Companies must focus on security, application integration with cloud computing

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

With more companies looking to shift their data and services to the cloud, the focus on security and control has increased. Thus, according to a Network World report, these cloud-seeking companies need to pay attention to four key areas before committing to a third-party firm - application integration, security, virtual I/O and storage.

Currently, sales for cloud-based services are growing 26 percent per year, or six times the rate of overall IT spending. Even with this increase in spending, many companies fail to address these key areas and thus, receive mixed or negative results.

According to an industry expert, making sure a company's software integrates into the cloud is the most important step when transitioning. This integration involves making sure that programs work inside the cloud and that multiple users can access different ranges of applications. With security, having different layers is essential to avoid infiltration. Another industry expert advises companies to employ a third-party firm that can provide a high level of administrative control for the managed network.

A lack of virtual I/O servers, according to Network World, can increase space and organization, as companies can avoid having between eight to 10 cords per cable box crowding space. Virtual I/O servers can save the space while accomplishing the tasks of up to 64 cords. Lastly, with storage, finding a cloud service with the most available data is essential as converting physical servers into cloud can take up a lot of space.

With more than 20 percent of companies moving into the cloud during the next four years, as a report from CloudTweaks states, focusing on these four key areas is important for sustained SaaS success.