Heading Into The Cloud

Last month we discussed how virtualization can drastically reduce the cost, space, and wasted energy associated with owning and maintaining several servers and workstation computers. By consolidating multiple physical servers into one or two and eliminating individual workstations by moving the processing function from the desktop to the virtual server, capital expenditures, energy usage and administration costs are significantly reduced.

This month we’re heading into the cloud...

While virtualization consolidates processing capacity on-site, cloud computing goes beyond virtualization by moving your processing functions someplace else, eliminating the need for on-site server capacity. Conceptually, cloud computing is accomplished entirely over the Internet. You need not purchase additional hardware or software. Business applications and the processing power required to run them are leased, with each software provider supplying the processing power to run their respective applications via the Internet, delivered to your device. With processing power being supplied remotely, “mobile device” will increasingly become an operative term as simpler portable devices such as phones, small laptops, MP3 players, and even wristwatches will replace the computer as we now know it. 

Consider the supply of electricity. As we flip a switch and electricity is supplied to a lamp, we will access the Internet and information will be supplied to our portable device. Just as we do not have a coal-fired power plant on-site to supply and store electricity, we will not require a large computer on-site to supply and store information. Further, as we are required by the power company to pay only for the electricity we use, in the cloud we will only pay for the processing power required, rather than paying for unused capacity that currently resides at our businesses.  

After virtualizing, businesses will transition into the cloud, perhaps beginning with data backups, spam filtering, or other specific applications. While it may be conceptually challenging, virtualization and cloud computing will greatly enhance the way you currently do business while saving significant money. Processing capacity can be added as needed without having to invest in new hardware. Software can be applied without the expense of licensing. Additional IT personnel will be unnecessary. With the promise of low cost, quick deployment and optimum flexibility, your organization can realize greater efficiencies, significant cost savings and an enhanced user experience.

Cloud computing will change the way your company purchases and uses information technology without requiring you to change everything you know about information technology. To learn more, or determine how and how much virtualization and cloud computing can benefit your business, give us a call at 616-776-0400.

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