendors across the Europe.

It is these types of new partnerships which are doing a great deal to boost cloud computing sales and steer future developments toward “greener pastures”. As you are probably already aware, specific companies are often better in certain areas. In other words, company A might produce this awesome application for the cloud which everyone wants, and company B might possess the most stable form of infrastructure for deploying it. To say that it’s in the best interests of both companies to work together in bringing this app to consumers is an understatement. At the very least they should be forging a partnership to boost their own business interests and capabilities.

That was of course, a very specific and simple example, but it illustrates an important point about the cloud computing world, which is that there needs to be even more collaboration taking place. Unlike the networking / computing model of the past, cloud computing actually offers cloud providers a very unique opportunity to form strategic partnerships. This is largely due to the fact that, in the past, alliances between these types of service companies could only be facilitated through the production of software.

Well, when you begin factoring in the costs associated with producing software and the tangled web of control that will result from trying to enable two separate organizations to work together, the end results aren’t usually worth the trouble. In the cloud however, one business can create their own service / app in their own “vacuum” and simply allow the second business to experiment with deploying it in their environment (or vice-versa). Then, once a suitable arrangement has been reached, it’s only a matter of simply making this new offering available to potential customers.

What does all of this add up to, you might be wondering? In a nutshell, partnerships like those forged between Interoute and Unisys are actually helping to make business-focused cloud computing much simpler. For example, IaaS has been the infrastructure of choice for businesses across the board, but it’s not perfect, especially when it comes to shifts between private and public “clouding” and the addition of servers. At the end of the day it’s really about options. This new type of emerging service gives its consumers even more control and options to choose from than ever before. However, it’s important to note that we’re not talking about options on one level; it is greater control over both interior and exterior variables (infrastructure design and hardware usage). IaaS from Unisys and Interoute

If your organization wants to take advantage of cloud computing, IaaS or even jump into areas like cloud app development, you’re going to need some qualified personnel, right? Currently, online cloud certification programs are “all the rage” because they allow businesses to bring their IT staff up to par without having to invest a fortune in the process. You can’t afford to ignore this crucial component of any successful cloud operation.

Smaller businesses now have access to High Performance Computing, thanks to the Cloud

We seem to be moving forward into a new age. Access to what should be considered “upper-level technology” is becoming possible for virtually any size business. In the past, being able to leverage something like high performance computing (HPC) meant that an organization was going to have to invest fairly large sums of capital into building their own system. Those days are gone. Thanks to the cloud, performing more extensive and involved computing operations is not only possible, these resources can often be tapped without the need for significant investment.

So, just what is high performance computing and what are some of its potential uses, you ask? For a long time, HPC has been something that was reserved for very large companies or institutions that can afford to purchase supercomputers. Research groups who routinely analyze large volumes of data and large corporations that need to process a great number of sales (perhaps online orders and storage of customer data) are among those that have use for high performance computing. But who’s to say that only the “big boys” should get to have all the fun, eh? Though smaller businesses might not generally need to store and analyze genomic data for complex bio-genetic research, there are still many ways in which they might use HPC.

Improving upon known systems and processes is something that is always going to be in high demand, but we seem to be witnessing a form of exponential growth as far as cloud computing is concerned. We simply don’t know how these hundreds of smaller businesses which are emerging to take advantage of HPC are going to use the technology. However, one thing is certain, smaller businesses tend to focus more intently upon individual details, technologies and products, often improving them in ways that larger organizations never even consider. When you consider the fevered pace with which modern tech is growing, it’s obvious that there will likely be an increased demand for high performance computing emerging (anyway).

Going back to research groups using cloud computing to help with analysis of large data sets, what if we see more scientists (and smaller research groups) breaking off and going rogue? One of the things that have always prevented scientific researchers from implementing ideas themselves has been restrictions in terms of access to expensive tools. Cloud Computing’s high performance capabilities offer fairly inexpensive access to research assets that your average scientist can now take advantage of. In short, yet another control mechanism has been broken thanks to cloud computing. Instead of scientists being entirely at the mercy of large corporations (who might seek to use their research for purposes that run contrary to their direction or values), they now have more options and might even find a better home with a smaller organization.

The end result (of more users of high performance computing going independent) is likely to spur miniature technological revolutions of sorts. Already we’ve seen smaller businesses impact the cloud market in very big ways, with most of them quickly becoming major companies within a couple years. What is the reason that these types of organizations are making waves? Well, most of them start off with a unique idea or approach to some aspect of the delivery or improvement of cloud computing (or some type of corresponding service). The point is, you don’t have to be a major corporation to develop and/or bring cutting edge concepts to the market thanks to cloud computing’s more affordable approach to HPC.

