Cloud computing is a trend that has taken off massively. It is a service that we expect to see even more businesses embracing in their workflow in the future.
Cloud IT services allow you to access technology services without having to buy, own and maintain physical data centres and servers.
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), for a service to pass as ‘cloud’ it must have the following five essential characteristics:
On-demand self-service
A consumer can unilaterally provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed automatically without requiring human interaction with each service provider.
Broad network access
Capabilities are available over the network and accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g. mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and workstations).
Resource pooling
The provider’s computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to consumer demand.
Rapid elasticity
Capabilities can be elastically provisioned and released, in some cases automatically, to scale rapidly outward and inward commensurate with demand. To the consumer, the capabilities available for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can be appropriated in any quantity at any time.
Measured service
Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability1 at some level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g. storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported, providing transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized service.
The framework of cloud computing has three main provider categories; “Infrastructure as a Service’ (Iaas), “Software as a Service” (SaaS) and “Platform as a Service” (PaaS). You can read more about them here.
Organisations of every type, size and industry are using the cloud in many ways for their workflows. If you think you’re ready to move to the cloud, please get in touch to speak to one of our highly experienced consultants.
Don’t just take our word for it!
Serval Systems Ltd has provided us with a highly reliable IT support service for over 9 years. Two years ago we extended our link further, and outsourced our entire IT provision to them across the full range of services including ICT Strategy, server hosting and help desk provision. Our partnership has given us a definite business advantage in a highly competitive market
So, What do you think?
You may be satisfied with your technology, but could it be better?
If your values align with ours, let’s talk.