Cloud-based solutions are helping companies boost the efficiency of their operations and build more resilient applications. When implementing any new cloud computing strategy, it’s vital to take into account certain elements to achieve success.
Cloud 101
There is a diverse range of cloud computing models and cloud types to choose from, depending on your organization’s needs and objectives. Before we jump into the specifics of developing a cloud computing strategy, let’s review the basics of cloud solutions.
Cloud Models
There are three models of cloud solutions: Infrastructre as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS);. Understanding the scope and objectives of each will facilitate the selection of the right one for your company’s needs:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Provides IT infrastructure resources over the internetResources include virtual servers, storage, networking, and other essential components
- Scalable
- Flexible
- Cost Optimized (Pay-as-you-go, avoiding significant hardware investments)
- Remote Access
Usage Scenarios:
- Development and Testing
- Website Hosting
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Provides a platform that includes development environments, tools, and services to facilitate the creation of applications and services.
- Integrated Development Environments
- Task Automation
- Scalability
- Development Efficiency
- Infrastructure Abstraction
Usage Scenarios:
- Rapid Application Development
- Web Applications
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Provides access to software without the need for local installations.
Users access the application through a web browser.
- Online Access- Automatic Updates
- Pay Per Use
- Efficient Collaboration
Usage Scenarios:
- Enterprise Collaboration and Communication
- Project Management
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Cloud Types
- Private Cloud
A private cloud is an exclusive environment for a single organization. This type is recommended for large organizations with high security requirements, as privacy and control are among its significant benefits. - Public Cloud
As its name suggests, this type of cloud offers shared services and resources. It is an accessible solution recommended for smaller organizations, considering that its cost is much lower than a private cloud system and frees organizations from expenses and worries about maintenance and management of physical infrastructure.
- Hybrid Cloud
Many categorize a hybrid cloud setup as the ideal since it combines the flexibility of a public cloud by allowing organizations to share information fluidly while protecting sensitive information in the same way as a private Cloud. Because of its adaptability and flexibility, it has become one of the most in-demand solutions on the market.
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3 Requirements to Keep in Mind When Deploying a Cloud Infrastructure
A successful Cloud computing implementation involves more than just transitioning to the digital world. For organizations to truly leverage this powerful technology, they need to focus on three essential aspects: a holistic business vision, a deep understanding of cloud technology, and choosing the right partner. These key components make cloud computing implementations effective, helping businesses reap the maximum benefits while minimizing the risks.
#1 Requirement of Cloud Computing: Holistic Business Vision
When making any infrastructure decision that will impact your organization, be clear about the market, the audience, the current goals of the initiatives, and the long-term objectives of the organization. Therefore, when implementing a cloud infrastructure, it is essential to consider the following aspects:
Alignment with the Broader Business Objectives:
Be clear on the short-, medium-, and long-term goals of the organization to identify the best processes and types of cloud infrastructure you’ll need. If your organization is going to be scaling exponentially, it might make sense to invest in a private cloud setup from the beginning. Additionally, connect with your development teams and stakeholders to get their input on how a cloud infrastructure will help them meet their different objectives. From there, you can build out a plan that incorporates the broader business goals. .
Cost Optimization Opportunities
When investing in cloud infrastructure, thorough knowledge of your team’s workflow can help to pinpoint places where different cloud services can provide optimizations in costs. The idea is to build a cloud computing infrastructure that facilitates more agile, secure, and efficient processes.
Security and Compliance
Each company has specific guidelines, policies, and legal regulations they must adhere to depending on the industry in which they work. For example, the finance and healthcare industries are highly regulated. Considering and understanding security and privacy regulations will allow for a smooth implementation and minimal risks. However, be sure also to build out a robust cybersecurity process with your team and cloud provider.
Performance and Scalability
Cloud systems provide enhanced performance and scalability for organizations. With a robust cloud infrastructure, you can more easily adapt to the changing requirements and demands of your clients and applications.
Identification of critical points
What may represent a critical mission for an organization may differ from another. These critical points will allow the development of a solution guaranteeing the correct track of the processes in the sectors of most significant interest according to the goals and the company’s nature.
For example, an e-commerce company’s critical mission is to maintain high availability and scalability during peak traffic. This E-commerce can achieve it through auto-scaling architecture that adjusts server resources for uninterrupted shopping experiences. On the other hand, it is different for a financial institution’s critical mission, which is data integrity and security for transactions and customer information. A solution involves multi-layered security with encryption, intrusion detection, and continuous monitoring.
#2 Requirement of Cloud Computing: Comprehensive Understanding of Cloud Computing
Success lies in understanding the scope of the cloud. Not everyone in your organization has to be an expert on the cloud, however, it is necessary to understand the basics to ensure alignment with the organization’s objectives. Understanding what the cloud can do helps make better decisions. It also means working closely with the development team to create a strategy that meets needs and gets the most benefits from it
#3 Requirement of Cloud Computing: The Right Ally
Last but not least, having the right strategic partner is critical to ensure the successful implementation of cloud solutions. When selecting a vendor, look for one with the knowledge and experience required to effectively support your organization’s specific goals. We recommend contacting a partner who demonstrates successful use cases, is willing to provide references, and displays a genuine interest in offering an effective and customized solution and not simply closing another deal. In order to understand your company’s workflows and opportunities for improvement, your partner will have to have inside access, making it vital that you trust your chosen cloud implementation partner.
At Ceiba, not only do we have the expertise to support you with cloud infrastructure adoption, but we also pride ourselves on having committed, knowledgeable nearshore software development teams. We believe that monitoring and testing, and effective integration between teams is crucial to developing high-impact solutions. This transformative approach ensures we can support our clients’ goals as our own, allowing us to deliver meaningful and lasting results.
