Cloud: definition and software for your business
At a time when businesses are in the throes of digital transformation, the cloud raises many questions, not least those concerning storage issues. Is virtualization reliable? Secure? Should we opt for private cloud or cloud computing on a public cloud server? What should you be careful about when deploying it?
Cloud computing: virtualization
Cloud computing
The corporate ecosystem has changed dramatically in recent years. For a long time, the norm was to work with local, in situ servers. Until the introduction of cloud computing changed all that. Now, small and large companies alike are seizing the opportunity to relocate their IT infrastructure to the cloud, in line with devops and the quest for agility and flexibility in the workplace.
The gift of ubiquity
The advantage of the cloud is that it can be accessed at any time, from anywhere. Data is automatically accessible to all employees. This use corresponds to the need for mobility in today's corporate world, and solves the problem of storing large volumes of data. It's the perfect way to simplify your life!
Lower costs
Cloud computing works on a subscription basis. Companies no longer have to acquire IT assets, which used to be booked as CAPEX on the balance sheet and amortized. Instead, the subscription is booked as an operating expense. When you place your data and business solutions in the cloud, you can do so on a private or public cloud, with your own or outsourced management. What is the associated margin of control? And what impact does this have on capacity and security?
The public cloud
A shared cloud server
The public cloud is a shared hosting solution. An external service provider provides storage space - in other words, a data center- for several organizations or entities. This does not mean that it is accessible to everyone, but only to specific users. Examples include Microsoft Office Cloud, Amazon Web Services, Google Compute Engine, and Cloudwatt, Orange's Openstack-based public cloud.
Powerful, responsive virtualization
Public cloud hosting providers have solid infrastructures. As a result, their customers can store large volumes of Big Data on their premises. Elasticity optimizes service availability, via bandwidth and content accessibility.
Public cloud, fast and inexpensive
The initial outlay for these cloud solutions is virtually nil, since the infrastructure is already in place: integration is very easy. What's more, the price is self-service - pay-as-you-go - which means you only pay for what you use. A chargeback tool tracks your consumption: an advantageous formula up to a certain threshold. Beyond that, the mechanics can work against you.
Cloud secure or not?
The question of data security arises. We often deplore the lack of content tracking. And the vagueness surrounding the location of services gives rise to legal uncertainty as to the legal obligations concerning them. The French government is now requiring all its agencies to use service providers who host their servers in France. An example that many companies are beginning to follow.
Private cloud: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
Internal or external cloud: Numergy, Outscale and OpenStack
When you prefer a cloud service with dedicated hosting over which you retain full control, you're talking about a private cloud. You can then :
- retain management: this is known as an in-house private cloud. You simply rent an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): a virtual computer farm, consisting of a virtual machine on which you install an operating system and cloud-ready applications;
- outsource its management: this is known as an external private cloud. In PaaS ( Platform as a Service) or SaaS ( Software as a Service) mode, the provider takes care of the backup and orchestration of the private cloud for you. Private cloud providers include Numergy, Outscale and OpenStack.
More control over cloud services
For strategic business applications, or for hosting sensitive data, the private cloud offers greater reassurance for the company and its network management. Access is via a secure VPN-type network and the Internet. Everything is protected behind a firewall, and the company has direct control over its data.
The private cloud, more expensive and less powerful than the public cloud
Because it requires specific deployment, the private cloud is more expensive. It may be fixed, or it may depend on the number of users. What's more, data volume is limited. And increasing it requires action, and therefore delay.
The hybrid cloud
Companies can quickly find themselves with a huge volume of data to store and manage, some sensitive, some not. A mix of private and public clouds can be a wise choice. A hybrid cloud solution: private for security and confidentiality, public for volume. To ensure seamless use of all systems, you need to set up interoperability with the help of your service providers.
Delegating the management of your cloud to a specialist is a good thing: at the cutting edge of the latest advances in security, it will protect your data as well as, if not better than, locally, and enable you to ensure both both the gradual migration of data from internal storage on the company's various terminals to the cloud, and verify their high availability (or HA for High Accessibility). It will also help you deploy the solution internally. When you sign the contract, make sure that your data is reversible and encrypted, whether you opt for a private, public or hybrid cloud.
Article translated from French