CIO.com: Look Beyond Cloud Labels: Prepare for Hybrid Journey

Today’s enterprises have many challenges they must overcome, while at the same time, remaining competitive. With the macroeconomic crisis still plaguing many enterprises today, it’s imperative that every resource be utilized to its fullest extent. Cost centers are being evaluated and fat is, ultimately, being cut out. Organizations are looking to run efficiently and effectively.

Cloud computing allows for this to happen. This model not only allows for technological efficiencies within data centers/networks, but also human resource efficiencies, as the roles of IT professionals evolve to become strategic to the business. Human efficiencies occur on the business side as well, as roles such as procurement change to become more flexible and consist of different requirements and responsibilities.

I’ve written numerous times on how cloud computing is not only a technological change, but also an organizational change. As the model evolves, enterprises will fully realize the value and benefits of cloud computing.

Today, the competitive advantage that cloud computing can provide for enterprises is undeniable, despite many technological components still being nascent. However, there are many ways in which cloud computing can be deployed, and so it has been categorized into labels: private, public, hybrid, and virtual private cloud. Although many other monikers have been used, these are in fact, the literary descriptions for each model available today. Despite the nuance challenges of each definition, they are for the most part, accurate in what they depict.

The Public vs. Private Debate

Recent evidence and surveys suggest that enterprises are more interested in deploying and utilizing private clouds first. Naturally, it would seem like the most logical first step to take. After all, the mere term “private” suggests that it’s secure. If organizations are looking to dip their toes into cloud computing as part of a long term strategy, then why not begin with private cloud? Enterprises can leverage the existing infrastructure environment and begin in a phased approach.

More of the CIO article from Vanessa Alvarez

Alex Carroll

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.