achieving cloud superiority: the benefits of advisory...
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Achieving Cloud Superiority:The Benefits of Advisory ServicesA Tangoe e-Book
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The Benefits of Advisory Services
©Tangoe Inc. | tangoe.com
Cloud computing has rapidly emerged as an
essential technology for achieving economies of
scale, reducing spending, globalizing work
forces, improving accessibility, and streamlining
processes. Accordingly, enterprises face
numerous choices and challenges regarding
cloud computing implementation and adoption.
Across a wide array of industries, enterprises
increasingly look to cloud-based solutions to
meet their unique and diverse needs.
Executive Summary
Cloud computing was born out of the necessity for computing on the
go. It brings the user access to data, applications, and storage that are
not stored on their computer.
Apprenda, Cloud Computing Overview
Organizations of all types and sizes need to look
to third party experts to guide them through the
transition of adopting a cloud infrastructure or to
conduct a thorough analysis of their current cloud
application usage. Tangoe’s MatrixCloud Adviso-
ry Services was created to help customers under-
stand and choose the perfect cloud solution for
their enterprise.
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Understanding the Broad Strokes of Cloud Architecture
Critical Elements
When considering a cloud solution, some key elements are often not
considered until it is too late, yet they are critical to any enterprise cloud
solution. Network, data center estate, application readiness, mobility, and
security are five areas that cannot be overlooked nor under appreciated.
In part, the criticality of these elements is what has caused some of the
delayed cloud adoption for business-critical applications by the enterprise
community. Proper integration and sizing of these elements can help ensure
that enterprise-certified guidelines are extended to the cloud solution.
The Front End
In order to begin navigating the hectic skies of cloud computing, we must
understand some fundamental aspects of cloud architecture. We can think
of a cloud system as consisting of two parts: the front end and the back
end. These components connect to each other through local networks or
the internet. The front end usually refers to a computer or mobile device
through which the user accesses and uses the cloud service functionality.
This interaction between the user and the cloud can be made possible by an
internet browser or by stand-alone applications that connect to the network.
As of today, at least 72% of businesses
have adopted the cloud. Within
three years, that number will reach
a staggering 91% of businesses.
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The Back End
The back ends consists of the processing equipment and data storage systems
that safe guard data and perform complex computational tasks. Initially, most
cloud applications involved primary data storage, but we can now enjoy see
virtually all types of applications imaginable, from simple word processing to
resource-hungry video rendering. Accordingly, in most cases different cloud
applications run on dedicated servers. For example, a cloud service hosting a
web-based photo editor would probably not use the same server as a web-based
email client. Some systems, however, utilize server virtualization which makes it
possible to configure a server to run multiple independent operating systems.
The Importance of Redundancy
Cloud services usually save multiple copies of data on different machines in
the event of a software or hardware failure. In addition, computer systems may
require maintenance repairs or hardware replacements. Redundancy ensures
that the information and processing power remain available and seamless even
if the cloud provider switches out valuable components or performs upgrades.
Most systems store the same data on multiple servers that use different power
supplies. That way, clients can access their data even if one power supply fails.
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1Private
On the private side of cloud computing, many
businesses today have created their own
ecosystem that they host or manage themselves.
These organizations have fenced off the outside
world from their own locations, offices, and
warehouses. That is why this type of architecture
is often referred to as the “ring fenced cloud.”
Private clouds are traditionally hosted internally
by the enterprise itself in air-cooled rooms piled
high with server racks and an indecipherable
snare of Ethernet cables, routers, and switches.
According to the most common private cloud
infrastructure, “the pool of resource” can only
be accessed by the organization itself. This
removes the notion of “shared risk” that can be
a concern when multiple enterprises are running
on the same servers. While your enterprise
may not be a tempting target for hackers or
Cloud Types
virtual thieves, another company running on
your shared cloud server could fall victim to
malicious attacks. Attempts at accessing or
destroying data on cloud networks are, for the
most part, thwarted or contained, but they still
pose a potential threat if ill-doers are able to
cause disruptions of service. As such, the private
cloud offers the benefits of greater privacy and
control, but may experience considerably higher
costs compared to a more public cloud model.
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Hybrid
The hybrid computing environment features
a cooperative, symbiotic system where the
enterprise provides and manages certain
resources internally while third parties manage
and host other components and services
of the cloud architecture. For example, an
organization could utilize a public cloud service
such as Google Docs for storing spreadsheets
and sales documents, but retain internal
storage servers for sensitive customer data.
The hybrid methodology affords enterprises
the advantage of scalability and the
lower costs of a public cloud computing
environment without exposing critical
applications and data to external liabilities.
Public
The growing need for seemingly infinitesimal
quantities of data and ease of implementation
have caused a shift towards public and hybrid
cloud computing. Don’t let the term “public
cloud” mislead you. Most public cloud services
offer state-of-the-art security and encryption. Still,
there remains the “shared risk” factor mentioned
above. In this type of cloud model, a service
provider offers data storage, processing power,
and application hosting to the public over the
Internet. Public cloud computing is traditionally
less expensive than the private model because
the hardware and bandwidth costs remain
the responsibility of the provider. This allows
subscribers to focus on their core product or
service without worrying about scalability and
wasted resources since they are most commonly
billed for only the resources that they consume.
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The Challenges of Cloud Computing
According to Syntax Solutions’ recent study,
the cloud computing industry grew more than
300% between 2006 and 2014. This study
also indicated that the global cloud computing
industry growth rate is currently five times higher
than the global IT growth rate. The demand for
instant access to everything, combined with
pervasive connectivity, have businesses looking
more to cloud services than ever before.
