Cloud services have evolved at an impressive speed to the point that you cannot talk about the future of the Internet without referring to this technology. As a result, great innovators continue to use Cloud Computing Services as a transitioning platform to a future with increasingly sophisticated applications. The market for ITSM solutions is not the exception. Software leaders have already decided to integrate their solutions with the cloud as a way of offering users more advanced and multifunctional tools.
However, despite its noticeable advantages, the cloud continues to incite debates among ITSM experts. In fact, the challenge that involves cloud migration continues to make organizations hesitate about its adoption. However, considering the scope of Cloud Computing Services; how much longer will these organizations be able to operate with traditional services before taking the next step towards computational evolution?
A precipitated answer to this question could be somewhat vague. The truth is that predictions announce Cloud Computing Services is here to stay; but why? What are those advantages that guarantee Cloud Computing Services a place in the future of ITSM?
Welcome to the Cloud: Key Notions of Cloud Computing Services
We can easily deduce the great multi-functionality of this technology when thinking of Cloud Computing as a set of services, provided over the Internet; that include network components, databases, servers, storage, software, analysis tools, among others.
How does it work?
The cloud is an infrastructure where multiple servers operate. These computer servers run an operating system capable of making available to customers, several virtual environments. As a result, users can run their own software applications without any interruption in the simultaneous execution of other programs on the same server.
Some of the main operational features of Cloud Computing Services include:
- On-demand service: The user has the freedom to self-provide any cloud service without human interaction.
- Accessibility: The cloud allows access from different devices such as mobile phones or computers; anytime in a scalable model.
- Multi-user resource pool: It can be used by many users at once without any geographical location limit.
- Elasticity: Resources and capabilities can be deployed and expanded quickly and automatically in the required amount and at any time.
- Measured service: Companies that provide this technology usually charge for these services on a usage basis. Consequently, service consumption is monitored, managed, measured, and billed according to the duration and amount of resources used.
What makes Cloud Computing Services so advantageous for organizations?
Agility: Cloud Computing Services improve organization responsiveness and allow companies to better adapt to changes in the business environment. As a result, organizations can initiate, increase, reduce, or modulate their service consumption according to their needs. In addition, they can choose the cloud deployment model (private, public, hybrid, and community cloud) that better suits to their objectives.
Market adaptability: Cloud Computing Services let users design customized applications; and provide original products and services to individuals and other companies.
This freedom in the development of applications fluctuates according to the system in the cloud selected. We can classify these systems into:
– Software as a Service (SaaS)
– Platforms as a Service (PaaS)
– And Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
Costs reduction: By using a cloud service, organizations are not forced to invest in a large IT infrastructure. This possibility brings efficiency to the processes as it reduces computers and networks operational complexity.
What are the challenges of Cloud Computing Services and how is this technology responding to them?
Of course, some Cloud Computing Services features can be challenging for organizations. However, cloud providers continue to make an effort to capitalize on these challenges and turn them into opportunities.
- Security, challenge #1: Privacy and security in the cloud can be compromised thanks to the easy access to these services.
Opportunity: New, more powerful and efficient cybersecurity tools are emerging to offer solutions; like the end-to-end encryption, that ensure the full protection of the data in the cloud.
- Data hosting legislation, challenge #2: If a company’s data is hosted on a server in another country; the government of that nation can invoke local legislation to access the information. As a result, the privacy of company data can be compromised.
Opportunity: The establishment of a common legislative framework among several states that not only promotes efficiency in data management; but also help to save the costs of updating organizations to the legislation of each country where they aim to do business. The GDPR is a good example of this kind of initiative.
- Provider reliability, challenge #3: The possibility that eventually the service provider decide to declare a system shutdown.
Opportunity: The competitiveness in the Cloud Computing Services in the market; has forced suppliers to develop technologies that guarantee the continuity of their service. As a result, options related to reliable providers grow every day.
The Future is in the cloud: ITSM and Cloud Computing Services
Cloud services are important for ITSM because:
- They offer a new approach to service delivery that does not include the costs of setting, management; and maintenance of the backend infrastructure and underlying technologies.
- The constant innovation of cloud-based ITSM tools allows organizations to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies; increasing their competitiveness and efficiency.
- Organizations can align the needs and capabilities of the business and IT services to the cloud; thanks to its flexibility.
- Cloud Computing Services host a wider variety of solutions that can replace IT local elements; such as hardware and software. These solutions can integrate more powerful combinations to meet organization needs.
What the future holds for the cloud:
Larger storage capacity. A security system that promises to be the main reason for migrating to the cloud. Simplification of the migration process; and continuous automatic improvement thanks to artificial intelligence.
Their advantages and its promise of constant evolution; make Cloud Computing Services a key piece for organizations when designing strategies and business models. In the quest for continuous improvement; IT service management must constantly seek ways to improve service delivery quality.
That is why; a synergistic relationship between Cloud Computing Services and ITSM is imperative to ensure continuity in the effectiveness of IT service management.
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