February 10, 2010
T
he previous article in this cloud computing series explained the general definition of cloud computing and discussed some of the general features that all cloud computing vendors offer. Now that you have a basic idea of what cloud computing is, this article will take you beyond the basics that vendors offer and focus on the nature of cloud computing.
Types of clouds
Cloud computing can be divided into three different models: public, hybrid, and private. While the three models have common traits (as explained in the last article), they also have different key features that might make one model a better choice to meet your business’s IT needs. Below are the key features of each model.
Public cloud- This type of cloud computing is the traditional model that everyone thinks of when they envision cloud computing. In this model, vendors dynamically allocate resources (hard drive space, RAM, and processor power) on a per-user basis through web applications. Salesforce.com and ADP are two well-known vendors that offer public cloud computing services.
- Unlimited access- As long as you have internet access and a compatible device such as a smart phone or laptop computer, you can access your data anywhere.
- Unlimited data capacity- Public cloud computing is flexible to meet your business’s growing data storage and processing needs.
Hybrid cloud-This model combines your business’s hardware with cloud computing. Generally, one of your business applications such as Exchange Server 2007 or Microsoft Dynamics will interact with a vendor-hosted service. For example, Cisco, traditionally recognized for networking hardware, offers IronPort Email Security as their hybrid solution and Google, known for hosted solution, offers Postini email archiving.
- Hardware required- Hybrid cloud computing requires that you have or purchase hardware to interact with the hosted solution.
- Software required- In addition to hardware requirements, your business will need to have or purchase the software to manipulate and store data.
Private cloud- Also known as “internal cloud computing,” private cloud computing is the next generation of virtualization. While similar to virtualization at the server, workstation and application levels, private cloud computing has enhanced features that appeal to many businesses. Two examples of private cloud solutions are VMware vCloud and Citrix VDI.
- Increased data security- You and your business are in control of security since data never leaves your network.
- Simple compliance enforcement- Depending upon your vertical market, government regulations may prohibit your business from using traditional or hybrid cloud computing. Private cloud computing lets you take advantage of cloud computing features while keeping all regulated data onsite and secure.
- Customized IT network control- By keeping your cloud private, you are free to customize your network to meet your specific business needs.
Learn more
To learn more about which cloud computing model will best meet your business needs, please contact the IT consulting experts at All Covered at 866-446-1133.
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February 3, 2010
Cloud computing is a generic, catch-all term that many people use to explain many different IT concepts, solutions and services that might or might not be actually be cloud computing. Because cloud computing is constantly evolving, the IT industry has had a difficult time creating a concrete definition for the concept. This article will focus on defining the basic nature of cloud computing, which won’t change, regardless of how cloud computing evolves.
What it is
Cloud Computing is an IT service intended for business use that vendors such as Salesforce.com, Rackspace and WebSense offer “on-demand.” Vendors provide “on-demand” services such as CRM, off-site storage, hosted email solutions, secure web portals, etc. Instead of spending money on applications and hardware, businesses have access to the same resources without the commitment of ownership.
Where it’s located
Because services are provided over the internet, the vendor can be located anywhere in the world and it won’t impact quality of service. Businesses can access most purchased solutions through a secure device such as a workstation, laptop or smartphone and a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.
Key characteristics
While each cloud computing vendor will operate with a slightly different business plan, all vendors do share similarities.
- Affordable- As an “on-demand” service, vendors will only charge businesses for the resources used. Typically, you will sign a contract of some sort, but the terms are flexible and should meet your business needs.
- Scalable- Most vendors provide cloud computing services to organizations of any size. Your business will not be restricted by its number of users or amount of data.
- Self-service- While vendors will maintain the hardware and the solution, your business will be responsible for maintaining all data.
- Multi-tenancy- Vendors store data from multiple companies on the same hardware. Don’t worry; your business’s data will be kept separate and secure through application architecture, while sharing resources such as storage, memory and processing power.
- Redundant data storage- Most solutions provide multiple physical sites where they will store multiple copies of data, making cloud computing suitable for businesses that need high-availability.
Key Benefits
Every business that uses cloud computing solutions will realize many benefits. While some benefits will be particular to your individual business, two key benefits that all businesses realize are as follows:
- No out-of-pocket infrastructure costs- With cloud computing, your business won’t need to buy additional servers, hardware or networking equipment to take advantage of a solution.
- Simple to support- Vendors will service and support their solution, upgrading and patching your solution so you don’t have to.
Types of solutions
- Managed email- Many vendors offer solutions that will work well at your physical business site and on you mobile devices such as iPhones, Blackberries and other smartphones.
- Email Archiving- With cloud computing, your business can store an unlimited amount of email, providing your business with a clear audit trail.
- Secure Web Gateway- This cloud computing solution will babysit your network by limiting access to specific web pages and blocking access to others. This enhanced security will help protect your entire IT network from malware.
- CRM- Vendors such as Salesforce.com and Dynamics provide customizable customer management, sales, and marketing campaign tools for your business.
- Finance/Accounting- The vendor will host the software application, process the data, integrate it with taxes and also take care of payroll, expenses and other business needs.
To learn more
To learn more about cloud computing and how your business will benefit from one or more of the available solutions, please contact the outsource IT consulting experts at All Covered at 866-446-1133.
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December 14, 2009
Application virtualization is the most recent addition to IT virtualization. Virtualizing applications allows you to install any software application onto a server (virtual or physical) and access it from any networked computer, regardless of the computer’s operating system. Virtual applications are packaged and delivered to networked workstations in a way that keeps them separate from everything else that is running on the computer. Virtualizing programs will prevent application conflict and will decrease the workload on networked machines, which will keep down the costs of updating workstation hardware.
