How to make the cloud strategy more suitable for virtual data centers?

While the implementation of infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is lagging behind virtual data center deployments, the good news for cloud services providers is that this situation will change over the next few years. This shift is likely to occur when virtualized data centers mature and the aging infrastructure no longer meets business needs. More than 90% of companies are expected to use virtualization and IaaS in five years, according to a recent study by Frost & Sullivan.

This timetable provides three options for cloud computing providers:

1. They can target non-virtual objects, but given the fact that the virtualization penetration rate will be close to 100% over the next five years, the achievement of this goal is indeed more difficult.

2. When most enterprises need to replace virtualized infrastructures, they can adjust their business plans to reflect surging demand over the next few time.

3. Alternatively, they can now begin to expand their business scope and portfolio to meet the current and future needs of the enterprise through a comprehensive IT solution.

The third option reflects the successful practices chosen by veteran it giants, including IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Fuji. This begins with a full understanding that private data centers are, and will continue to be, an important part of the Enterprise data Center strategy in the future. Unlike ignoring or viewing the local infrastructure, cloud computing providers will focus on a comprehensive mix of traditional data centers, virtualized data centers and private cloud computing, public cloud computing and hybrid cloud computing.

Cloud computing providers can also provide consulting services to businesses that have recently implemented private data center virtualization. Frost & Sullivan's research reports that 72% of companies are expected to opt for external resources to help develop and implement data center and cloud computing strategies. The enterprise has neither experienced cloud computing technicians nor time and resources to carry out the necessary research. Instead, they want to pay for specialized management services to help them accomplish key strategic tasks: security and risk assessment, strategic planning, migration and implementation, and ongoing management.

Cloud computing services providers have the opportunity to win the trust of businesses, even those that are not currently involved in the cloud computing services market. Ignoring their suppliers means ceding future business shares to rivals.

(Responsible editor: Schpeppen)