Transitioning to Cloud Computing might not be (currently) easy,

but it’s worth it, here’s why…

It’s all over the internet, on TV; used by your university, your local government, and perhaps even many of the businesses you rely on for various goods and services. We are of course, talking about cloud computing; which is fast becoming “the” IT infrastructure model of the future. However, despite its acceptance and popularity by large sectors of business, and being embraced by the population to deliver entertainment media, cloud computing “still has some growing up to do” (as the saying goes). Right now, there are perhaps thousands of organizations and institutions which would love to implement cloud technologies but are perhaps not willing to take the chance.

The biggest hurdle facing the cloud computing industry today is getting organizations to enter the transitional phase. Part of the reason why people seem apprehensive about jumping head first into cloud computing has to do with the fact that it is not, as of yet, a perfect discipline. This is to say that there is a great deal of uncertainty as to whether or not it might even be possible for certain businesses to implement “the cloud”. When some group attempts to implement a cloud transition today, there is no definitive model which dictates a strict plan-of-action. In other words, cloud computing is lacking a fully explored methodology for establishing a new infrastructure. Of course there are individuals seeking to produce just such a guide, but it may not be available for some time, which doesn’t really help those seeking to implement their own cloud computing infrastructure in the present.

Does this mean that you should give up and wait for more formal processes of cloud transition to be created? Absolutely not! The hidden truth here is that organizations which are establishing cloud infrastructures right now are setting themselves up to be major competitors in their respective markets. This is especially true for businesses. Likewise, universities and governmental institutions are engaging cloud computing now in order to curtail runaway budgets and deal with the internal challenges that they will face in the coming decades. Businesses however, are the stars of the cloud computing show because they are (or will be) using its technology to forge new services, producing better systems for conducting daily operations, and creating new ways of reaching customers.

When you step back and look at everything from a big picture perspective (cloud computing, its popularity and influence), you begin to notice that there are examples of cloud computing in use in every sector utilizing technology.

This applies to:

• Delivery of  entertainment, media, and gaming to the average consumer
• Businesses upgrading IT assets in order to increase productivity, efficiency while saving capital
• Governmental organizations which are concerned with cutting energy consumption costs while improving inter-office communications and abilities
• Military institutions which see cloud computing as the next logical step in the technological evolution of computing / networking in general

The absolute bottom line is that cloud computing is going to be globally implemented on a very large scale at some point and those businesses and organizations who are transitioning into it right now will become leaders. Even if you own a company and don’t plan on using cloud computing in a competitive fashion (at first), you should be aware of the fact that other organizations will; this is especially true if you are in an industry which is centered around or based on IT / computing technology. Businesses that simply rely on extensive IT assets in order to conduct their operations should also be aware of both the huge potential they have right under their nose. Once again, the way it has usually worked in the past is “first come, first served”; given the speed with which cloud computing is being adopted, it’s probably best to jump in ASAP.

When it comes to actually transitioning to the cloud, there will be issues that need to be dealt with. The best way of approaching this task is to either hire a specialist team to aid in the cloud transition and / or have your entire IT department cloud certified. Once you’ve established your cloud infrastructure / system you’re still going to need qualified personnel to maintain and manage it. Given the fact that there are truly extraordinary (and highly affordable) e-learning programs available which your IT workers can complete online, you have no reason not to jump at the opportunity.

While there are risks associated with transitioning to cloud computing infrastructure, they can be undermined with some careful planning. For example, many organizations have legacy applications / software / components which are more or less integral to the ongoing success of their business. Now, these legacy components can be essentially copied, transferred and deployed as individual services in cloud computing. Likewise, a good transition strategy is to build your cloud while keeping your core infrastructure intact, ensuring continuous, uninterrupted service across the board.

For cloud computing foundation training (the basics), click here.

For complete cloud computing certification courses (including group rate discounts), click here.

Looking for a company to conduct your ITIL certification exam(s)?

While it might not seem like it is important which institution conducts your certification exam(s), it actually matters quite a lot. Even if we are to assume that all companies offering testing services are presenting nearly identical materials (in terms of difficulty and coherency of content), the protocols and environment in which testing procedures are carried out do play a significant role in these kinds of matters. It could even be argued that psychological factors push many individuals to perform either good or bad on their examinations (once again, given the conditions / mitigating factors surrounding the testing procedures / environment). This is of course why you need to choose an organization that can deliver testing services that are of a higher level in terms of quality.

Prometric is a recognized provider of testing services for IT professionals; this of course applies to both individuals and groups. Aside from possessing a global network with over 5k individual testing centers, Prometric is also able to deliver testing services in a variety of online/offline formats. The point is, whether you require online testing, reservations at an official testing center, or even the “old-fashioned way” (with paper materials and pencils), Prometric can help. Additionally, Prometric is able to offer companies data processing and storage services as well.

