Cloud Computing As I Understand !

Eventhough I have been in ICT industry for more than a decade, it was a challenge for me to understand what the ICT world is seriously falling for "Cloud Computing".
Even the definition of the "Cloud", changes every time i try to define it. May be becasue of the nature of cloud itself :).

My confusion started with the understanding of what is the differnce between clustured web application and a could application. For me it looked very same as they share the definition of cloud application.

Finally I could spend some time to understand what it is, The following are my understanding of cloud computing what the world is talking about.

Then I have understood, its not any differnt from any of the technologies I was aware of, it is just a name given to all emerging technologies which helps in 2 simple areas of any computing element
(1). Easy Access - Any where from any devices (including web browser :))
(2). Optimise cost - Shared (Grid, Virtual etc. ) and Metered (Pay per use)
So the web application is now very much fits inside the could computing, when the no 2. Optimise cost is taken care. So it is subset of Cloud computing (Also Ref:
http://thecloudandme.com/2010/03/18/web-based-vs-cloud-based/ ).

When we improve any of the Application/Software, Infrastructure, Platform in these 2 direction (Access & Cost) it automatically eligible to be called as SaaS, Iaas and
PaaS.

So My analogy based on this are
- Applications in Internet is public cloud, Intranet is a private cloud.
- Cloud compting as the one where the client wont be knowing from where it get serviced is mainly due to the that it is 2. Optimised for cost (Virtualised / Grid)
- If you dont need these two, you can ignore Cloud. (Worried about quality and security due to 2.Optimise Cost)
- If you are already doing these 2 then you are already on cloud computing.

May be still, I have not got what it is ?!!?

- Saravana Kumar (Since 1976)

The clouded future of SMB IT

When the world of ICT is focusing on Cloud computing. I feel the full potential of the cloud computing is going to be  realised when we combine all Infrastrcuture as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). The idea of combining these three services based on the reason that  each one of the service having its limitation which overcome by the other service to the end customer.

As mainly the cloud services are offered to the small medium business and individuals. This article will be based on IT service requirements on small and medium enterprises. This is also another way of mass IT outsourcing.

Lets see the existing cloud computing services and their shorfalls to an Small and Medium Business IT.
- IaaS, which only provides the basic computing resources (cpu, memory & storage) on cloud. This provides advantages of having computing resources optimised and available on demand, Here customer still need to build and maintain entire IT application portfolio internally.

- SaaS, which only provides pre built packages on cloud. Here customer still need to maintain different other applications, integrations and infrastructure by themselves.

- PaaS, which provides platform where the developers can customise the specific customer needs. But customer has to develop themselves all the applications and integrations needed.

The consolidation in the Cloud computing is the future of ITaaS:

The Future Consolidation of Cloud Leading to ITaaS

Following is my personal view of how the could computing consolidation makes a true ITaaS in future.

1. SaaS applications to include a PaaS along with for potential customization on the SaaS application for any specific customer.

2. PaaS to include the System Integration / Application Developer service (Please refer my previous post on HSaaS).

3. Now all these SaaS+PaaS hosted in a IaaS environment along with AD/SI service makes complete ITaaS for any small and medium enterprises.

4. There is one part left out, which is the workspace technologies like desktop, laptop, mobile,
multifunction devices and telephony. These all can be outsourced seperately until the dedicated
workspace / cube concept dies in future.

Lets consider the following box is which shows the whole Information Technologies needed in any company.

SMB IT Technologies Block Diagram

Where except the box marked blue all the other boxes can be offered on cloud as and which can be called true ITaaS.

It will be of a massive effort and it is not going to be revolution. I feel it will be a slow evoluation but the IT / Telecom industry will be reaching there. It will be a joint effort from a IT service provider and Communication service provider, basically an ICT provider.

- Saravana Kumar (Since 1976)

Taking Cloud to Next Level: Human Services(HSaaS?)

I was thinking about how India has became a service providor for the world relating to Indian contribution to the cloud services.

It striken me a idea of why cant we provide Indian services as services to the world, that is human services as a service !?!.

Why cant we move upwards in the cloud services making all those humanly provided services available in a cloud ?

This service might have been existing already in other form (like rent a coder). But I feel this could be a another tag and organised way of providing these services.

It could also be considered as another services business model

Human Service As A Service

The following are steps I think of how to make this whole idea to practical at a very high level

1. First form Cloud and Service operator, who is the HSaaS provider to the customer. Customer views only this operator as service provider.
2. Identify the services which can be cloud enabled.
3. Make cloud gateway applications for the indentified services, which involves the automation of  integration / communication points between the end human service providors Cloud /service operators,
Customers and end users.
4. Get any individuals and small service providing companys registered with the HSaaS Operator.
5. Then get customers on board, where customers could be again individuals, SMEs, Enterprise, Corporates.
6. HSaaS service provider Manage the quality of the end service providers and Training etc.,

Ofcource we need a business case for investment and take it to next level !!!

Also these needs further deeper analysis in terms of making it perfect. I migh work further in detail once this gets some buy in.

This is just an offshoot of my own thought process over a day :), please comment if this is just another angle of looking at an existing service or really a true idea ??.

- Saravana Kumar (Since 1976)