Cloud computing is the management and provision of applications
So what is 'Cloud'?
March 2010
The easiest way to look at Cloud computing is as the management and provision of applications, information and data 'as a service'. All of these services are provided over the internet and can include e-mail, data storage, subscription based applications and online editing tools.
Cloud computing is a convenient way of accessing computing services, independent of your hardware or your location. Everything is stored for you 'in the Cloud' and the user can access the information quickly and easily via the internet. The key advantages of Cloud are:
- You no longer need to install dedicated software on your own computer, freeing up onboard memory and reducing energy costs
- Pricing models and configurations that allow you to upsize and downsize easily adjusting your costs accordingly
- The ability to seamlessly add new requirements and resources with relative ease and low cost
- Highly resilient environments can be provided at very competitive prices when compared to 'building your own'
IBM has fully embraced the cloud with their LotusLive services. Unlike the majority of vendors, IBM can guarantee where your data is, who has accessed it and has the ability to give it back to you! Think about it. What happens if you want to change service provider, break up your data (partial acquisition for instance), need to bring sensitive data back in house etc etc? You must have the ability to get at your data. Additionally IBM have implemented security enhancements that include data encryption performed at the users workstation.
So where do you start? It's unlikely that you would simply migrate all of your systems over to the cloud. For one thing, it will probably not be possible, or could be cost prohibitive. This is where Time Technology can help. We have extensive knowledge of the IBM LotusLive environment and can talk to you about how you can integrate your current infrastructure with the cloud.
If you need a no obligation discussion or a demonstration of LotusLive
Call us on 01483 863000
E-mail us on sales@time-technology.co.uk
