Simplifying cloud options

Cloud computing is an approach that leverages the resources in the data center in a different way. It organizes resources so that they can be used on-demand and wraps hem in a way that can be consumed as a service. The lofty goal of cloud computing is to transform IT from a cost center to a service provider.  Some would say that is "IT as a Service".  I’d have to agree.

Cloud computing, to me, also requires the organization of people, processes and technology to deliver standard and repeatable services to your customers – the end users/lines of business. There are three generally accepted deployment models for cloud computing and they are:

1. Private cloud

This model describes a system by which the cloud infrastructure is run for your organization only. One thing to keep in mind is that a private cloud can still be a combination of data center resources (people, processes and technology) you have on-premise as well as supplied off-premise. It can also be completely managed by your organization or by a third-party managed service provider.

A private cloud ensures that the organization has full visibility and insight on all aspects of the cloud infrastructure and services provided. If you have workloads in which strategic applications or data run, or if you are a heavily regulated enterprise, this may be the only choice for you.

2. Public cloud

This is a system by which the cloud infrastructure is run by a third-party managed service provider (MSP). The MSP provides templates for particular workloads. This can be anything from access to an application provided as software as a service (SaaS), like SalesForce, AppFirst or Webmetrics to full operating system containers that allow you to install and manage your applications.

The public cloud is designed to maximize resources by sharing pools of resources with many enterprises and dealing with performance peaks to provide the best user experience possible. For the most part, your organization can use the workloads and services directly but have no visibility or understanding of the virtual infrastructure running those workloads – including, in many cases, where in the world your workload resides and runs.

A public cloud offers sometimes a less expensive platform choice with the ability to scale up and scale down resources as needed. If you are looking to run non-strategic workloads with large variances in resources needed, then a public cloud could be just the thing.

3. Hybrid cloud

The hybrid cloud is just a combination of public and private cloud infrastructures. Each cloud infrastructure remains separate as far as how they operate but by using a technique to bridge both clouds, workloads can be put on whichever model suits the requirements of each workload. In fact, a hybrid cloud allows you to run workloads within your organization during normal times but when demand on those workloads rises, they can be launched in the public cloud to relieve pressure on data center resources. Once the demand returns to normal, the workloads can be removed from the public cloud. This technique is called "cloud bursting" and allows for load balancing between public and private clouds.

A hybrid cloud gives you the best of both worlds; it allows you to control sensitive workloads and data while gaining the ability to move other workloads into the public cloud when needed.

In our next installment, I will elaborate on the benefits of these three versions of cloud computing. Remember, "cloudification" isn’t just about me telling my story. We can only learn and move forward by sharing ideas, exchanging concerns and questions about cloud adoption. I’d like to hear your thoughts, experiences and best practices on how virtualization and the cloud have affected your enterprise and the way you deliver IT services. And, if you have any questions or want to start a discussion, I welcome that, too.