The latest development in cloud computing is now a viable solution for small and medium business. Find out how the private cloud can relieve any anxieties you had about the public cloud, and improve the way your organization handles IT.
The November 2009 Optimal Impact discussed the benefits—and drawbacks—of the public cloud computing model. The latest wave in technology services, cloud computing refers to the practice of delivering software and computer applications, servers, storage space, and other IT-related capabilities to end-users by a third entity—or “the cloud.” For all its advantages, however, the model holds its fair share of potentially stormy weather. As we explained in our previous article, public cloud computing presents some significant security and reliability risks. The solution? The private cloud.
Private Cloud Computing
Private cloud computing provides the same benefits as public cloud computing while reducing security and reliability threats. Instead of all of your data, servers, applications, etc. being stored in a cloud at Amazon or Google, they are stored on your own network. The private cloud technology—a combination of cloud computing and virtualization—allows you to bring the cloud safely to your office or a dedicated data center.
How the Private Cloud Works
The private cloud computing model allows the small and mid-sized business to implement public cloud computing principles in a secure, reliable, and scalable way—providing hardware and software services within their own networks. This virtualized environment consists of a large, centrally-managed storage area network for all virtual servers and workstations, and one or more powerful physical servers on your network. This physical equipment can virtualize all the other servers (or even workstations) your organization needs. Managed by a trusted local IT partner, this private cloud computing model allows an organization to increase or decrease resources upon demand, provides a high level of redundancy, and delivers all the benefits of cloud computing—without the security concerns—to the organization.
Benefits of the Private Cloud
With the private cloud computing model, organizations receive all of the benefits of traditional cloud computing, plus a few more.
- Ease of Integration
The private cloud integrates readily with your existing network, providing much faster access than any internet connection could. - Ease of Management
With private cloud computing, your technology provider can solve many of your challenges remotely—from adding RAM, to updating or adding servers, to standardizing workstation applications. - Enhanced Reliability and Security
Your private cloud resides inside your own network, so your data never “leaves the building.” It is as secure as having your own hardware in your server room. Plus, your applications can be more robust because you are not relying solely on the internet for operability and bandwidth. - Decreased Downtime
Working within a private cloud means continuous virtualization—of servers (email, documents, etc.), and even workstations. So, if a virtual server fails, you can gain access to the backup of that server within minutes. It is seamless, which means only a few minutes of downtime and minimal data loss for your organization. - Cost-Effectiveness
With private cloud computing, your IT cost becomes a monthly operational expense based on usage—not a series of capital expenses—which makes the budgetary planning process much simpler.
Last Word
We are entering a new era of technology services delivery; the private cloud computing model is becoming an option for the small and mid-sized organization. It’s exciting—and easier than you might think. In fact, the switch from physical hardware and software to private cloud can be done gradually. So, before you begin planning your next major systems upgrade, consider how private cloud computing might bring your organization brighter, sunnier IT days.
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