Technology: Dec 26, 2012

Just a little over three years ago Cloud Computing (July 2009) is an early stage of the Hype Cycle by Gartner, Inc. called "Peak of inflated expectations." Gartner cloud technology segmented into several components, most of which they now (October 12) show the "slope of enlightenment."

I believe that several components of cloud computing are now "Plateau of Productivity", especially for small businesses.

At the beginning of the cycle of hype, many different but related technologies are combined in a large family and a catchy name. Although it may be necessary to generate excitement and "buzz" that motivates investment and product development (the trigger), it confuses a lot of potential customers, especially those who do not have easy access technical knowledge - small businesses.

Later in the hype cycle, each technology is beginning to be considered separately, and fragments of various components of the group again. But it may still seem less art as an all or nothing proposition. Small businesses need to understand which parts of cloud technology are important to them and which parts can be left to service providers and other fish to fry.

To cut through the hype

All small businesses use electricity, but most do not need to understand how it is produced. Virtually none of them generate for themselves. Cloud computing can be considered a service, such as electricity. Cloud computing encompasses many different outsourced data processing. There are three broad categories of services:

IaaS - Infrastructure as a Service

The infrastructure includes server hardware and software network operating systems, backup, data center cooling, fire suppression and operational services, such as monitoring and maintenance. Companies that use IaaS to provide software platform, application, etc. as well as the configuration and maintenance of software.

One of the promised benefits of IaaS is "on demand" scalable processing power. It is hoped that when this technology matures, more profitable "measured" approach to billing for IaaS services will develop. IaaS customers are likely to be larger companies. They will migrate slowly by operating unit and application. Some will deploy "private clouds" and many are those who adopt a hybrid cloud and private managed services.

PaaS - Platform as a Service

Platforms and databases are middleware system - application servers, web, e-mail and groupware. Companies that use IaaS PaaS will also need. Like most technologies, once widely adopted, PaaS and IaaS services market will fall as they become more affordable.

SaaS - Software as a Service

SaaS includes applications such as Salesforce.com, Google Apps for Business and Microsoft Office 365. Accounting, finance, customer relationship management, expenses, project management and many other management software is available in SaaS mode.

SaaS can be considered "off the shelf" software application. Most small businesses will be able to find all the SaaS applications they need to run their business. It is configurable and customizable, like all other "off the shelf" software, but with the advantages that come with many not having to provide and maintain platforms and infrastructure.

Companies using SaaS only need to worry about the capture, processing and retrieval of their data. They access their applications via the Internet. Their employees need is a computer, a web browser and an internet connection. Small and large companies benefit from significantly reduced costs for information technology. Existing IT staff will need to become more business-focused and use their skills to focus on the integration of solutions and training.

Many SaaS cloud offerings available today are already in the "Plateau of Productivity" hype cycle stage. SaaS is secure, reliable and affordable. Remote computer, conference real-time collaboration and video are some of the features included in the affordable SaaS products and many services.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Hype, The Cloud, and Why Small Business Should Move Now

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