Category Archives: Infrastructure

Mastering Cybersecurity with CND

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Mastering Cybersecurity with CND

In an era defined by digital interconnectedness, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. As organizations rely increasingly on digital infrastructure to conduct their operations, the risk of cyber threats looms larger than ever. In response, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, tasked with safeguarding sensitive data and thwarting malicious actors. One certification that stands out in the realm of cybersecurity education is the Certified Network Defender (CND). This certification equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to defend organizational networks against cyber threats effectively. At the core of the CND certification are its modules, each designed to provide learners with a deep understanding of essential cybersecurity concepts and techniques. Let’s delve into these modules to understand their significance and impact on cybersecurity professionals.

Module 1: Network Security

The foundation of any cybersecurity strategy lies in securing the network infrastructure. Module 1 of the CND certification covers essential network security principles, including network defense fundamentals, security policies, and perimeter defense mechanisms. Learners delve into topics such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), gaining insights into how these technologies can be leveraged to protect organizational networks from external threats.

Module 2: Network Security Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks

Understanding the enemy is crucial to mounting an effective defense. Module 2 focuses on identifying and analyzing common cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors. From malware and phishing attacks to denial-of-service (DoS) and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, learners explore the tactics used by cybercriminals to compromise network security. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of cyber threats, individuals can proactively mitigate risks and bolster the resilience of organizational networks.

Module 3: Network Security Controls

Effective cybersecurity relies on implementing robust security controls to safeguard network assets. Module 3 delves into the various security controls and countermeasures that can be deployed to protect organizational networks. Topics such as access control mechanisms, encryption technologies, and network segmentation strategies are explored in detail. By mastering network security controls, professionals can fortify their networks against unauthorized access and data breaches.

Module 4: Secure Network Design and Implementation

A secure network begins with a well-designed architecture. Module 4 focuses on the principles of secure network design and implementation, covering topics such as network segmentation, defense-in-depth strategies, and secure routing protocols. Learners gain insights into designing resilient network architectures that can withstand cyber attacks and mitigate the impact of security incidents. By adopting a proactive approach to network design, professionals can reduce the attack surface and enhance the overall security posture of organizational networks.

Module 5: Network Defense Countermeasures

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, organizations must be prepared to respond swiftly to emerging threats. Module 5 explores network defense countermeasures and incident response strategies. From incident detection and analysis to containment and recovery, learners gain practical skills in responding to cybersecurity incidents effectively. By implementing robust defense countermeasures, professionals can minimize the impact of security breaches and restore normal operations swiftly.

Module 6: Network Security Policies and Procedures

Effective cybersecurity governance relies on the establishment of comprehensive policies and procedures. Module 6 delves into the development and implementation of network security policies, covering topics such as risk management, compliance frameworks, and incident reporting procedures. Learners gain insights into crafting policies that align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance and mitigating legal and reputational risks.

Conclusion

The Certified Network Defender (CND) certification stands as a testament to the importance of cybersecurity expertise in today’s digital landscape. Through its comprehensive modules, individuals gain the knowledge and skills needed to defend organizational networks against cyber threats effectively. Whether you’re aspiring to embark on a career in cybersecurity or seeking to enhance your existing skills, the CND certification provides the roadmap to success. As organizations continue to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape, the demand for certified cybersecurity professionals will only continue to grow, making the CND certification a valuable asset for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of cybersecurity.

CompTIA Network+: Building the Foundation of Networking Expertise

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CompTIA Network+: Building the Foundation of Networking Expertise

In the realm of information technology, a robust understanding of networking principles is essential. Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues or designing complex network architectures, proficiency in networking forms the bedrock of IT expertise. Enter CompTIA Network+, a globally recognized certification that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of networking. At the heart of this certification lie its core modules, each meticulously crafted to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of networking fundamentals. Let’s embark on a journey through the CompTIA Network+ modules, uncovering their significance and impact on aspiring networking professionals.

Module 1: Networking Concepts

Every journey begins with understanding the basics, and Module 1 of CompTIA Network+ is no exception. This module serves as the foundation upon which all networking knowledge is built. Learners are introduced to fundamental networking concepts such as the OSI model, TCP/IP protocols, and networking topologies. By grasping these core concepts, individuals lay the groundwork for their journey towards becoming proficient networking professionals.

