For cloud strategy: the network is key.

• Author: Hurtado, Tony
• Position: TECH STRATEGY

Many businesses still likely have questions related to the benefits of cloud computing. These are just a few of the questions being asked: What exactly is it? Is it safe? How does it work? What can it do for my company? What are the requirements to be successful?

In some cases, leveraging applications over the cloud allows internal information technology departments to focus on core business processes, rather than the back-end IT "plumbing," thereby freeing valuable expertise and resources. It also offers greater efficiency by allowing data center upkeep and maintenance to be managed offsite.

Many view the cloud as confusing, intimidating or even monolithic. Yet, on a macro-level, the concept of the cloud should be perceived simply as a selection of options in the enterprise information technology arsenal with each option offering advantages and disadvantages to support the IT needs of the enterprise, Each also serves a different business purpose. For example:

* Public Cloud--involves access to applications, information and processing power via the Internet. The advantages of this option are quick, convenient and relatively low-cost access to established cloud providers.

Primary disadvantages are unpredictable performance, limited security and poor application visibility.

* Private Cloud--owned and administered by a single enterprise. The entire infrastructure is purchased, configured and maintained by the business, along with assuming the overhead for data center space, including cooling and power systems.

Though relatively secure, a private cloud is limiting because of the high costs necessary to implement and maintain software, as well as to expand computing power. Another risk is that the speed of technology evolution can quickly render equipment obsolete.

* Virtual Private Cloud--involves connecting to a public cloud provider through a secure, quality of service (QoS)-enabled network directly from the enterprise. This eliminates a majority of the concerns associated with a traditional public cloud approach.

With it, all endpoints, including the data center, reside within a single enterprise network, with access granted only to designated IT personnel. It keeps data safe and costs low, while allowing for improved scalability, visibility and performance.

* Hybrid Cloud--the approach that incorporates public, private and virtual private cloud options to correspond with a variety of enterprise needs and business applications. This is an...