Choosing the Right Cloud Computing Model for Data Center ... Cloud Ebook_-1.pdf · Offering...

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Choosing the Right Cloud Computing

Model for Data Center Management


Section One

Cloud Computing 101

SummaryThe focus has broadened from the traditional on-premise data centers we are all familiar with to models that include cloud computing which support customers with forward-thinking technology.

Cloud computing models have the capacity to drive businesses through

the twenty-first century thanks to their adaptability. Private cloud

combines the benefits of public cloud with the security and privacy

of an on-premise deployment. Public cloud’s managed services keep

customers connected at a lower capital cost with the added benefit of

a pay-as-you-go model while absorbing spiking workloads. The hybrid

model allows businesses to take advantage of both private and public

cloud services.

3NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM | UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER

Recent innovations in the data center have rapidly provided increased flexibility of choice that was not available until a

few years ago.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines Cloud

Computing as:

“…a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network

access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g.,

networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly

provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service

provider interaction. This cloud model is composed of five essential

characteristics, three service models, and four deployment models.”

Our definition focuses more on the overall evolution of the data

center. Cloud computing uses software to run applications

that create an abstraction layer between the hardware and

application. This abstraction creates shared containers of

resources that run databases, web pages, files, and other

infrastructure services. These containers can then be used

along with development teams to create, test, and deploy

standalone applications.

Cloud Data Centers (CDC) became the twenty-first century addition to on-premise system technologies.

What is Cloud Computing?



The NIST definition lists five essential characteristics of cloud computing:

- On-Demand Self-Service

- Broad Network Access

- Resource Pooling

- Rapid Elasticity or Expansion

- Measured Service NSI offers a range of services for all major cloud computing models,

including Private, Public, Hybrid, and PCaaS


Section Two

Accessing the Cloud


The three key cloud computing models each offer different benefits and constraints that should be considered when selecting a cloud strategy. Additionally, Private Cloud as a Service (PCaaS) is a growing trend that serves as a gateway between private and public clouds.

Private Cloud The private dedicated model is an on-premise deployment that

leverages the full feature-set of the public cloud. It’s typically hosted

on a company’s intranet or private data center servers with hypervisors

like VMware. With this model, customers

access exclusive resource pools operated by

internal IT staff.

A private cloud offers direct control and

suits customers with regulatory limits and

special requirements. From a financial

perspective, the private cloud often fits a

capital expense (CAPEX) spending model,

while public cloud is often a good fit

within an operational expense (OPEX)

spending model.

PROS:+ Security

+ Greater control of server(s)

+ Fully compliant

CONS: - Higher initial costs

- Limited remote access


Public cloud, or IaaS, is owned and operated by a third-party who handles

infrastructure, data storage, and security. This converts the cost to an

operational expense, with predictable ownership costs and fixed per-use

payments. Customers can leverage cost-

effective IaaS providers

like Amazon Web Services (AWS),

Microsoft Azure, or any number of

regional players.

The public cloud solution is

best for businesses that prefer

fixed monthly costs and flexible

hosting options. It may not be ideal

for customers with strict compliance

regulations. This model can also work

for noncritical web servers, compute-

heavy research applications, or development

and test environments.

Public Cloud

PROS:+ Fixed operational costs

+ Provider liable for upkeep and security

+ Remotely accessible

+ Flexible hosting options

CONS: - Regulatory and

compliance challenges

- Higher Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)


The hybrid cloud combines private cloud and public cloud solutions.

By keeping a company’s key infrastructure private, hybrid/private cloud

maximizes spending efficiency by allowing organizations to leverage

public cloud resources on

an as-needed basis while

maintaining compliance and

keeping OPEX costs lower with

the on-prem solutions. Companies

can pick and choose which applications

to deploy into the public cloud and which

to maintain on their own network.

This gives companies the flexible

features of the cloud while

ensuring they meet compliance

regulations. It can also work

well for companies that have

no regulatory issues with using

cloud services. A hybrid cloud

solution allows for more seamless

integration between private and

public cloud technologies.

Services can be customized based on unique needs and managed

by internal IT staff or outsourced. Hybrid cloud customers often

wish to add to resources they can’t buy outright and utilize the

cloud’s shared resource pool.

Hybrid Cloud (Private Cloud Shared)

PROS:+ Security and compliance

+ Organizational agility

+ Cloud resource accessibility

CONS: - Reliance on integrations

- Cloud and on-premise team compatibility


PCaaS is a growing trend among organizations looking to take a step

toward public cloud without incurring the OPEX costs associated with

public cloud consumption. The service is built into a regional colocation

facility and allows an organization to share services such as network,

storage, and security. To differentiate from the

public cloud model, computing is generally not

an option. Instead, servers are moved into the

provider racks, keeping the private cloud model

of direct infrastructure and

hypervisor access.

