When it comes to cloud computing services, some organizations prefer not to use one provider for all their IT needs and put all their proverbial eggs in one basket. However, if you use multiple cloud computing providers, there are several questions you must ask, including:

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        • Will the applications work compatibly in multiple clouds?
        • Who’s responsible for problem determination?
        • Will data security suffer as a result?

This guest article is written by Jeff Huckaby, CEO,rackAID LLC, and is the second in a series (See “Holistic Approach to Cloud Computing”) of cloud computing experts who share their expertise on how organizations can securely conduct their business using cloud computing services.

How to manage multiple cloud providers

Cloud sprawl is certainly a challenge for SMBs. While our own business has access to multiple cloud infrastructures, we still use cloud-based software solutions for specific tasks. A huge challenge is integration. When it comes to integration, the API (application programming interface or the interface between different software programs that facilitates their interaction) is king.

After a cloud service provider meets your core requirements, the next most important thing is their API. 

Evaluating a cloud provider’s integration capabilities:

• Do they have good documentation? Do they provide working examples for common tasks?
• What are the API access methods? Ask if your multiple vendors’ API’s use the same protocols? Trying to mix and match access protocols can make future integration more challenging.
• How has the API developed? Is there a clear road map for new features? How quickly are bugs fixed?
• How many people use the API? You don’t want to be one of a handful of customers using the API.
• Is integration a two-way street? Often you can pull/push data from cloud service vendors but not both. Make sure data synchronization can flow as needed for your integration.
• How do other people integrate? You may find that there is already a company that specializes in integrating service offerings for your industry. For example, in IT service management, there are companies providing professional service automation platforms that plug into a variety of vendors.
  
  Of course there are many other concerns, but if you want to integrate, a well documented, well maintained, and flexible API is key. We are currently facing this challenge as we pull together services our different vendors. Had I used the checklist above before we got started, I am sure we would have saved a lot of time and money.

Signs it’s Time to Migrate to Cloud Computing Services

This guest article is written by Sean C. O’Rourke, Principal,Syzygy 3, Inc., and is the second in a series (See article #1: Making the business case for cloud computing) of national and Houston cloud computing experts who share their experiences and expertise on how organizations should decide when to move to cloud computing.

Speaking conclusively about IT environments never seen is a sure way to demonstrate your naiveté about cloud migration processes.  So take this posting as a guide to understanding the signals that indicate your company may be ready to move some systems to cloud-based services (each situation will be unique).

NOTE: For purposes of this posting, cloud services are hosted solutions provided by 3rd-party vendors.  Hybrid or private clouds provide complications that are not addressed here.

Upgrades: 

One or two versions behind the latest and greatest?  If upgrading means new software licenses, or new hardware, and all the time spent implementing the new system, then this is flashing sign that the cloud may be right for you (if your system has a cloud-based alternative).  One of primary benefits of a well thought out cloud service is the ability to accommodate migrations/upgrades as essentially standard services.  You still need a game plan, but a lot of the burden is taken off your shoulders and CAPEX budget.

Personnel Changes: 

Growing?  Downsizing?  Not sure which?  The cloud accommodates all equally.  Adding and subtracting services/users (for the most part) are simple clicks of a mouse.  The cloud services grow as you grow or shrink if you shrink; either way, you utilize just the technology you need.  No wasting systems on empty desks or scrambling to add capacity, while always getting the functionality your users require.

One caveat – always be cognizant of your Internet bandwidth.  As more traffic goes out, maybe even with a fewer number of users, you may have to increase capacity to adequately implement a cloud solution.

Virtual Users/Remote Offices / Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery: 

More businesses are finding less reason to invest in physical office space.  Businesses with office spaces want to be sure business continues should that space become unavailable.  Hello sign.  Cloud services offer solutions for both centralized and decentralized systems, thereby meeting the requirements for either scenario.  Plus, the ongoing maintenance is virtually reduced to just keeping an Internet connection active.

Again, it takes a careful review of your business operations, user processes, and existing technology before fully committing to any cloud migration.  But if you look for one or more of the signed above, that’s a key indicator you may be ready for the cloud.

Looking into moving to the cloud, but not sure where to start? Register for a free webinar on theFive Steps to Understanding and Implementing Cloud Computing.

More than 40% of small and medium-sized businesses that use hosted or cloud technology reported revenue rises of 30 % or more while 90 % of respondents not using hosted technology saw decreases in revenue.

The BusinessMakers interview Co-Founder and CEO of XVand Technology, Victor Grinshtein.

http://bit.ly/16adUG

the computer and yours?

Disaster Plan Checklist

• Stay or evacuate when a hurricane threatens?
• How to communicate with clients and employees?
• Will the plan work when the going gets tough?

http://www.isutility.com/video/disaster-plan-checklist.aspx

http://www.isutility.com/video/disaster-planning.aspx

http://www.isutility.com/video/disaster-backing-up.aspx