The document discusses cloud computing and its key features. It covers the three main types of cloud services - Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). It also discusses server virtualization, public and private cloud options, and the business benefits of scalability, disaster recovery, remote access, management efficiencies, and the shift from capital to operational expenditures. The cloud allows companies to access computing resources over the internet in a cost-effective and flexible manner compared to maintaining their own on-premise infrastructure.
2. What is the Cloud?
Basic Features
• Cloud computing focuses on shared resources within the infrastructure
• This means that customers share physical resources while maintaining security by reinforcing their
“piece of the pie” with firewalls and virtual security
• By focusing on this shared resource methodology, cloud companies can offer incredibly cost-effective
rates compared to traditional computing due to the positive economies of scale
• The more tenants that occupy a cloud, the more cost effective a solution becomes
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3. What is the Cloud?
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Software as a Service
• Software that is hosted in the cloud and accessed
through the Internet
• This is the most commonly understood type of
cloud computing, as it is used regularly by pretty
much anyone using the Internet.
• Common examples include Gmail, Twitter,
Facebook, Flickr and Dropbox
Platform as a Service
• Creates a platform and environment for
developers to build applications and services
• The development platform includes operating
system, programming language, execution
environment, data base and Web server.
Infrastructure as a Service
• provides computing infrastructure and storage on-demand, via the Internet
• The virtual computing infrastructure includes virtual server space, network
connections, bandwidth, IP addresses and load balancers.
4. Server Virtualization
Server virtualization is the process in which multiple operating systems and applications run on the same
server, at the same time.
• Think of the server as a piece of pie – with IaaS, it is cut into pieces.
• It then acts as multiple servers on the network, when it’s really just one.
• This is possible because of a hypervisor, a piece of computer software that creates and runs virtual
machines.
Virtual servers offer multiple advantages over traditional physical servers:
• Easier to manage because you can connect remotely without the need for special remote access hardware.
• You can easily duplicate virtual servers, creating templates to quickly deploy new ones.
• Organizations are able to use their resources efficiently, and lower costs of management and maintenance.
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5. Public and Private Cloud
Private (Single-Tenancy)
• Hosted by RapidScale
• Supports one customer
• Does not utilize shared infrastructure
• Connectivity over private network/fiber or the
Internet
• Great for extremely sensitive or compliance-
dependent information
Public (Multi-Tenant)
• Hosted by the Cloud provider
• Supports multiple customers
• Utilizes shared, but secure, resources
• Supports connectivity over the Internet
• Suited for smaller organizations
• Can be cheaper than private cloud
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6. Benefits
Business Drivers for the Cloud
Cost Effective
• Using a cloud provider can significantly reduce the costs of buying and running a physical IT
infrastructure.
• Pay-as-you-go cloud services are available, meaning you get the computing resources you need,
exactly when you need them.
Scalability
• It is easy to upscale or downscale your cloud to fit your needs
• Cloud solutions are tailored to your specific situation and are scalable to any changes you may need
to make.
Disaster Recovery
• Losing data would be detrimental to any business.
• Housing your data in-house poses the highest threat of a complete loss in the event of a disaster.
• Accidents such as power outages or a malfunction in your air conditioning can cause your servers to
overheat and fail.
• This all can be avoided with cloud computing.
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7. Benefits
Business Drivers for the Cloud
Remote Access
• Many businesses today have remote workers or branch offices.
• With the Cloud, users will have constant access to the business data and applications they need, as they
have access to the virtual company work space that the cloud will create.
Management
• Traditional IT manages on-premises hardware and software, but the majority of the time your staff has
more to offer than that.
• With the cloud, it’s possible to transform your IT department and allow your staff to focus more energy
on innovation, rather than on maintenance.
• You can implement new technology solutions in minimal time, without needing to purchase or maintain
new hardware at all.
• With cloud computing, your hardware is located off-site, and management is left to an experienced
cloud provider.
Cost Effective
• When you switch to the cloud, you can phase out equipment that you don’t really need
• Often, businesses purchase more hardware than they need in case a failure occurs
• Top-tier equipment is expensive to purchase every 5 years
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8. Benefits: CapEx to OpEx
Capital expenditure refers to major
upfront investments that are intended to
create a future benefit. Things are considered
capital expenditure most commonly if they are
purchased new or purchased to improve the
life of a previous capital expenditure. Once
you’ve made a CapEx purchase, you’re pretty
much stuck with that product or service until it
stops working.
Operational expenditure refers to expenses
incurred on an ongoing basis. These are
typically the expenses required for the day-to-
day functioning of an organization.
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9. Benefits: Cost
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Internal IT Managed Services The Cloud
Capital Investment $40,000 $0 $0
Setup Costs $1,000 $5,000 $1,000
Monthly Services $0 $4,000 $2400
Cost Over 3 Years $149,000 $129,000 $106,000
Savings Gained 0% 13% 29%
10. RapidScale
100 Pacifica Suite 100
Irvine, CA 92618
Sales: (866) 371-1355
Support: (866) 686-0328
www.rapidscale.net
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