Choosing the Right Cloud Computing Model for Data Center Management

Transcription

1 Choosing the Right Cloud Computing Model for Data Center Management NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 1

2 Section One Cloud Computing 101 NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 2

3 Summary Recent innovations in the data center have rapidly provided increased flexibility of choice that was not available until a few years ago. The 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. NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 3

4 What is Cloud Computing? Cloud Data Centers (CDC) became the twenty-first century addition to on-premise system technologies. 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. NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 4

5 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 NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 5

6 Section Two Accessing the Cloud NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 6

7 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. NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 7

8 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 NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 8

9 Public Cloud 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 costeffective 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, computeheavy research applications, or development and test environments. 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) NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 9

10 Hybrid Cloud (Private Cloud Shared) 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. PROS: + Security and compliance + Organizational agility + Cloud resource accessibility CONS: - Reliance on integrations - Cloud and on-premise team compatibility NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 10

11 Private Cloud as a Service (PCaaS) 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. PROS: + Bridges gap between private and public cloud + Leverages existing hardware + Mix of CAPEX and OPEX spending models CONS: - Requires ownership of equipment NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 11

12 Section Three Why Choose Cloud? NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 12

13 Security in the Cloud Cloud 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 endcustomer 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, realtime, and predictive capabilities. This comprehensive data drastically reduces IT resources spent on troubleshooting across wired and wireless environments. NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 13

14 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 Reasons for Adopting a Cloud Model 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. NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 14

15 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) NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 15

16 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. NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 16

17 About NSI Network 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. NETWORK SOLUTIONS INCOPORATED NS1.COM UPDATING YOUR NETWORK SOLUTION WITH CISCO DNA CENTER 17