Cloud Computing
Some basic definitions of cloud computing and virtualisation
Gartner defines cloud computing as a style of computing where massively scalable IT-related capabilities are provided "as a service" using Internet technologies to multiple external customers. It's a natural evolution of IT from customers purchasing products themselves to subscribing to an IT service instead and comes at the convergence of 3 major supply side trends:-
1. Service orientation
2. Virtualisation - reducing cost of scaling the service
3. Standardisation of computing through the internet
Plus major demand side drivers to lower IT operational costs, increased business continuity needs, reliability and easier flexible working.
With the "cloud" doing most of the work, this frees users up to access the "cloud" however they choose. It could be a desktop PC, or a "thin client" laptop, or even an iPhone or a Blackberry. Cloud Computing allows users to get at the same information and perform the same tasks whether at work, at home or from anywhere there is an internet connection.
There are 3 main areas of virtualisation which are making good head roads.
· Network Virtualisation - this disguises the true complexity of the network by separating it into manageable parts making it easier to manage files.
· Desktop Virtualisation - Bring the administration and control of a corporate PC fleet back to the datacentre and lowering operation costs by streamlining administration, reducing energy costs and extending the useful life of PCs
· Storage Virtualisation - this pools physical storage from multiple network storage devices into what appears to be a single storage device that is managed from a central console. This is commonly used in storage areas networks (SANs)
· Server Virtualisation - This is the masking of server resources from server users. The advantage to this is that the user does not have to understand and managed complicated details of the server and also increases resource and the ability to expand at any time.
Combine cloud computing with a virtual environment and you will benefit such as
· On-demand automated allocation of CPU, memory, storage and bandwidth for individual Web sites
· Greater reliability through inherently redundant infrastructure architecture and deployment
· Same level of end-user features that customers have come to expect from their current infrastructure
· Use of greener technology through more efficient use of computing resources
· Smooth scaling from the smallest hosting packages to the highest levels of hosting, giving businesses greater flexibility
Overview of Intercept IT and the services we provide
Intercept provide services in 4 main operational sectors.
· Infrastructure Services - Optimizing data centre performance using the latest in virtualisation technologies
· Online Services - Enterprise IT with no capital outlay for a simple low cost monthly subscription
· Managed Services - Proactive consultancy and specilalist support to help you achieve your business goals
· Unified communication - Transforming IP network to unify and reduce your communication costs
Based in the City of London, Intercept focuses on helping companies of all sizes reap the rewards of virtualised IT and unified communications. The business collaborates with clients to reduce costs, improve user performance and increase business agility.
The company has years of real world experience designing innovative solutions to fit client needs, all delivered with exceptional tailored support. Intercept has virtualised over 5,000 servers, over 100,000 desktops and more than 2,000 different applications in 30 languages, realising millions of pounds worth of savings to its customers. What's more, some 60,000 users rely on Intercept's managed and online services.
As specialists in delivering virtual IT infrastructure, Intercept consultants are different. Using the most resilient, scalable and high-performing technology available today, Intercept's solutions empower client teams to get the very most out of their ICT investment.
From the perspective of financial institutions what potential benefit does cloud computing offer?
It's all about cash flow... cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS) gives you the ablity to pay as you go from Intercept rather than making a large capital outlay.
· Better cashflow. The biggest financial benefit of cloud computing, particularly in these capital-constrained times, is that it enables businesses to avoid taking on debt and to keep cash in the company longer. When a project uses a cloud-based service provider, the finance chief does not have to write a big cheque upfront. Instead, cheques are written monthly or quarterly in alignment with the return.
· Lower financial risk and business continuity built-in as standard. A cloud-based solution means that you pay for only what you use, and you can terminate the contract. In contrast, on-premises solutions mean spending money upfront for hardware and software with an uncertain payoff. And that means more financial risk. After all, what if the benefits don't materialise? Too bad, the money's been spent.
· Greater financial visibility. A cloud-based service provider can tell you how much it will cost to add a user or process another transaction. That visibility is a comfort to a CFO who has to keep track of where the money is going. In most situations, IT is hard-pressed to deliver that same kind of financial transparency.
· Healthier return on assets. One of the advantages of cloud computing's pay-as-you-go model is that the cost is incurred in the same period that the value is delivered. For CFOs, this means that the balance sheet doesn't carry an ever-depreciating capital asset of hardware and software that lowers the important financial metric of return on assets.
· Control of sensitive data. Controlling access to confidential data is easier because all virtual desktops reside in a central location. Integration with RSA SecurID® enables support for two-factor authentication, while strong network encryption protects data in transit. These features can help reduce the risk of data leakage and malicious code intrusion while also helping to ease regulatory compliance burdens.
For firms with well-developed IT infrastructures already in place, how feasible is it to transfer to cloud computing?
Extremely feasible. Threadneedle Investments for example moved servers to the data centre to free up expensive central London real-estate and by its virtualising servers reduced operating costs in terms of hardware, rack space and power requirements. In fact Intercept has helped it's clients save in excess of £1M per annum in enery costs. EEA Fund Management had particularly tight timescales in order to get their new outsourced system up and running with offices in London, Bejing, Cayman Islands, Washington, Ireland, and Rio de Janerio. Intercept have virtualised over 2,000 applications including specialist financial services apps in 30 different languages including
· Bloomberg
· TASBooks
· PROQuotes
· BITON
· Fund Accounting Software
· EEA states that they are saving over £350,000 per year by outsourcing
· EPIC Investment partners are saving over £100,000 per year
About Intercept IT
Intercept focuses on helping companies of all sizes reap the rewards of virtualised IT and unified communications technologies. As specialists from the desktop to the data centre, we will help you get the most out of your IT investment in order to reduce costs, improve user performance and increase business agility.
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www.intercept-it.com