So, you think you’re ready to deploy in the cloud?

Did you know that there are many layers of cloud computing? Most people would admit that there is a lot more to the CLOUD than they really understand - and that it takes a lot more to get to the cloud than you might think. The various aspects of cloud computing require different levels of expertise; here at Progress, we have decided to acquire this expertise by partnering with various companies, that play a role in cloud computing.

Over the next few weeks, we will look into the multiple layers and components that we believe you need to deploy an application successfully and efficiently in the cloud. Additionally, we’ll explain why and with whom we have formed relationships to ensure that YOU - our application partners and customers - have all the tools needed to deploy in the cloud.

The first step to cloud deployment begins with Education. According to a recent report by Saugatuck Technology Inc, many CEOs are convinced that they can and will benefit from Cloud IT in some form, but they are at a loss as to where and how to begin.

There is definitely a lot of upfront education that anyone looking to deploy in the cloud needs to review. Cloud computing is a different style of computing, and it’s not so obvious.

I think that the first aspect of education begins with understanding what all of the cloud acronyms mean, such as SaaS, PaaS, IaaS. Here is a quick run down:

•  SaaS (Software as a Service) is a software business model that delivers software capabilities from a common set of computing resources accessible by users via the Internet. Rather than purchasing application licenses and installing the software on-premise, end users pay a usage or subscription fee and access the application that has been installed and maintained by the SaaS provider.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service) is the delivery of a computing platform and/or solution stack as a service that facilitates the development and/or deployment of applications without the cost and complexity of buying and managing the underlying hardware and software layers
•  IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) delivers the compute power and infrastructure - typically a virtualization environment - as a service. Rather than purchasing servers, data-center space or network equipment, clients instead access those resources as a fully outsourced service, and pay for and are provisioned only what they need.

We also have an introduction to cloud computing white paper on the Progress website that provides additional background information. You can download it here: http://web.progress.com/en/openedge/resources.html

So once you learn what all of the cloud acronyms and various terms mean, then it’s time to determine how it applies to you. You’ll need to think through how cloud computing will affect your business and how you want to move into the cloud. Then you will need to think about which approach best suits your needs.

We will cover some additional cloud considerations in future blog posts. Our next post will focus on public vs. private vs. hybrid clouds, and how you can decide which approach is right for you.