Cloud infrastructure planning

Cloud computing.

Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (Networks, servers, storage, applications and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.

SevenC Computing’s understanding of the fundamentals of IT and cloud infrastructure make us the perfect partner for your business cloud journey.

Your business will immediately have the benefit of our time and experience in transforming concepts into real world system designs, deployment models, and best practices.

Characteristics of a cloud environment

On demand self-service (Organisations can order cloud services with automated provisioning)
Broad network access (Cloud resources can be made available to or hidden from a wide variety of computers)
Resource pooling (Multiple users all share resources within a specific cloud deployment)
Rapid elasticity (Scale out services rapidly)
Measured service (Services are billed on a pay per use basis)

Transitioning from traditional IT

As the IT industry evolves in general, so too must IT departments within small, large, commercial and government organisations.

Often with large complex IT departments, as well as the actual expense of computer assets, companies wonder if they really get a solid return on investment.

One thing that has become clear is that unless an organisation is actually in the business of providing IT services, it should focus on its core mission and customers, not on large internal IT departments or data centers.

Taking this onto consideration and comparing the benefits of the cloud, it has become evident that transitioning to cloud computing can offer both cost savings and corporate IT right sizing. A transition to cloud computing enables organizations to no longer be stuck with unneeded computer systems, server farms or data centers, which leads to greater agility in overall business decisions.

Cloud deployment models

SevenC will carefully guide and advise on the most appropriate cloud model for your business, with reference to industry best practices.

Public cloud

A cloud service offered to the general public. The cloud provider owns, manages, and operates all computing resources located within the providers facilities, with available resources shared across all customers.

Private cloud

Cloud infrastructure operated for a single organisation. The cloud can be managed by the organisation or a third party. This can be hosted on premise or at a third-party data center.

Virtual private cloud

A variation of public cloud wherein a segmented compartment of an otherwise public cloud infrastructure is dedicated to one customer.

Community cloud

A cloud service that provides for a community of users or organisations with shared interests or concern. The system is managed by one or more of the organisations, by a central provider, or a combination of the two. Organisations utilizing the cloud service have shared missions.

Hybrid cloud

A cloud service that is a combination of two or more of the previously defined deployment models.

Application criticality

Identify the business criticality of the application resources your business needs from the cloud.

Security measures

Ensure that the confidentiality of your information is maintained, and it is protected from breakage.

Scalability

We will ensure that the correct cloud infrastructure is implemented and geared for business growth.

Application compatibility

Assurance of backward compatibility for all business applications.

Benefits of a move to cloud computing

Ability to slowly shift key applications and traditional IT to the cloud – moving to the cloud does not have to be an all or nothing transition
Increased choice and flexibility by avoiding lock-in to a single provider by using hybrid cloud deployment models
You pay only for cloud usage, which is carefully monitored and measured
Centralised and efficiently utilised computer resources, managed by fewer personnel with heavy use of automation
Lifecycle management, upgrade and replacement of used resources are the responsibilities of the cloud provider
No need to hire experienced service personnel