What is the Cloud?
Cloud computing, in simple terms, is sharing resources on-demand over the internet. These resources include infrastructure but also software, platforms, storage, databases, and development environments.
Cloud computing and virtualization are often confused, but in simple terms virtualization is about technology whereas cloud is about applications, deployment models, and a move from CAPEX to OPEX. Virtualization allows one physical server in your data center to run several individual computing environments. Virtualization technology is fundamental to cloud computing and has many benefits, including the optimal use of your hardware investments.
Cloud providers have data centers full of virtualized servers enabling each cloud customer to work with a virtual instance of the same software. While cloud computing and virtualization maximize your IT resources and can possibly cut costs, cloud services can provide additional benefits particularly for small to medium sized companies by granting access to applications and solutions otherwise out of financial reach.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
Cost Savings
In general, cloud computing is a more cost effective solution, especially for small and mid-size companies. Due to the shared infrastructure, there are fewer up-front costs and investments in hardware, software and maintenance. It’s an OPEX v. CAPEX decision.
Innovation
Cloud enables a wide range of applications and services that many businesses could not normally afford. This provides opportunities for innovation that can help companies stay competitive.
Reliability
While reliability is a concern, the reality is that software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers deliver products that are typically more reliable and secure than a small business could maintain itself in-house.
Flexibility
With an ever increasing mobile workforce, the cloud enables a flexible platform for your employees to work remotely, run applications while at a client site, or check-in on projects from anywhere in the world.
Explore Cloud solutions With ZAG
Finding a managed services and IT security firm focused on your business interests can be a challenge. That’s why we recommend solutions, not products. You can work with ZAG knowing that we are focused on making cloud a competitive advantage for your business.
How ZAG Can Help
In some ways transitioning to being a cloud-based business is easy, however some aspects are complex and need an experienced team to fit the pieces together. Cloud computing can be a catalyst for business model innovation, fundamentally shifting competitive landscapes by providing a new platform for creating and delivering business value.
Companies need to carefully assess the best IT strategy for integrating cloud-enabled models that provide a clear competitive advantage. ZAG is uniquely equipped with certified professionals who are driven to meet challenging IT business needs, while reducing risk and improving productivity.
ZAG helps organizations define successful cloud strategies, delivering solutions that work in your best interests. Let us help you assess the best cloud-service option for your organization, developing a plan for deployment, transition and end-user adoption.
COMMON Cloud TERMS
server and application Virtualization
Virtualization is the fundamental technology powering cloud computing, increasing ROI and application availability while reducing downtime, operational costs, and support resources. While the two are interrelated they are very distinct IT solutions.
Data center and Hybrid-Cloud
Organizations want to drive more value, efficiency, and utilization from corporate data centers. Along with virtualization, you can deliver agile application provisioning without purchasing additional infrastructure by moving selected services to the cloud.
Types of Cloud Services
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) lets you subscribe to applications and use them over the internet. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) allows you to create custom applications, and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provides a backbone with pay-as-you-go services.
