The lowdown on Oracle’s new IaaS
Oracle is a company that specializes in the development of both hardware and software. They’re a multinational and have been known to “dip their toes” into virtually everything you can imagine where computers, software, networking or database systems are involved. So, it only makes sense that they would be poised to take advantage of cloud computing technology, even perhaps adapting it in slightly new ways. This organization isn’t just trying to compete in cloud computing markets; they’re actually seeking to make a significant impact. They are reportedly providing enterprise-level services to upwards of around 25 million customers as well, so they must be doing something right. Oracles new IaaS
Up until now, Oracle didn’t really have a dedicated IaaS product to offer, they mostly dealt with applications (SaaS) and various forms of PaaS. Recently, CEO Larry Ellison announced Oracle’s move to establish an IaaS offering. Apparently their goal is not simply to expand and/or create competition in the marketplace, but to actually (and openly) challenge other big-time providers like Amazon.
So what is it that makes this new IaaS offering from Oracle so special, you ask? Well, first off, there are actually two completely different ways that this particular IaaS product can be deployed, apparently. Since Oracle is a database / storage provider it makes sense that they would eventually start hosting IaaS-style cloud offerings in their own data center(s); this new service will allow for two distinct “modes of operation”, if you will. One mode is your standard vendor-hosted IaaS, where they actually provide remote cloud computing service. The other way this IaaS offering can be used is as software; which would allow customers to build services in their own data centers. What makes this arrangement special is the fact that applications and workloads can be migrated to and from one’s own datacenter and Oracle’s. That’s right; it’s basically a hybrid IaaS solution that allows for quick transition between public and private clouds.
Being able to transfer workloads from your cloud to Oracle’s might actually offer certain companies some distinct benefits and tools. For example, some organizations might opt to build strategies around creating useful applications in a private setting which can later be deployed in a more public manner for all branches of their organization. This might also permit for certain applications to be developed in a more secure environment that allows for a quick and easy transfer to a public setting. One thing is for certain, the possibilities offered by Oracle’s new upcoming IaaS are many and only limited to one’s own creative use of it.
With the formation of this new IaaS division, Oracle is now officially a multi-level cloud vendor; they have SaaS, PaaS, (and now) IaaS offerings “on the table”. The idea to allow for IaaS / PaaS compatibility however, is a pretty revolutionary one. What we’re really talking about here is creating a link between all three cloud computing service models. For instance, if infrastructure can be created with software which is similar to what Oracle is offering through IaaS, then what we really have is SaaS reinforcing IaaS (and vice-versa). Likewise, Oracle’s PaaS offering(s), which are mostly used to aid in development, might also be used in tandem with other types of services. In other words, it seems that Oracle is actually fostering some type of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS synergy. All three types of models seem to be coming together to create a more dynamic, versatile and open-ended cloud computing experience for businesses.
Speaking of IaaS and Cloud Computing, what’s your company’s long-term “game plan”?
If your business is eager to leverage the immense power of cloud computing and take advantage of the seemingly endless barrage of useful applications which are pouring out in all directions, you’re going to have to be prepared. What does it mean to be “prepared” to implement IaaS or cloud computing in general? One of the first (and perhaps most important) steps you should take is to purchase certification, training and educational materials for your IT personnel.
Complete certification packages for both IaaS and cloud are extremely affordable right now and in very high demand. Having IT employees become more intimately acquainted with IaaS in particular, is a very good idea for businesses which are both highly independent and technologically solvent. If you’re ready to take your company’s technological capability to the next level, start with your employees and their knowledge base. Visit theartofservice.com for more information.