Cloud computing holds tremendous advantages for businesses in terms of lower operating and capital costs as well as convenience; but, there are several important considerations to bear in mind before committing to the cloud.
That`s the view of Yossi Hasson, CEO of managed Linux services and open source solutions company SYNAQ, who says one of the main areas of concern is that of control.
"With both managed services and software services, the organisation releases some areas of control of its IT systems and data to a vendor. In order to avoid lock-in to that vendor and ensure your ability to move your data to another vendor, should the need arise, as well as being able to do so without incurring penalties, it`s important to know that the vendor is either using open standards or open source software.
"Alternatively, the vendor should be part of or subscribe to organisations that are working towards bringing open standards into cloud computing," he adds.
One of these is the recently formed Open Cloud Manifesto, an organisation that`s trying to bring an open standard to cloud computing so as to enable businesses to integrate and change data without being tied to a managed services or software as a service (SaaS) vendor.
According to Hasson, the establishment of cloud computing standards is still in its infancy, but the drivers are no different to those behind the impetus towards an open standard platform. As an open source company, SYNAQ supports the principles of the Open Cloud Manifesto.
As for the practicalities of cloud computing, Hasson believes businesses should adopt a "fit for purpose" approach that takes cognisance of the potential drawbacks of cloud computing.
"There`s no question that cloud computing today is ideally suited to standard SaaS-type applications such as CRM, e-mail or anti-spam solutions. However, with South Africa`s current bandwidth limitations, businesses should be wary of going the cloud route for everything.
"Indeed, for applications that require more integration and interoperability with other systems, the managed services approach could be a far better option right now," he adds.
Another factor to bear in mind is the size of the organisation and the impact this will have on the cost of cloud computing.
Among the benefits of SaaS is a potential reduction in costs resulting from reduced requirements for hardware and licences. However, for larger organisations, having most applications, or even high-use applications, on the cloud could drive up bandwidth requirements - and bandwidth costs - thereby eliminating any savings that would otherwise be achieved.
"Cloud computing - particularly with respect to SaaS and managed services - is likely to become mainstream in the not too distant future. There are distinct benefits to be attained right now for organisations that are willing to take this step now provided they partner with the right vendors and use the cloud for the right types of solutions," Hasson concludes.
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