Advantages
There are multiple advantages to adopting application virtualization as part of your business’s comprehensive IT plan. Several of the benefits most businesses will immediately realize are as follows:
- Decreased system impact – Virtualizing applications removes the application’s files and associated data off the workstation and onto the server, reducing storage and processing power needs.
- No Conflicts- With application virtualization, a computer can run multiple versions of the same application at the same time without any problems. This allows users to access multiple versions of applications without having to switch back and forth from computer to computer. For example, perhaps your company purchased a custom application that was designed for use on the Windows XP OS, but you really want the security and features of Win7 for everyday use. Instead of setting aside a workstation with the older OS that can run the legacy program, you can virtualize the application and make it accessible from all networked computers.
- Extended application lifespan- By upgrading operating systems at the server level, you can still access customized, legacy programs that aren’t supported by newer operating systems.
- Extended hardware lifespan- By virtualizing newer applications that require more RAM, memory space, or processor power, you can extend the functional life of older desktop.
- Rapid Deployment- Making a virtualized program available to users on networked computers is as easy as putting shortcuts on the computer desktops.
- Efficient updates- When applications are virtualized, all system patches and updates are done once, on the virtualized application, at the server level. This time saving step guarantees that all computers can be quickly patched and updated.
Possible disadvantages
While application virtualization has many advantages, there are some possible disadvantages that should be considered.
- Server dependency- Application virtualization requires at least one host server; this means that you have to commit funds to purchasing virtualization software that must be installed on the server before you can virtualize any applications.
- Peripheral devices- Applications that interact with local scanners and network equipment may not function properly.
- Device Interaction- Any software that requires the use of a security key, smart card, or attached storage device cannot be virtualized because USB drives don’t work with virtualization software.
- Security software- Workstations that retain operating systems must have anti-virus programs and local firewalls installed manually.
- Multimedia- Virtual applications that require multimedia hardware won’t operate.
Learn more
To learn more about how application virtualization can fit into your existing IT plan, please contact the IT consulting and virtualization experts at All Covered at 866-446-1133.
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December 7, 2009
The average business has desktop computers that never utilize all of their processing power and storage. Most desktops also have more features than the average user will ever need. Instead of spending money purchasing, maintaining and upgrading underused, expensive desktop computers, consider desktop virtualization.
What it is
Desktop virtualization moves workstation processing power and storage to a server. Users can easily access the “virtual desktop” through inexpensive thin clients or a through a desktop client application which can be installed on existing workstations.
How it’s done
Virtualizing a desktop consists of removing the operating system from a traditional workstation and relocating a virtual copy of it on a host server. Users can then access the virtualized workstation—all of the programs, applications and data—through a remote desktop client application from workstations, laptops, Smartphones or thin client terminals.
Advantages
- Once a virtual desktop image has been created, it is easy to create and update other virtual desktops in minutes.
- Extend the lifecycle of older workstations—underpowered, older computers can run new applications by using the server’s higher processing power.
- Desktop virtualization gives users secure remote access anywhere they have a computer and an internet connection.
- Multiple virtual desktops can run on the physical workstation at the same. This allows users to “toggle” back and forth from different operating systems and different applications.
Possible disadvantages
- Centralization means less customization for end users
- Peripherals on older devices may be difficult to support
- Multimedia applications can be impacted since virtualization solutions don’t virtualize video card processors.
- If the host server fails, users cannot access their virtual desktops.
Learn more
By virtualizing your business’s desktop computers, your company can save time and money since the lifespan of workstations can be extended and system maintenance takes less time. To learn more about how desktop virtualization can benefit your business, contact the virtualization experts at All Covered at 866-446-1133.
November 30, 2009
Virtual Server environments are different from physical server environments. In a physical server environment, your business would need multiple servers to run the different applications and perform critical business services that your company needs. In a virtual environment, a single physical host server can hold many virtual servers, which would run the applications and and critical business services that would normally be installed on multiple physical servers.
The Benefits
Server virtualization offers significant features for most businesses. Top reasons to consider upgrading your physical server environment to a virtual server environment include the following:
- Decrease your company’s electricity bill and carbon footprint.
- Curtail server sprawl and use your square footage to operate your business.
- Save money by purchasing less hardware.
- Increase your IT environment security by managing server updates and patches from one central location.
- Improve overall server performance through dynamic allocation of RAM and processor power.
The most popular programs
Many companies make virtualization software that will run on a host server. All will perform the same primary functions of administering multiple virtual servers but each one has some unique features that might make one program more suited for your businesses particular needs.
- Microsoft Hyper-V is designed to integrate with the Microsoft Windows platform, making it easy to administer and manage virtualized Windows Servers and Microsoft applications.
- VMWare can run almost any operating system as a virtual server, making it optimal for any company that has blended technology platforms such as Linux, Macintosh, and Windows. It is also a great program if your company depends on older legacy systems that are installed on hardware that is nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Citrix Xen Server is a low-cost alternative to the other solutions, with many add-ons and features that are free. Xen server is optimal for Linux and Windows environments and is often used as the foundation for many application virtualization solutions.
Things to consider
While server virtualization is a great choice for many businesses, it is not suitable for all business IT environments. Server virtualization might not be the best solution for businesses whose servers have the following needs:
- high processor power requirements (SQL or specialized servers)
- encrypted drives or partitions to support legal or regulatory requirements
- proxy server or web-gateway applications
To learn more
Server virtualization has many benefits that can help your business in many ways. To learn more about how server virtualization can help your business’s IT environment, talk to the virtualization experts at All Covered at 866-446-1133.
Download PDF
he previous article in this cloud computing series explained the general definition of cloud computing and discussed some of the general features that all cloud computing vendors offer. Now that you have a basic idea of what cloud computing is, this article will take you beyond the basics that vendors offer and focus on the nature of cloud computing.