The power and experience that Prometric wields stems from it’s 40+ years in the professional development and testing field, as well as its presence in over 160 countries comprising 10k+ testing centers. Those who actually benefit the most from the services provided by Prometric are the students themselves, as they consistently report feeling much more at ease with their testing environment (and the convenience in terms of location).

OK, now you know who to go for your testing requirements, the question now is; what’s the best way to prepare for your ITIL certification test?

Theartofservice.com is a recognized leader in providing effective, portable, affordable, and instantly accessible ITIL certification courses / programs. This outstanding organization delivers most of their ITIL cert products via an e-learning format (digital delivery of course materials and online interactive components).

Here are just a few of the many benefits of studying with theartofservice.com:

Convenience
One of the major drawbacks to seeking out supplementary professional development / certification in the area of let’s say, a private or public college, is the scheduling conflict(s) that such an undertaking will invite. This is to say that if you’re already working (probably full-time), having to rearrange your schedule to accommodate time-consuming trips to and from additional destinations might not even be possible. Even if you are able to squeeze in an ITIL certification course at a nearby university, chances are (due to your long work hours), you won’t be prepared or enthusiastic about what you are learning. What’s the point of taking a class if you’re too tired or not motivated? You’ll simply end up absorbing only part of the knowledge the course has to offer and likely fail your certification exam anyway; e-learning is the much better option.

Affordability
Most professional development programs can be exorbitantly overpriced, especially if they are conducted on university grounds; however, this is not the case with e-learning. A top-notch e-learning course for ITIL is not only the most affordable option for virtually everyone, it’s also the most cost-effective given the fact that graduates of these programs tend to exhibit a pass rate of over 90% upon their first testing attempt.

Expertly designed courses
Furthermore, all ITIL certification courses offered by theartofservice.com are constructed to facilitate your learning experience so that you not only accumulate more information on the subject, but you truly understand more of what you retain as well. The interactive elements of the various ITIL cert programs in particular strongly reinforce the base knowledge you gain through your primary texts / materials.

E-learning means you can study anywhere, at any time
The great thing about e-learning with theartofservice.com is the fact that course materials are primarily delivered via a digital format. What this means is that you can take your course with you wherever you may go and view it on virtually any device you can imagine (including tablets, smartphones, PC’s, Mac’s, and laptops).

Group rate discounts
Additionally, theartofservice.com also offers special group rate discounts for those companies and organizations who would like to have their entire IT department certified simultaneously.

Alright, so let’s recap; if you’re looking for testing, Prometric is the global leader in that department. If you need professional development training programs / courses to help you or your subordinates prepare for certification exams, think Theartofservice.com.

For access to one of the best ITIL 2011 e-learning certification packages, click here (group rate discounts are available)

Are most business owners still in the dark about cloud computing?

According to a fairly recent study*, most of today’s business people don’t understand what cloud computing is, or even does…   

Imagine going back in time to the late 1980’s and trying to explain to some larger businesses what the internet is and how it will revolutionize the way they will come to run their operations. It’s extremely likely that they’re not going to understand how this technology (the internet) will allow them to streamline their internal operations and interface with consumers.

While comparing the emergence of cloud computing to that of the internet isn’t really a perfect illustration, it does convey the current level of understanding (of cloud computing) possessed by most businesspersons with regards to it. This is to say that most businesspeople simply don’t understand how cloud computing works, or how it might be able to add value to their operation(s).

Aside from the fact that (for all intents and purposes) cloud computing is really just an evolution of the networking – computing model, the real disparity is that business-minded individuals simply aren’t grasping the big picture. On its face, cloud computing is basically computing facilitated through networking. In other words, a more economical approach is adopted whereby all computing assets are centralized, then accessed / requisitioned by individuals via networking. This is of course, a gross oversimplification of how cloud computing works, but the principle is still applicable.

What cloud computing can do for businesses
There are a number of clear benefits that are open to businesses that are intrepid enough to adopt a cloud computing infrastructure / model. For instance, most organizations become interested in cloud computing because of the energy-related savings it is able to offer. When you examine the current model for IT infrastructure (also called grid computing / networking), you’ll notice right away that it requires a constant and heavy stream of power to be fed into dozens if not hundreds of individual computers. An overwhelming majority of these machines are vastly overpowered for the work they perform; additionally, they are self contained (their own processors, storage, software, etc…). The problem is that every single one of these machines consumes a substantial amount of electricity on a regular basis, yet does not necessarily produce anything to cover its own costs of operation, so to speak.