Module 2: Infrastructure

In Module 2, learners delve into the infrastructure components that form the backbone of modern networks. Topics such as switches, routers, access points, and cabling are explored in detail. Through hands-on exercises and simulations, individuals gain practical experience in configuring and managing network devices, ensuring seamless connectivity and optimal performance across diverse network environments.

Module 3: Network Operations

Effective network operations are essential for ensuring the reliability and performance of IT infrastructures. Module 3 focuses on topics such as network protocols, network monitoring, and troubleshooting methodologies. Learners acquire the skills needed to monitor network traffic, identify performance bottlenecks, and troubleshoot common networking issues effectively. By mastering network operations, professionals can minimize downtime and ensure the uninterrupted flow of data within organizational networks.

Module 4: Network Security

In an era characterized by evolving cyber threats, securing network infrastructures is paramount. Module 4 delves into the principles of network security, covering topics such as authentication mechanisms, access control, and encryption technologies. From implementing firewalls to configuring virtual private networks (VPNs), individuals learn the tools and techniques needed to safeguard network assets against unauthorized access and malicious attacks.

Module 5: Network Troubleshooting and Tools

When network issues arise, the ability to troubleshoot effectively is invaluable. Module 5 equips learners with the skills needed to diagnose and resolve networking problems efficiently. From utilizing command-line utilities to leveraging network troubleshooting methodologies, individuals learn how to identify the root cause of issues and implement timely solutions. By honing their troubleshooting skills, professionals can minimize downtime and ensure the seamless operation of organizational networks.

Module 6: Cloud Computing and Virtualization

As organizations embrace cloud computing and virtualization technologies, understanding their impact on networking is essential. Module 6 explores the principles of cloud computing, virtualization, and software-defined networking (SDN). Learners gain insights into deploying and managing virtualized network environments, leveraging cloud services, and adapting traditional networking concepts to the cloud era. By mastering cloud computing and virtualization, professionals can architect scalable and resilient network infrastructures that meet the evolving needs of modern organizations.

Module 7: Network Automation and Programmability

Automation and programmability are revolutionizing the way networks are managed and operated. Module 7 delves into the principles of network automation, scripting languages, and software-defined networking controllers. Individuals learn how to automate repetitive tasks, streamline network provisioning, and orchestrate network resources programmatically. By embracing network automation and programmability, professionals can enhance operational efficiency, reduce human error, and accelerate the deployment of network services.

Conclusion

CompTIA Network+ stands as a testament to the importance of networking expertise in today’s digital age. Through its comprehensive modules, individuals gain a holistic understanding of networking fundamentals, technologies, and best practices. Whether you’re embarking on a career in networking or seeking to enhance your existing skills, CompTIA Network+ provides the roadmap to success. As organizations continue to rely on interconnected infrastructures to drive their operations, the demand for certified networking professionals will only continue to grow, making CompTIA Network+ a valuable asset for aspiring and seasoned IT professionals alike.

Cloud Security Excellence: Understanding CCSP

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Cloud Security Excellence: Understanding CCSP

In an era dominated by cloud computing, where organizations increasingly rely on cloud services to drive innovation, enhance agility, and streamline operations, ensuring the security of cloud environments has become paramount. The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification stands as a testament to professionals’ expertise in cloud security, offering individuals the knowledge and skills needed to design, implement, and manage secure cloud solutions. Let’s delve into the world of CCSP certification, unraveling its significance and exploring its role in contemporary cloud security practices.

Understanding CCSP Certification

The CCSP certification, co-created by (ISC)² and Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), is designed for professionals who have a strategic role in securing cloud environments. CCSP certification validates individuals’ proficiency in cloud security principles, practices, and technologies, enabling them to address the unique security challenges associated with cloud computing. CCSP-certified professionals possess a deep understanding of cloud security architecture, design, operations, and compliance, making them invaluable assets to organizations seeking to leverage cloud services securely.

