1. private cloud systems
38
T
he number of companies
using the cloud has
grown by over 61
per cent since 2010,
according to research
from the Cloud Industry Forum. As
a result, IT decision makers are now
faced with an array of cloud options,
making it difficult to decide on the
right option for their business.
Each cloud system offers different
benefits to businesses, and the right
cloud package varies depending on
the nature of the business and its
individual requirements. As impressive
as the right cloud package can be,
getting there can be a tricky process.
Migrating large volumes of data
across to a private cloud system
often creates issues around security,
speed and the future readiness of the
destination, so it’s essential to ensure
that the process is handled smoothly.
With storage space exclusive to
one business alone, it’s the private
cloud model that offers greater
security for your data. It often
provides a more tailored platform for
customers. As long as certain security
standards are followed, providers
can often design platforms around
the customer’s individual needs. This
appeals to larger organisations with
specific security needs, although
small and medium sized enterprises
(SMEs) may also be drawn to it,
particularly those in retail. Businesses
that need to adhere to PCI standards
often require the added security that
private cloud offers.
The migration process
Despite its benefits, making the
switch to a private cloud system
still has its risks in areas including
security, speed, scalability and future
proofing, all of which need to be
taken into account. Security is often
the key selling point for CIOs looking
into private cloud, yet the actual
transfer of data brings risks, not least
during the physical transfer of data
from A to B within the data centre.
This also affects performance due to
the virtual location of the data – when
it’s in transfer, it becomes difficult to
locate. The physical location also has
an impact, as the migration process
takes far longer if carried out over
large distances. CIOs therefore need
to consider what needs to be moved
where, and whether any tools exist
to ensure data remains responsive
throughout the process.
Companies mindful of security
should consider the value of testing
the new architecture before migrating.
In our experience, customers
benefit from using a pre-production
stack. It allows customers to test
the new cloud architecture before
it becomes operational, in a safe
environment. Not only can this help
address potential security headaches
before they can have an impact, the
customer can also test the speed and
scalability of the new product.
CIOs also need to keep budget in
mind. Speed is always a priority, as
the less time data spends in transit,
the less vulnerable it is. However,
those on a budget can’t expect quick
HIGHINTHECLOUD
We’re at the point where cloud computing is the de facto standard for the industry. James Murray at
Peer 1 Hosting tells you what you need to know about making the switch to a private cloud system.

2. private cloud systems
results; as with any service, the
entire process can be made much
easier for those willing to pay more.
Despite this, IT budgets remain
relatively consistent, while demand
for rapid migration increases,
affecting those moving to any type of
cloud system.
Scalability is another key concern.
The migration process has improved
vastly in the last few years, as
providers move away from the old
fashioned connectionless model.
Migrations are encrypted, allowing
the customer to move data without
worrying about data loss. Private
cloud systems can offer a range of
benefits through their adaptability to
changing requirements. CIOs must
consider what is absolutely necessary
data during migration to avoid
complicating the process.
Not a ‘one size
fits all’ approach
Future proofing a private cloud system
can be a data driven process relying
on the increasing user interaction with
application programming interfaces
(APIs), rather than interactions with the
user’s main cloud portal. This allows
for a smarter, more responsive private
cloud – for example, its load platform
can create new servers automatically
as the business requires them. CIOs
can therefore take advantage of a
more responsive system as the needs
of the business evolve.
The benefits of ‘going private’
are there for all to see, yet the
migration process can be far more
complex than those moving to a
public cloud system. The ‘one size
fits all’ approach common to many
public cloud platforms may not always
be responsive to user needs, but it
simplifies the migration process by
implementing a rigid set of security
and speed standards for the process.
CIOs, especially those at SMEs,
need to consider the needs of their
business carefully before committing
to private cloud, as making the switch
can be a costly process.
Despite its benefits, making the switch to
a private cloud system still has its risks in
areas including security, speed, scalability
and future proofing, all of which need to
be taken into account.
data centre news
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