Moving to the cloud

| Friday October 12, 2012 00:00

 

BusinessWeek: Can you explain the concept of cloud computing in detail?TM: The cloud is an invisible online server providing similar services to the ones provided by the traditional server, just that you do not have to go through the normal practice of establishing a server room, installation, configuration and maintenance of hardware and software. The provider acts as the host to your cloud, automatically controlling the cloud, and you do not have to worry about the underlying infrastructure while you get a full access to your cloud.  There is a public cloud, which hosts many users and a private cloud that is specific to a single user. It is actually not a new technology, but rather a new model of consuming IT infrastructure. It is more like outsourcing IT services, though not entirely.

BusinessWeek: What are the advantages of having a cloud over a traditional server room?TM: There are quite a good number of advantages a cloud user can have over the traditional method. Generally, the cloud is inherently efficient in the sense that it saves you the hassles of maintaining and upgrading the server room. It also removes the risks of human error due to automated updates and upgrading whenever there is a need to. The cloud is also advantageous due to its ability to be agile strategically. You can change and quickly integrate your new data systems into your cloud. It also helps with containment of risks of losing important data altogether.

DP: Cloud technology presents a new consumption model for ICT solutions and services wrapped in a predictable, monthly commercial model, which allows its adopters to reduce cost as cloud reduces the total cost of ownership of managing infrastructure and applications.

BusinessWeek: Whom is the cloud meant for?DP: It is basically meant for private organisations, service providers and governments. Data is a critical part of all these organisations and there is always a need to make sure that the data is safe, secure and accessible.Business Week: How does an organisation go about moving to a cloud?

TM: They have to purchase it at the provider for an agreed term. But unlike setting up a traditional server, it does not take long to have your cloud ready for use. The other thing is you can opt out of a cloud if you want to.

Business Week: The common worry among corporations these days is confidential information leak, how safe is cloud?DP: Having your important information stored in an invisible place becomes inherently risky. Corporations and governments care about where their data sits and they want to have full access to it over time hence a need to assure the client adequate security. At Dimension Data, we pride ourselves at having the most secure cloud platform available today. We have acquired a company called Opsource, to specifically deal with automation and orchestration of our security. The risk of leaking information increases, especially in the public cloud where there are many users, but we give our client the opportunity to regularly audit our platform to be sure their data is secure.

BusinessWeek: Please differentiate between a public cloud and a private cloud?TM: In a private cloud environment, the cloud serves only one organisation and the data is not open to the general public. Meanwhile in a public cloud, one cloud can host several organisations, though one organisation cannot access the data of another in the cloud. A public cloud generally carries a risk of capacity as it is shared by many organisations.

BusinessWeek: Let us talk about costs, how affordable is the cloud?TM: The service is affordable and it actually helps reduce costs that often come with development and testing when you use the traditional data control methods. Moving to the cloud should be a journey, a transformation. It is a cheaper option because platforms are shared among millions of people at a standard price.

BusinessWeek: How ready is Botswana for the cloud?DP: Botswana has a small population, but very developed and exposed. As a result Batswana always strive to get the best top-end technology and just like many developing countries, Botswana is ready to go into the cloud. There are larger businesses setting up in the country, financial service providers and a drive by government for entrepreneurial development, all of which make the country ideal for the cloud. Organisations in Botswana can take advantage of the benefits of cloud and we look forward to helping our clients achieve the transformational potential of cloud computing

BusinessWeek: How do your cloud services stand out from the other providers in the market?TM: Our cloud services are delivered on the company's Managed Cloud Platform (MCP), a fully managed cloud delivery platform.

DP: All our cloud services are delivered on a consistent platform. It is easier and more cost-effective to expand from one cloud model to another as the demands of the business change.Business Week: What is your final word to potential clients?

DP: I am confident Botswana will join African businesses and governments' eagerness to adopt cloud, and will leverage it to leapfrog its technology adoption, without having to incur exorbitant infrastructure costs and enjoy world-class ICT services on a pay as you go model. Educating the client on the cloud however remains crucial. I urge government and corporations to get on board the cloud..