This considerable growth and transformation
give rise to authentication and security concerns.
Consequently, companies are adopting cloud
services at a rapid pace, oftentimes in an
unorganized manner that results in an overall
lack of visibility at a higher level. In addition,
there is lack of awareness regarding what
cloud apps are used within an organization
and how these applications are sourced.
Your Employees are
Already on the Cloud
A recent eye-opening survey indicated that the
average enterprise uses more than 450 cloud
apps. This figure proved to be 9-10 times greater
than average corporate IT team estimated.
Another survey revealed that 30 percent of
Software as a Service (SaaS) apps were being
used outside of IT’s sphere of control. These
results paint a startling image of a chaotic cloud
atmosphere, where employees in need of
solutions fail to adhere to IT policies or, in many
cases, are acting in absence of an IT policy.
A failure to identify and reign in cloud-related
services being used by employees could lead
to potential liabilities and security issues.
Senior finance executives get it. Over
the next 12 to 18 months, 76% of them
say that the cloud will be crucial to
their organization’s strategies.
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The Benefits of Advisory Services
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The exponential increase in cloud computing
in the global market has some enterprises
scrambling to determine their current level of
cloud computing utilization and their specific
needs. These can be daunting tasks, and without
expert guidance, enterprises can find themselves
mired down with bloated infrastructures, too little
bandwidth, and a lack of control of their existing
cloud resources. Conversely, companies could
invest heavily in cloud computing technology
far behind their needs and resources. Herein
lies the importance of expert advisory services.
Advising to Evolve:
MatrixCloud Advisory Services
Because cloud technology allows organizations
to become more productive, collaborative, and
ultimately more competitive in their industry,
Tangoe has created cloud solutions that help
in maintaining an efficient and successful
cloud solution. Many organizations lack the
necessary expertise and industry knowledge
required to run a cloud program, and managing
elements such as infrastructure costs, technical
capabilities, and government regulations can
be simply too much for internal resources.
As organizations evolve and grow, employees
turn to hundreds of cloud computing
services without expressed permission from
the enterprise. In addition, more and more
companies are embracing Bring Your Own
Device (BYOD) policies, allowing employees
to use their device of choice to perform
work tasks. This is a very important aspect
to consider when building a cloud strategy,
because for many employees, their device
is their primary interface with the cloud.
Why Enterprises Need an Advisory Service
As companies accelerate their
adoption of cloud technologies–like
infrastructure as a service (IaaS) or
software as a service (SaaS)–the
need for solutions that provide secure
access and reliable operations in
the cloud increase in importance.
Bill Lowry, Radware
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The Benefits of Advisory Services
©Tangoe Inc. | tangoe.com
Consequently, many employees take advantage
of the “personal cloud” for their work-related
tasks. For example, someone could be saving
company files on their personal Dropbox or
Google drive account for easy access outside
of the office. MatrixCloud Advisory Services
enable enterprises to gather vital statistics
regarding BYOD, personal cloud usage, and
other cloud-related activity that might not be
approved or regulated by the enterprise.
Tangoe’s MatrixCloud Advisory Services
provide crucial consulting expertise focused on
the cost, risk, productivity transformation and
strategy in relation to cloud management.
Tangoe’s Cloud Maturity Model helps to quantify
the client’s environment regarding these crucial
areas so that a successful Cloud solution and
enablement can be realized. Accordingly,
enterprises will learn to harness the power of
the cloud to increase customer satisfaction
and improve workforce collaboration and
productivity. MatrixCloud Advisory Services
guide organizations through every step of
strategy building such as workload analysis
RFP management, competitive pricing analysis,
RFP management, and continuing education.
Furthermore, MatrixCloud Advisory Services are
scalable so that customers can augment existing
systems or replace on-premises solutions with
cloud capabilities to streamline IT processes.
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©Tangoe Inc. | tangoe.com
Summary
Tangoe’s MatrixCloud Advisory Services provide organizations with an
objective assessment of their cloud environment and provide expert
advice to better utilize the formidable power of the cloud. Tangoe’s
consultants have the required industry experience and expertise to
reduce the complexity of implementing a cloud solution, creating a clear
transformational plan for the people, processes, and technology involved.
Tangoe’s industry-leading experts help set specific goals and parameters,
providing recommendations to help drive savings, flexibility, security, and ensure
industry compliance. MatrixCloud Advisory Services consultants work meticulously
with you to develop a business case, define and outline the architecture, and
create a plan to achieve operational success in your cloud environment.
Next Steps
Interested in learning more about Tangoe’s Cloud capabilities?
Visit www.tangoe.com to find out more about how Tangoe can
help your organization outperform your competitors.
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The Benefits of Advisory Services
©Tangoe Inc. | tangoe.com
About Tangoe
Tangoe (NASDAQ: TNGO) is a leading global
provider of Connection Lifecycle Management
software and services to a wide range of global
enterprises and service providers. The company’s
Connection Lifecycle Management technology,
Matrix, is an on-demand suite of software
and services designed to turn on, manage,
secure, and support various connections in an
enterprise’s communications lifecycle, including
mobile, fixed, machine, cloud, social, and IT.
©Tangoe Inc. | Powering the Connected Enterprise
Additional information about Tangoe can
be found at www.tangoe.com. Tangoe is
a registered trademark of Tangoe, Inc.
MatrixCloud Advisory Services
35 Executive Blvd., Orange, CT 06477
203.859.9300 | www.tangoe.com