Moving your data to the cloud

According to the hype, the cloud promises some major benefits, but probe a little deeper and some big questions become apparent.

What is really meant by “cloud services”?

Every supplier seems to use the term, but they don’t necessarily mean the same thing. We use the model illustrated in the diagram below – these are the key characteristics that differentiate each type of cloud. When determining which option is best, the key is to understand what your needs are, and therefore what commercial, technology and service characteristics really matter.

We were initially sceptical that both cost savings and service improvements could be achieved but, for a well-implemented cloud service, the economies of scale mean that it should be able to offer a better service for a lower cost. We have delivered two major data centre transformations for FTSE250 companies, and the transition to cloud is targeted to achieve improvements in service levels, flexibility, responsiveness and security (yes, even security) as well as total operational cost savings (on a cash basis) in excess of 40 per cent.