Storage, network, and security

shared services are all optional

for the PCaaS customer, allowing

for intelligent consumption of resources to

best fit current equipment ownership and

budget allocations. It also allows for a phased

approach to cloud consumption – for example,

when an existing storage array reaches end-of-life, the storage model

can move to shared resources rather than replacing the array.

Private Cloud as a Service (PCaaS)

PROS:+ Bridges gap between private

and public cloud

+ Leverages existing hardware

+ Mix of CAPEX and OPEX spending models

CONS: - Requires ownership

of equipment



Section Three

Why Choose Cloud?

Security in the CloudCloud computing has redefined the data center. More mobile users mean workloads, applications, and data are now accessible across multiple platforms.

Today’s data centers are incredibly complex. Businesses need to rethink

their cybersecurity strategies. Inactive or incomplete security measures

can have disastrous results. Understanding kill-chain methodology is

crucial to developing an information security strategy that mitigates risk.

By combining North-South and East-West security, companies layer a kill-chain

system on top of their hardware. North-South creates a firewall between

the data center and users, while East-West secures and segments

traffic down to the endpoint. It is best implemented

within a software-defined infrastructure.

Most cloud providers will offer

North-South security, but few take

the extra steps, cost, and expertise

to add East-West technologies.

For those that allow East-West

security, the complicate configuration

often falls within the end-

customer’s responsibility.

Preventative maintenance is one other important aspect of cybersecurity.Infrastructure lifecycle data can track the depreciation and replacement

costs of data center equipment. This strategy prevents companies from

losing valuable resources to an unstable environment.

Operating with a software-defined infrastructure has another advantage

when it comes to security: proactive analytics.

Proactive analytics give organizations a 360-degree view of what is

happening between network applications and users with historical, real-

time, and predictive capabilities. This comprehensive data drastically

reduces IT resources spent on troubleshooting across wired and

wireless environments.



Before debating the best cloud model choice, companies should consider the overall benefits of cloud computing.

1. Best use of resources for budget

Before adopting a cloud model, consider how much can be saved by

automating manual tasks. On-premise upkeep may be out of a small

business’s budget but work better for a large company with their own

gear. No matter the budget or resources, cloud models can be tailored

for maximum benefit to the organization’s particular circumstances.

2. Up-to-date technology and hardware

Cloud computing keeps customers updated and helps them function

without relying on outdated gear. They move company information workflow

past a decade-old virtualization implementation to upgraded technologies.

3. Flexible accommodation and extensions

Cloud models accommodate all needs and levels of ownership and

regulation or security concerns. They are flexible enough for customers

who prefer to control their entire workflow, those who would rather

outsource management, and everything in between.

4. “Future-proof” environment

Cloud models supply customers with a flexible environment of

adaptable and evolving technologies. They guarantee access to new tech

that empowers businesses to look ahead, not worry about future updates.

Reasons for Adopting

a Cloud Model


Early data center technology focused on results over user experience. Cloud levels the playing field for many

organizations. Adaptable to a range of skill levels and requirements, it appeals to small businesses and

large corporations alike.

Cloud computing models make industry-leading technology

accessible to all. Weighing the benefits of each cloud model vs. an organization’s preference for a CAPEX or

OPEX spending model will help decide which model is appropriate.

Interested in learning more about your

cloud computing options? Contact an NSI

representative today. Let us help you decide

how Cisco Systems can help you effectively

manage your data center.

(888) 247-0900


Why NSI?Since 1989, Network Solutions, Inc. (NSI) has focused on providing stable

and secure network communication solutions to customers in the Midwest.

As a cloud-enablement brand, NSI offers enterprise-grade solutions at cost-effective pricing, supporting businesses of all sizes with the option to consume solutions on a monthly or per-use basis.

Combining white glove service with cloud deployment, colocation, and

multi-cloud options, Network Solutions is a full-stack cloud provider.

Offering expertise in on-premise solutions, cloud migrations, and hybrid

deployments, NSI is a one-stop, end-to-end shop for secure and flexible

cloud solutions.

In partnership with Cisco Systems, NSI uses multi-cloud solutions to

connect customers’ on-premise hardware to the cloud and beyond.

Key areas of expertise include design, implementation, and support of

traditional or managed services encompassing enterprise networking

and infrastructure, data security, collaboration technologies, and data

center solutions.

Network Solutions excels by remaining true to its core values, to Honor

God with our work, provide extraordinary customer experience, foster

teamwork, and provide customers with strategic vision.

WHY we do is as important as WHAT we do.


www.nsi1.com

About NSINetwork Solutions, Inc. specializes in creating positive business outcomes by

implementing empowering technology solutions. What we do is very important

but WHY we do it is just as critical. Designing and deploying the solutions,

for the right situation, at the right time, improve organizational employee

productivity, reduce expenditures, improve time to market and reduced risk.

Key areas of expertise include design, implementation, and support of

traditional or managed services encompassing enterprise networking and

infrastructure, data security, and managed services.

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