To put it simply, most computers operating on an extended corporate network are merely wasting energy and yielding virtually nothing in return. In a cloud computing setup, all “individual” computing is virtualized (more or less simulated), users access their computing resources via terminals or nodes (perhaps via a tablet, for example). This allows users to instantly access their personal “machine” wherever they might be, and eliminates the need for hundreds of machines to be constantly running / idling (cloud computing is often deployed as an “on-demand” service).

In addition to helping trim energy consumption costs, cloud computing is also poised to revolutionize the way that businesses utilize and run their IT assets. These days, technology is being used to not only facilitate profit generation; it’s also directly producing revenue. For instance, many organizations which have successfully established their own cloud infrastructures might in turn begin packaging their own services and marketing them to their own clients. Since virtually anything can be deployed as a service via cloud architecture, the possibilities for future growth in this area is nearly unlimited.

Competition (in terms of the implementation and use of technology) is also a big area of concern for most businesses, or at least it should be. Cloud computing has already been adopted by most big time corporations (as well as governmental branches, the armed forces, universities, hospitals, and others), and they’re using it to effectively “raise the bar” in terms of competitive standards. This is yet another of the many reasons why today’s business owners need to get into cloud computing as soon as possible.

Before you, as a business owner or manager can begin utilizing cloud computing however, you’re going to need a technical team that’s familiar with its finer points. This is of course where cloud computing training and certification comes into play. Getting your entire IT department certified in one or more cloud-related disciplines has never been easier and more affordable. Now, you can buy group rate discounted e-learning courses for cloud computing which your IT group can use to gain the knowledge and experience they will require to manage and maintain a cloud infrastructure. These programs are state-of-the-art and have been designed by cloud computing experts. Likewise, the manner in which the materials for many of these programs are presented really reinforces learning and retention of information, so you know you’re getting your money’s worth. For a complete list of cloud computing certification kits, click here.

Like it or not, cloud computing is the future
Regardless of how you might feel about cloud computing as a whole, the fact of the matter is that it is going to be around for a while (and will likely revolutionize many facets of computing, networking, and business). These are just a few of the many reasons why you need to begin preparing your organization for a transition to cloud computing; you know what they say, “the early bird gets the worm” or “you snooze, you lose”. Those individuals and businesses who are savvy enough to jump into cloud technology early stand to make substantial gains.
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* BMO study – more information about it can be found here.
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Exploring the ITIL community forums

Unless you’re completely new to the internet, chances are, you’ve participated in a number of forums. Even if you’ve never been interested in posting your own personal thoughts / observations / information on a discussion board, you can (and perhaps should) still use various community forums as a reference tool.

ITIL has a large training constituency and following; as you might expect, there are extensive community forums which cover nearly every ITIL-related topic you can think of. While direct participation is always recommended (since you can often get direct answers for many of your questions and concerns), it is likely that these community forums already contain the information that you are seeking. In fact, the entire introductory / splash page deals primarily with the most frequently asked questions that someone studying ITIL for the first time might have.

The forum itself is divided into two principal areas, ITIL (general) and ITIL disciplines. Most of the topics in the generalized category deal with issues that current ITIL students, hopefuls, or recent graduates might have.

ITIL (general)

• ITIL discussion
• ITIL jobs
• ITIL certification
• The ITIL open guide
• ITIL training and ITSM conferences

The latter section, ITIL disciplines, deals with more specific problems that are perhaps much more technical in nature (especially when compared with those in the first section).

The ITIL disciplines

• The ITIL service desk
• Problem management
• Change management
• Configuration management
• ITIL service delivery

Additionally, there is a “related issues” section which deals with additional topics which might be indirectly related to ITIL (or not at all). This also includes any topics which might deal with IT infrastructure-based approaches which don’t fall under the heading of ITIL (at all).

Since you are reading this, you must be doing research on ITIL certification, right? Or maybe you’re almost ready to jump onto the “ITIL bandwagon”? If you’re still contemplating an ITIL certification program, or perhaps still undecided about which company you should seek out to provide you with training, you’ll want to check out theartofservice.com.

Why The Art of Service, you ask?

The real question we should be asking is, why not theartofservice.com? This organization is a premiere provider of professional development – training and certification. Among the many benefits you will receive by electing to study ITIL with this company are:

Unparalleled course design
It has been said that you cannot truly learn anything unless you have a great teacher at hand. One of the truly great things about the various ITIL certification programs offered by theartofservice.com is the effort that went into designing them. The ITIL 2011 certification package / program in particular is constructed in such a manner as to allow for a much more streamlined learning experience than what might be typically offered by others promoting similar products. As you might expect, all of their courses are also designed by true experts in their field.

