The Complete Guide to Cloud Infrastructure Services

Cloud computing is 40 times more cost-effective for SMBs than setting up an on-premise IT system.

75% of businesses also claim that their service’s availability has improved after migrating to the cloud.

Despite the advantages, many businesses are still hesitant to make the switch. The cloud has countless functions, and deciding which services will deliver the best return on investment is often difficult for even experienced internal IT teams.

That’s where cloud infrastructure services can help. A dedicated, experienced partner like AAG supports businesses like yours every day to make the cloud a sound investment.

Whether you’re looking for additional storage options or planning to host your entire IT infrastructure in the cloud, an IT partner ensures your new services are implemented securely and effectively so you can enjoy the full benefits of the cloud.

With flexibility and agility now crucial to success in an online world, we’ve created this guide to help businesses understand cloud infrastructure services and how they can transform operations.

What is Cloud Infrastructure?

‘The cloud’ delivers services over the internet. Rather than businesses investing in expensive on-premises infrastructure, they rent access from a cloud service provider like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure.

Services range from storage and backups to virtualisation, AI and machine learning services and application hosting – there’s a huge range of options, all designed to improve business functions and deliver improved performance.

You can choose the extent to which you want to use a provider’s cloud infrastructure and increase the amount of resources available to you as your business grows. IT partners like AAG can help businesses determine their cloud infrastructure needs and transition to cloud-based solutions.

There are three main types of cloud:

• Public cloud – This is the most common type of cloud infrastructure. Public clouds are managed by service providers, and users share resources like servers.
• Private cloud – Custom cloud environments aimed at businesses that want full control over all infrastructure elements. However, they are considerably more expensive than a public cloud.
• Hybrid cloud – This type of cloud infrastructure combines the elements of public and private clouds. It is a cost-effective solution that offers a high degree of security, scalability and flexibility.

Advancements in cloud technology have also given rise to several other options that are becoming increasingly popular, including:

• Edge computing – Edge clouds process data as close to the user as possible, at the ‘edge’ of the cloud network. By eliminating the need to process or store data at centralised cloud data centres, edge computing allows businesses to access and process their data faster.
• Community cloud – A form of a public cloud infrastructure, community cloud infrastructures are designed for organisations with similar interests. Community clouds are usually owned by the community members.

Cloud Infrastructure Delivery Models

Providers offer pre-packaged combinations of computing resources commonly known as cloud infrastructure delivery models. These delivery models are tailored to meet the needs of different organisations and most of their components are managed by the provider.

Let’s take a look at the most common types of cloud infrastructure delivery models:

Software as a Service (SaaS)

This is the most popular cloud infrastructure delivery model, giving users access to cloud-based applications through a web browser.

Users don’t interact with any of the cloud infrastructure elements, so you don’t need to deal with software installation, database management or customising security settings. Google Drive and Dropbox are two of the most popular examples of SaaS.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Infrastructure-as-a-Service provides virtualised computing resources over the internet, meaning users can access virtual machines, storage, networking and backup features without needing to invest in on-premise hardware.

Scalability, automation, easy network access and on-demand availability are among the key advantages of IaaS. Users can manage elements like security, S/W server, applications and database, while the provider is responsible for managing virtualisation, networking, H/W server and storage.

This delivery model is ideal for businesses that want to migrate their on-premise IT infrastructure to cloud solutions. Besides cost-efficiency, the biggest advantage of IaaS is flexibility, as businesses can add or remove services and resources instantly depending on their current needs.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

The solution stack or Platform as a Service delivery model is aimed at companies that develop cloud-based software. It eliminates the need for on-premise infrastructure because users gain access to an environment where they can build, test and deploy applications.

The Main Benefits of Cloud Infrastructure

The cloud is hugely popular, with over 90% of businesses using some form of cloud-based service. Its popularity amongst businesses of all sizes stems from the many benefits cloud infrastructure services offer:

Increased flexibility and scalability

The cloud is highly scalable, which means it can grow with your business. If you need to increase your storage capacity or computing power, you can do so quickly and easily.

Improved security and disaster recovery capabilities

When you store your data off-site, it is less vulnerable to physical threats like fires and floods. Should the worst happen, you can quickly and easily recover your data from a backup. Cloud providers also invest in leading backup and disaster recovery solutions that their users can access.

Cost-effective pricing models

Pay-as-you-go pricing means you only ever pay for the storage and computing power you use. There are no upfront investment costs and no need to pay for capacity you don’t use.

Reduced complexity and improved efficiency

By outsourcing the management of your infrastructure to a cloud provider, you free up valuable resources within your business. This allows you to focus on your core competencies and drive growth.

Greater access to resources and capabilities

When you partner with a leading cloud provider, you gain access to their world-class resources and capabilities. This includes the latest technologies, 24/7 support, and expertise in managing complex environments.

Easier integration with existing systems

The cloud is designed to be easily integrated with your existing systems, making the transition to the cloud simple and straightforward. This reduces disruption to your operations when making the switch, so your team immediately experiences the benefits.

Setting up Cloud Infrastructure for Your Business

When implemented correctly, cloud services simplify IT. Unfortunately, complexity often creeps in, which is why engaging an experienced IT partner is a good idea – you avoid many of the pitfalls that can ensnare unprepared businesses.

While every strategy is unique, the general steps for setting up cloud services in your business are:

1. Assess Business Needs and Objectives

Why are you using the cloud? Cost savings, scalability, enhanced disaster recovery capabilities – establish the main objective before engaging. You should evaluate your current workloads to determine which ones will benefit most from moving to the cloud.

2. Choose the Right Cloud Model

Select a cloud deployment model – public, private, or hybrid – based on your business needs and constraints. Consider running a proof of concept to validate your choice.

3. Select a Cloud Service Provider

Compare providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud based on services, pricing, and support. Utilise trial periods to test their offerings before committing.

4. Plan Your Cloud Architecture

Design a comprehensive cloud architecture, including compute, storage, and networking components, with a strong focus on security and compliance. Conduct a security audit to identify potential vulnerabilities.

5. Develop a Migration Strategy

Create a detailed migration plan prioritising workloads, starting with less critical applications. Plan data migration carefully to minimise downtime and test thoroughly to ensure functionality.

6. Implement Monitoring and Management Tools

Set up monitoring tools to track performance and security and management tools to automate routine tasks. Ensure these tools integrate well with your chosen cloud provider.

7. Train Your Team

Provide cloud training and encourage certifications for your IT staff. Offer hands-on training sessions to ensure your team can effectively manage the cloud environment.

8. Establish Governance and Policies

Define and document policies for resource usage, security, compliance, and cost management. Regularly review and update these policies to stay current with technology and business needs.

9. Optimise and Iterate

Continuously monitor and optimise cloud resources for performance and cost-efficiency. Implement feedback loops to gather insights and drive improvements.

Getting the Most Out of the Cloud

Setting up and maintaining effective cloud services is often challenging, even for experienced internal teams. There’s a lot to consider; which services are right for your business? How long will it take to set up? Do your staff know how to use the new tools?

Those are just some of the questions businesses struggle with when migrating to the cloud. Getting the answers wrong leads to greater inefficiencies, spiralling costs, and a loss of morale in teams.

It doesn’t have to be a challenge.

An IT partner like AAG can help you navigate this process and select the delivery model tailored to your needs. We’ve over a decade of experience helping businesses of all sizes choose the right services for their needs. Our dedicated team will help you at every step of your cloud journey, ensuring that your investments deliver a positive return.

Contact us today to see how we can help you find the best cloud infrastructure for your business.