This document discusses cloud technology and its potential benefits for associations. It begins by defining cloud computing as processing and computing information via the internet. The document then lists some pros and cons of cloud computing compared to local computing, such as lower overhead costs but less control over data. It also discusses hybrid cloud solutions that combine local and cloud computing. The document poses several questions for associations to consider regarding IT strategy, data security, scalability, integration with existing systems, and staff skills.

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IT Manager
Cloud Technology: What is it? What can it do for your
Association
Brian Cave
The Chartered Institute for Securities &
Investment (CISI)

2. Cloud Technology
What is it?
What is the business case?
What can it do for your Association?

3. Why is cloud computing so misunderstood?
Cloud –
The internet -
Network topology
diagrams depict
the internet as a
cloud
Cloud computing – to process/compute
information via the internet
Computing – To
compute/process
information

4. Simple
Network
Topology
Diagram

5. What are the pros and cons to your
association compared to local computing?
Pros
 Less overheads – network
infrastructure, hardware to
keep up to date, warranties
and licences to maintain,
skilled staff, extra power, A/C
costs, space
 More flexible, robust business
infrastructure
Cons
X No complete control of your
data
X Knowledge of where your data
is at all times
X Control your own support SLAs
X Choose your own staff

6. Typical Cloud
Network
Topology

7. Hybrid Solutions
A blend of Local and Cloud computing
Decide where you want your data to be,
giving you better knowledge and control
Maintain some ownership – SLA’s, Staff
Reduce overhead costs
Allows business flexibility
Backups and Replication
Disaster Recovery
and Business Continuity

8. Questions for Associations
to Consider:
• What is the IT strategy?
Local, Cloud, Hybrid solution?
• What Cloud Virtualisation Platform
will we adopt?
• Are they aligned with business objectives?
• Where will you data be stored?
• Is your data secure?
• Do you have a backup/DR plan?

9. Virtualisation Technology & Data Security
• Market leaders in virtualisation technology –
VMWare, Microsoft
• Storage - Fast, reliable platforms
• Where is your data?
Is it secure?
Is it backed up/replicated?
• Cloud providers –
Do your research!
Cloud providers are
just like any other
company, they can go bust! Protect yourself

10. Scalability:
for small to large Associations
• How big is your association or business? ie, how ‘big’ is your data?
• Are you expanding/contracting? How quickly?
• Are you scaling up or down?
• Multiple Data Centres?
 What are your DR Requirements?
 How critical are your services
to your customers?
• What are your business
motives?
 Space?
 Decommission hardware?
 Reduce overheads, i.e. Staff

11. Integration with existing internal systems
• How much of your infrastructure can you virtualise?
 Are your applications/services compatible?
 Is it in line with your IT and business strategies?
 Will it improve business/infrastructure?
• Physical Locations
 Are Local comms/services resilient and reliant enough?
 Are you permitted by law?
 How much preparation/decommissioning
needs to be done?
• Staff
 Do your IT staff have the right skills?
 How much training is needed?
 How much do you outsource?

12. Thank you.

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ORGANISED BY
www.associationsnetwork.org
www.associationscongress.com