Now is the time for scientists and professionals to more forward and explore more independent ventures. Certainly there are some things which are only made possible through the direct effort of larger corporations (no one in their right mind would deny their overall usefulness to society), but they’re often too isolated. In other words, the bigger an organization is, the more detached it generally is from the viewpoints and insight possessed by those at the “ground level”.

When you consider that most cloud computing technologies and services are now moving to target individual consumers / users, it only makes sense that more developmental ideas should also flow from more commonly held perspectives. Ideas or concepts like Facebook and Youtube for example (both of which make use of cloud tech), were started by small groups of individuals that were not connected to multi-national corporations. Both of these companies eventually grew into the powerhouses that they are today and are now an integral part of the global fabric. The bottom line is, there are still plenty of opportunities out there for smaller businesses and groups to innovate on a large scale, and HPC is one of the best tools available to help you achieve such goals.

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Seeking stability while you upgrade your cloud capabilities?  
Most businesses that are connected to the tech world (in any way) are moving to implement cloud computing infrastructure. This is largely because of the economic benefits and increased capabilities which they hope to leverage. However, the upgrade plans of competitors also might play a role in one’s move to implement the cloud. Where there is pressure there is also increased drive, which can lead to a rushed cloud adoption / transition. In order to counteract any instabilities one might face as they switch over to the cloud it is advised that an organization explore more advanced cloud training and certification programs for its tech and IT personnel. It’s not simply about keeping adoption stable; it’s also about averting risk and capitalizing on opportunities as they emerge. For businesses that are new to the cloud, IaaS specialist certifications and conventional cloud certification packages should be among the top areas of focus.

More and more IT professionals are plugging into Cloud Computing

For a long time, the professional IT world has been very slow to embrace cloud computing. It’s not short-sidedness or fear that’s been driving IT workers away from cloud computing in the past either. Many in various tech fields thought that the introduction of cloud computing might herald the end of the road (or need) for traditional IT. Now that enough time has passed so as to allow the IT community to digest more of what the cloud is about, we’re seeing tons of IT professionals stepping forward and embracing the technology. IT professionals on Cloud Computing 

According to some expert insiders (and some statistics gathered throughout the US), almost half of all IT employees are either currently involved in working with cloud computing or have been training in at least one of its major areas of concentration. In other words, the scales seem to be tipping in favor of the cloud. Now, if we can just think back (or peruse) upon some of the articles and statements made over the last several years (that wanted to indicate that cloud computing is ineffectual or would “never catch on”) we can paint ourselves a much clearer mental picture of what’s actually happened. The truth it seems, is that cloud computing is slowly replacing traditional IT in terms of infrastructure and individual capabilities.

However, this should not a time of mourning for IT professionals, on the contrary, the IT field is growing at an accelerated pace and is becoming more integral to the goals of most businesses. Responsibility is the key word here; IT workers are entering a new phase where they might actually have more of an impact upon their organization in terms of duties. As you are probably already aware, IT has traditionally been a “back office” sector, something that is needed, but existed only to provide functionality and didn’t normally participate in (or factor into) most decision making processes. Since technology is taking more of a dominant role in today’s marketplace, it only makes sense that the group in charge of managing technology for a business might need to play a more active role. After all, if a group of IT workers can devise a solution or design a product that will bring potential success to their organization, shouldn’t they be participating in a greater capacity?

Businesses are also waking up to the enormous benefits of cloud computing (both technologically and monetarily). Naturally, as more companies rush to implement cloud computing systems the demand for more qualified IT personnel will also spike upwards. At this point there are probably some IT pros that are getting nervous, right? The fear being that their career training might be redundant or that they’re simply out-of-touch with what’s going on in cloud computing. While these are valid concerns, the truth is that virtually any IT professional can easily and cheaply prepare themselves for a career in cloud computing through E-learning or, online education & certification.

There are essentially two facets to preparing for a cloud-based career move:

1. Absorbing the cloud knowledge base through training
2. Achieving some form of valid certification

In order to truly grasp cloud computing, it’s important to explore its foundations; certainly no one could argue against that.  While this type of education and training will go far towards showing employers that you understand the technology that you’re working with (in addition to actually being able to complete your daily duties), it is certification that looks best on a resume’.  

There are also other areas in which IT workers who are interested in cloud computing can explore, one of which is extremely valuable. I’m speaking of course about IaaS specialist training and certification. For all intents and purposes, it looks like IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) is going to serve as the flagship model for businesses who want to utilize cloud computing but want to employ their own IT department to do so. In a nutshell, IaaS is arguably the most IT career-friendly forms of cloud computing out there. Quite simply, all of the fears of years gone past about cloud computing making IT jobs redundant have been laid to rest by the emergence of IaaS (thankfully).

