The Open Data Center Alliance (ODCA) has published a white paper to address the challenges companies face when adopting cloud-based computing as a complement to existing IT infrastructure investments.
ODCA and its global network of members are developing and deploying enterprise cloud usage models, solutions and services that are interoperable, secure and free of vendor lock-in.
In the paper, titled "Cloud Coexistence with Extant Enterprise Systems," ODCA and top member companies outline approaches for integrating cloud deployments within an organization's existing management and control systems.
"Most companies must strike a balance between cloud-based deployments and the infrastructure, applications and processes investments of the past and present," said George Goodman, executive director of ODCA. "Managing of the integration between the two is critical to long-term IT and operational success. The practical approach outlined by ODCA members will allow companies to utilize the best aspects of both models."
Cloud and Enterprise IT - Hybrid Model
Increases in cloud-based deployments have not caused companies to "rip and replace" on-premise IT systems hosted on private cloud or dedicated infrastructure. Business and IT leaders are understandably reluctant to retire this considerable, legacy investment in technology, people, and processes due to security, risk, and regulatory compliance obligations. This creates a hybrid IT deployment model: an on-premise landscape of existing or legacy systems, an off-premise cloud deployment of suitable IT capability.
When Cloud and Enterprise IT Collide
It is important to consider existing enterprise management and control systems, business strategy, or operating models when deploying new cloud services. When cloud services and legacy systems are at odds, common coexistence challenges include:
- Misaligned enterprise architecture
- Lack of data, service, and process integration
- Inconsistent operational disciplines for incident, problem, and change management
- Ineffective governance and compliance
- Incompatible security architecture and models
Practical Solutions from ODCA and Top, Global Enterprises
The ODCA believes that integration of cloud deployments with enterprise landscapes should consider people, process, technology, and operating models. Doing so encourages faster cloud adoption, leverages existing enterprise investments in IT landscape and helps govern safe cloud adoption through effective risk and compliance management.
Register for Free ODCA Webinar – November 10, 2015
The Open Data Center Alliance will host a free webinar on Tuesday, November 10 at 1:00 EST/5:00 GMT.
Hear from Ryan Skipp, co-chair of ODCA Business Work Group for ODCA, system architect for T-Systems and whitepaper co-author, as he shares cross-industry perspectives on the importance of Cloud and Enterprise Coexistence.
Webinar Topic: Coexistence: Cloud Deployments & Enterprise Systems
Date/Time: November 10, 2015 at 1:00 ET
How to Register: https://www.brighttalk.com/channel/9831
This article was originally posted “Open Data Center Alliance Publishes New Cloud Computing White Paper” from Cloud Strategy Magazine.