Affordability + Portability
E-learning is “fee-free” learning. That is to say, when you elect to take an e-learning program / course in lieu of a traditional on-site collegiate one, you are getting the exact same certification and educational opportunity at a fraction of the cost. Likewise, with e-learning, you don’t have to worry about making any major adjustments to your work schedule. If you’re already working full-time then you aren’t likely to have the energy or concentration required to attend classes in some remote location. The question is, why even try to attend expensive classes physically if you know that your learning experience is going to be negatively impacted as a result of schedule conflicts?

Although it’s questionable as to whether or not you might require the use of the ITIL community forums after you’ve purchased a course from theartofservice.com (given their track record of effectiveness and high number of “first try” passes). Regardless of the quality of your chosen ITIL program, the ITIL community forums are still an excellent source of information for helping you to further assimilate the knowledge contained (and surrounding) ITIL. Many individuals find the ITIL community forums to be an excellent supplementary source of knowledge and often use them to aid in their own ITIL-related decision making processes.

If you want to get quickly and comprehensively certified in ITIL, click here.

How cloud computing will change the way we do business

It’s extremely doubtful that anyone working in the age before the emergence of the personal computer could have fathomed the monumental change that was to sweep over all corners of business and industry. After all, up until that point, most offices were dominated by typewriters.  Then of course, along came the internet shortly thereafter, then technology just seemed to explode in all directions simultaneously. Now virtually all businesses are entirely dependent on the vital processes and services that are provided via the internet and computers.

There are experts among us who say that we’re due for another big “paradigm shift”; a change that will likely (once again) rewrite the rules a bit, and forever alter the way modern business is carried out. Of the numerous ways in which the next “big shift” might occur, cloud computing is what many people have their eyes trained on. Why cloud computing you ask?  Imagine an entirely new approach to computing and networking being adopted en masse, one in which all electronic devices are interconnected. Picture a technological landscape where all elements of your digital character are accessible from anywhere, at any time. Envision computers becoming even more “personal”, better information and applications right at your fingertips. Visualize the line being blurred between what is considered to be networking and computing.

Because cloud computing will not only give individuals the power to access vast computing / processing / storage resources from virtually any device (regardless of size), big offices might even become a thing of the past. In fact, it is entirely possible that, through the use of advanced cloud technologies, most “offices” of the future might very well function like a network of aggregated users.

In other words, a company’s employees might not need to even present on-site most of the time. The point is, cloud computing has all the tools and wherewithal to revolutionize the concept of “working from home”. For instance, just think about all the thousands of individual technologies like video conferencing, and remote activation/access, and how they might be utilized to establish “virtual offices”. In such a model, employees would likely be able to better manage their own time, affairs and perhaps even increase productivity.

Likewise, if an organization has a large pool of contributing workers to cull from, projects, duties, and scheduled events can be more effectively managed. This would allow work to not only be performed in a more efficient manner, but it would also help employers and employees alike, save in terms of daily overhead costs (office furnishings, fuel, electricity, etc…the list goes on and on).

Some might argue that we already have the technology to implement such a system; while this is kind of true, it could be argued that it might not work properly without fully implementing cloud computing. This is because of the virtualized systems, applications, and control which cloud computing is capable of deploying. Likewise, many businesses are already using various “virtual” technologies to assist in things like teleconferencing.  What makes cloud computing so interesting is its adaptability and innovative methods for creating and deploying services.

Even if these types of significant changes never occur, cloud computing is still able to significantly reduce energy consumption costs and create newer, better ways of conducting internal and external business operations. Adopting new applications (for organization-wide use) is much easier with cloud computing, as is the preparation and facilitation of long-term, IT and businesses-related goals.

Speaking of how a company’s IT assets might factor into the decision making process, step back and think for minute about how integral most business’ IT departments are to their continued success. These days, IT often carries more weight than expected; perhaps propelling an organization forward and assisting in the generation of (sometimes huge) profits. For example, over the last couple of years the principal growth markets in the US were all focused on/toward technology and the companies providing devices to facilitate these technologies.

But before you can cash in on what cloud technology has to offer you need to get on the path toward adopting it. The first step in this process is to seek cloud computing training and certification for your entire IT department (or at least the suitable constituents). Achieving this goal should be no problem at all, especially considering the excellent web-delivered / facilitated courses that are out there, many of which are ridiculously affordable (and offer group rate discounts for the purchase of multiple licenses).

Right now, the single biggest concern that most businesses should be focusing on (with regards to IT and their own infrastructure-based capabilities) is adopting cloud computing and / or cloud services. Transitioning to cloud computing should be among the top concerns of most companies right now. Currently, the benefits of adopting a cloud model are countless and the competition, low. Those enterprises which are intrepid enough to begin implementing the cloud now are going to become the future leaders in their fields / industries.

Visit theartofservice.com for all your (cloud-related) professional certification needs, or simply click here.