Cloud computing growth and adoption statistics indicate a rising trend across the industry. It is projected that by 2025, approximately 85% of organizations will adopt a “cloud-first” approach. This shift means that businesses that hire programmers will prioritize cloud solutions over traditional IT tools. In fact, more than 60% of corporate data is already stored in the cloud, highlighting its significant role in our digital landscape.
The amount of data stored in the cloud is also growing exponentially. It is projected that by 2025, there will be over 100 zettabytes (ZB) of data stored in the cloud. This immense quantity highlights the capacity and scalability of cloud storage. But what is the best cloud service facility available, and how do you find them? In the following article, we will answer these questions with an in-depth understanding.
What do you mean by Cloud Strategy? How to create one?
Cloud strategy refers to a plan or roadmap that outlines how an organization will utilize cloud computing to achieve its objectives. The following are some of the key factors used while preparing a cloud strategy.
Understand Your Goals and Benefits
Cloud computing offers the advantage of prototyping, building, and testing products at a faster pace. It eliminates concerns about capital expenditures and equips an agile “fail fast” approach to foster learning and growth. The cloud also provides cost savings in areas like purchasing, staffing, housing, securing, and maintaining internal systems. Additionally, upgrading IT security becomes more affordable as cloud data centers offer strict physical and digital security measures to protect your data across fields such as DevOps, web and front-end technologies.
Prioritizing and ranking your goals
Next, the team needs to gather data on the organization’s goals, needs, key stakeholders, and suitable approaches. As a team, they should document the objectives and prioritize them upon completion. For instance, different departments may have objectives such as delivering results promptly, streamlining operations for simplicity, achieving cost savings, distinguishing themselves in the marketplace, or driving top-line growth. These objectives relate to smooth business functions, employee communications, as well as HR and finance processes involving AI-powered AP/AR processes, respectively.
Assessing the current IT infrastructure
The current IT infrastructure assessment process involves several key steps. These steps include continuity planning, which aims to identify critical systems and data. In addition, security management is crucial for implementing manageable and auditable security measures. Furthermore, internal SLAs are established to ensure availability and restore time. Another essential aspect is the implementation of a mature identity management process and integrated application access management for secure cloud resource access. This can be done by employing various python frameworks.
Selecting the appropriate cloud deployment model
The following are the details related to different cloud deployment models used by a DevOps Engineer:
Cloud Model | Description | Pros | Cons |
Public Cloud | Services are given to the public over the Internet. Multi-tenant environment. | Economical, easy scalability, and maintenance are taken care of by the provider. | Security concerns, limited control, no customization. |
Private Cloud | Services offered to a single organization. Single-tenant environment. | High customization and control, secure, scalable. | More expensive, requires dedicated resources, and limited scalability. |
Hybrid Cloud | Combination of private and public cloud models. | Flexibility, customization, scalability, better disaster recovery. | Complex management, additional security measures, possible compatibility issues. |
Community Cloud | Shared cloud environment for organizations with common interests. | Cost savings, improved collaboration, higher security. | Difficult to set up/manage, limited customization, possible compatibility issues. |
Choose the appropriate cloud model.
The following are the cloud models that promise quality assurance:
Service Model | Description | Example |
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) | Supplies computing infrastructure; customers manage applications and data | Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure |
SaaS (Software as a Service) | Offers software applications that run on a cloud infrastructure; providers manage infrastructure. | Google Workspace, Dropbox, Salesforce, Adobe Creative Cloud |
PaaS (Platform as a Service) | Provides a platform for application development, testing, and deployment; providers manage infrastructure. | Heroku, Microsoft Azure, Google App Engine |
Check the readiness of the cloud
To guarantee a successful transition to the cloud while achieving positive ROI, it is crucial to assess both security compliance and data criticality. Security compliance manages access to sensitive information while obeying legal obligations through rigorous auditing mechanisms. On the other hand, data criticality created with high-end technology such as python machine learning safeguards the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of data. Failing to address these aspects can significantly impact the functionality of the cloud environment.
Address Potential Risks
Data breaches are a major concern as attackers often exploit vulnerabilities within storage systems. The infamous 2014 iCloud hack is an example of such risks. Additionally, data loss can occur due to natural disasters or technical malfunctions. Another risk involves a lack of control over security, management, and compliance since cloud storage providers oversee these aspects. Also, storing certain types of data in the cloud may potentially breach regulatory standards. Furthermore, issues with latency and connectivity can disrupt access to cloud-store information. Hence, a firewall system created with strong functional programming is required.
Target State Of Cloud
The target state of the cloud is the state after the deployment of data onto the cloud. Take into consideration whether your business requires private or public services, and carefully assess which services can be handled externally. Additionally, make decisions regarding the desired level of control your organization prefers over the service. Lastly, define the ideal state for your cloud implementation and establish appropriate metrics to measure success.
Hybrid Model is Best
The hybrid cloud model combines public and private clouds, offering a perfect balance. Let’s say there’s a healthcare provider that needs to uphold strict HIPAA compliance while simultaneously being able to quickly scale up during peak times like a pandemic. By adopting the hybrid cloud model, the provider can securely store sensitive patient data in their private on-premises cloud while using a public cloud service for less sensitive applications requiring rapid scalability.
Wrapping up,
Leveraging the tips to build an effective cloud strategy to choose the right platform for switching your operations to cloud. Think Smart Technologies offers a range of innovative and reliable cloud services designed to help businesses succeed. Our skilled team of experts provide comprehensive cloud implementation strategies, including assessment, migration, enhancement, and performance monitoring. With our cloud platform assessment service, they tailor unique migration strategies that align with your specific business requirements. We possess expertise not only in cloud computing but also in cutting-edge technologies. Don’t hesitate any longer – join ThinkSmart now!