For those that are currently (or soon to be) employed in an IT-like capacity, it’s imperative that you explore and adapt some form of cloud computing education so that you’ll be better prepared. Employers are turning to the cloud, so are governments, universities and just about every other organization you can think of; you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize that this will create a demand for IT pros with cloud-specific skills. For those that realize this and capitalize on it now a much brighter future awaits.

Microsoft seeks to further establish Cloud Computing technology in China

According to recent stats and declarations in various tech publications, Asia is lagging behind North America where cloud computing is concerned. Aside from budgetary reasons, there are a number of cloud-specific issues that seem to be slowing down growth in this area (for the East). A lack of shared established regulations and compliance literature across the region has, for example, made it harder to set up clouds that can function in multiple Asian countries. Likewise, some governments might also see the cloud as some form of threat to the sovereignty of their data, because they lack understanding when it comes to cloud security.  Microsoft and Cloud Computing

Regardless of the current situation, Microsoft is stepping up and seeking to firmly establish cloud computing in China. It only makes sense for a behemoth organization like Microsoft to push the cloud in China, as it is fast becoming the world’s largest market on multiple fronts. Also, many economists are predicting that China might very well soon be the holder of the world’s reserve currency. At any rate, the Red Dragon of the East is a major player on the world stage and represents an enormous potential where cloud computing markets are concerned.

Microsoft is basically trying to capitalize on China’s growing markets, and they’re doing this in several different ways. For starters, they’re planning on adding around 1000 new regional workers who will perform support, enterprise and research duties (adding to the 4000+ employees who are already there). Additionally, the overall amount of capital that MS is going to invest directly in China-based research is poised to increase by around 15% as well. Many different cities are being targeted for expansion as well, comprising around 20 urban areas and 15 provinces.

Around 75%-80% of the research currently being carried out by Microsoft in China is actually destined for international applications. This is to say that the more immediate Chinese markets that are closer geographically, aren’t really being serviced at all. Needless to say, these recent moves are seeking to change that.

This is essentially Microsoft’s attempt at both helping China while at the same time setting up a means to capture emerging tech markets and sell/promote their products. Just what is MS seeking to sell, exactly? Well, aside from the groundbreaking Windows Server 2012, there is also Office 365, Windows 8 and Windows Azure. All of these products feature or utilize cloud-based technologies and cover a very wide range of potential uses as well. Moreover, Office 2013 is going to be released soon, which could change the way cloud computing is perceived (and used) on a daily basis….perhaps.

One of the reasons that cloud computing services might fare well for Microsoft in China has to do with software piracy. It has been extremely difficult for MS to capitalize on Chinese markets over the years due to the rampant theft of software; which happens to be more commonplace than in other parts of the world. Well, one of the great things about cloud computing is that it is essentially a metered service, this is to say that ownership of software is generally transferred to (or withheld by) vendors. Cloud computing basically rewrites the rules when it comes to software piracy, and if it takes hold in China, Microsoft could very well see their profits expand and grow far beyond their expectations. Of those businesses or enterprises in china that already use some form of cloud service, it has been estimated that up to around 40% of them are already using Microsoft-based software for private clouds.  

On the Window’s OS front, China has more or less fully embraced Windows 8, and was one of the first-tier countries to gain access to the beta preview. Once you realize that Windows 8 is a cloud powerhouse which contains several stand-alone cloud products/services, it’s clear that there is great potential for capturing additional sales there. Furthermore, virtually all of Microsoft’s future ventures like the Windows Phone 8 (and others) will utilize cloud technologies. Basically, MS is setting things up so that they can (monopolize on and) merge the Chinese markets for Windows products, cloud computing and corresponding devices. If they play their cards right, it will be a very profitable venture indeed.

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From Cloud Computing to IaaS and beyond, E-learning and Certification are Very Smart Investments when it comes to IT
At this point in the ongoing development of cloud computing it is becoming increasingly obvious that it is going to replace traditional approaches to IT (if not personal computing as well). Businesses across the globe are tuning into this reality and starting to look at their current operations in greater detail, seeking to find out if they’re really prepared for cloud computing adoption. Aside from budgetary and technical considerations, cloud certification and education for IT employees should be your top priority if you’re transitioning to the cloud. Simply put, there is no substitution for employees that know how cloud computing works and are able to utilize its technologies. If you’re looking for a place to start, IaaS specialist certification is an excellent choice, due to the growing popularity and importance of IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service).