Cloud management is managing cloud computing and all the information and tasks therein through one mainframe and system. Cloud management can include applications, security commands, data storage and analysis, and also performance management.
Most businesses have graduated from storing physical data so cloud computing and its management is supremely important. Cloud management is generally broken up into five major areas for most types of businesses and they are typically performance management, governance procedures, security protocols, cost monitoring and management, and configuration management.
The 5 Domains of Cloud Management
As mentioned above, the five main domains of cloud management can set up a business for success in its operations.
- Performance management weighs and monitors the quality of all cloud resources at work. It gives regular reports on how cloud resources are functioning and if updates and tweaks may be required. Performance issues surface every now and then as well as technical errors so the system picks them up and alerts the mainframe user.
- Governance protocols relate to how any company makes IT decisions. It is vital these rules and protocols are followed for optimal business success and performance especially as it relates to cloud computing.
- Security management is perhaps one of the most important aspects of cloud management as it concerns creating and monitoring adequate firewalls, detecting intruders like trojan horse software, giving employees access to appropriate antivirus on all the available computer systems, and encrypting data to make it impenetrable to outsiders.
- Cost management is effectively and efficiently using cloud resources and determining where cost cuts should be made in the course of a business’s operations. According to leading research it is very easy to overspend or waste money on cloud resources simply due to a lack of understanding regarding the most appropriate ones.
- Configuration management is setting up cloud computing resources and administration on one mainframe accessed by a high clearance individual in the firm or business. Operating this system needs to stay consistent so cloud resources can be used efficiently.
Best Practices For Cloud Management- Cloud Service Models
Cloud resources need to be organized and utilized in a way that they can offer the most benefit, return on investment (ROI) and efficiency to the business. Using the appropriate cloud service model can make all the difference to operations. PaaS is a quick model for testing and developing applications and then disposing of them safely to protect business interests and secrets.
Businesses that need to develop applications fairly quickly and test them in a multi-platform way can benefit from implementing PaaS. On the other hand the cloud service model LaaS offers networking benefits and data storage and can be switched off when the need decreases so it is good for businesses that have ever-changing needs.
Saas requires little maintenance in its software and nor does it require assistance from in-house software. It is a complete, self-running system with numerous benefits especially for businesses that want to outsource and just pick a complete cloud service model for their use.
Centralization of Operations
When there are multiple cloud management systems working simultaneously it can be time-consuming and labor-consuming to maintain and keep track of them. Centralizing operations can offer a somewhat simplified overview and enable quicker decision making and less stressful operation. Consolidation of vital information on one database can be an invaluable resource depending on the size of the company and the security clearance situation. In most cases it can lead to early problem resolution when technical issues or other performance issues arise.
Clear Regulations About Security
Make sure your staff is trained in cloud management solutions and create a strict code or set of regulations about how security is to be handled. Compliance policies should be binding and widely circulated especially with sensitive data that needs to be handled and disposed of properly. Make sure your security protocols are followed over all devices and cloud services your business has currently employed.
Automation Tools Are Your Friend
When it comes to optimizing cloud management, it is not what you are doing to keep the system running smoothly but rather what you are not having to do. Various automation tools can lower manual monitoring and offer more benefits. Resource utilization, security monitoring, data storage, and other tasks can be automated in cloud management support with the use of specialized applications. Look into the applications that suit your business needs.
Disaster Recovery
No one wants a data breach or a breakdown of operations but sometimes issues happen. Effective cloud management includes the setting up of disaster recovery systems and business continuity plans. The following steps should be followed generally and in anticipation and preemption of such events.
- Each cloud management plan and cloud service should be regularly monitored for discrepancies and technical issues so that they can be dealt with in a timely way. Updating all programs and carrying out scheduled tests is imperative for timely detection and to ensure smooth running of all the programs.
- There should be a strong business continuity plan in place with assigned positions and protocols so that it can be kicked into action as soon as something goes wrong. Responsibilities should be assigned to various technical staff so that the problem can be dealt with quickly and the business can keep running.
- Failover options need to be in place as well encompassing all departments respectively.
- Data recovery points should be established to protect vital and sensitive data as well as periodic data backups should be set in motion.
An IT Dream Team
Your cloud computing solutions are only as good as the staff running, monitoring and maintaining them. As a business you should invest in adequately training your staff and hiring IT experts to maintain the cloud management systems you have in place. Connect your current staff to trainings, seminars and short courses even if they are remote and online so that they are wary of possible security threats and new cloud service models.
Manage Cost
Cost management is a great way to optimize cloud management for business success. Effective and diligent monitoring and evaluation of cloud usage can indicate grey areas where resources might be getting wasted or not utilized as effectively as they should. New protocols can then be developed for proper utilization of cloud resources.
Setting a budget and an alert notification is helpful to notify relevant employees when cloud usage is exceeding the limit set.
Cost allocation means that each department can be billed separately for their cloud usage and it can be quickly identified which department knowingly or unknowingly consumes the most. Payment models such as pay-as-you-go can allow discontinuation of a certain cloud service when it has outrun its usefulness for the company.
Conclusion
Cloud computing and therefore cloud management can be a considerable investment on behalf of the company. Making sure that investment is utilized for profit and efficiency to the maximum can be a task that requires some reorganization and protocols to be put into place. If the business takes time to establish these protocols they can see enhanced performance from the cloud servers and from their employees. Growth can occur when costs are kept down and cloud efficiency is maximized.