Key Components of CCSP Certification

  1. Cloud Concepts: CCSP certification covers fundamental cloud computing concepts, including service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), deployment models (public, private, hybrid), and essential characteristics (on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, measured service). CCSP-certified professionals understand the core principles of cloud computing and how they impact security requirements and considerations.
  2. Cloud Security Architecture: CCSP certification explores the design principles, components, and controls of secure cloud architectures. CCSP-certified professionals are proficient in designing and implementing security controls to protect cloud infrastructure, applications, and data against a wide range of threats and vulnerabilities.
  3. Cloud Data Security: CCSP certification addresses the protection of data in cloud environments. CCSP-certified professionals understand data classification, encryption, tokenization, and other data protection mechanisms used to safeguard sensitive information stored, processed, and transmitted in the cloud.
  4. Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security: CCSP certification covers security considerations specific to cloud platforms and infrastructure. CCSP-certified professionals are knowledgeable about securing cloud computing resources, including virtual machines, containers, storage, networks, and APIs, to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  5. Cloud Application Security: CCSP certification explores security best practices for cloud-based applications and services. CCSP-certified professionals understand the security implications of cloud-native development, DevOps practices, serverless computing, and other emerging trends in cloud application development and deployment.
  6. Cloud Incident Response and Governance: CCSP certification addresses incident response, governance, risk management, and compliance in cloud environments. CCSP-certified professionals are skilled in developing incident response plans, conducting cloud security assessments, managing security incidents, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Benefits of CCSP Certification

  1. Enhanced Cloud Security Expertise: CCSP certification validates professionals’ proficiency in cloud security principles, practices, and technologies, enabling them to design, implement, and manage secure cloud solutions effectively.
  2. Increased Career Opportunities: CCSP certification enhances professionals’ credibility and marketability in the field of cloud security, opening up new opportunities for career advancement and growth in organizations seeking to adopt cloud technologies securely.
  3. Risk Mitigation: CCSP-certified professionals help organizations identify, assess, and mitigate cloud security risks effectively, reducing the likelihood and impact of security breaches, data leaks, and compliance failures in cloud environments.
  4. Compliance Assurance: CCSP certification enables organizations to achieve and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices in cloud security, demonstrating their commitment to protecting sensitive information and ensuring data privacy and confidentiality in the cloud.
  5. Continuous Learning and Professional Development: CCSP certification provides professionals with opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, enabling them to stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and threats in the field of cloud security and adapt their skills and knowledge to evolving business needs and industry demands.

Conclusion

In an era marked by widespread adoption of cloud computing, ensuring the security of cloud environments has become a top priority for organizations worldwide. CCSP certification empowers professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address the unique security challenges associated with cloud computing, enabling them to design, implement, and manage secure cloud solutions effectively. By earning CCSP certification, professionals can enhance their career prospects, contribute to organizational success, and make a meaningful impact in securing the future of cloud computing.

Understanding COBIT Standards

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Mastering Governance Excellence: Understanding COBIT Standards

In today’s dynamic and complex business environment, effective governance of information and technology has become essential for organizations seeking to achieve their strategic objectives, manage risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT) framework stands as a globally recognized standard for governance and management of enterprise IT, offering organizations a structured approach to aligning IT with business goals and optimizing the value of technology investments. Let’s delve into the world of COBIT governance and standards, uncovering their significance and shedding light on their application in contemporary business practices.

Understanding COBIT Governance and Standards

COBIT, developed by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), provides organizations with a comprehensive framework for governance and management of enterprise IT. At its core, COBIT aims to help organizations achieve their strategic objectives by ensuring that IT processes and activities are aligned with business goals, risks are managed effectively, and resources are used efficiently. COBIT governance and standards encompass a set of principles, practices, and guidelines for establishing and maintaining effective IT governance structures, processes, and controls.

Key Components of COBIT Governance and Standards

  1. Framework Principles: COBIT governance and standards are based on a set of core principles that guide organizations in achieving their governance and management objectives. These principles include aligning IT with business goals, enabling value creation through IT, managing IT-related risks, and ensuring resource optimization.
  2. Governance Domains: COBIT defines five governance domains that cover the key areas of IT governance:
    • Evaluate, Direct, and Monitor (EDM): This domain focuses on establishing governance structures, processes, and mechanisms to evaluate, direct, and monitor the organization’s IT strategy, policies, and performance.
    • Align, Plan, and Organize (APO): This domain addresses the alignment of IT with business objectives, planning and organizing IT resources and capabilities, and managing IT-related risks and opportunities.
    • Build, Acquire, and Implement (BAI): This domain covers the processes and activities involved in building, acquiring, and implementing IT solutions and services to meet business requirements.
    • Deliver, Service, and Support (DSS): This domain focuses on delivering IT services and support to users, ensuring the reliability, availability, and performance of IT systems and infrastructure.
    • Monitor, Evaluate, and Assess (MEA): This domain addresses the monitoring, evaluation, and assessment of IT processes, controls, and performance to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies.
  3. Control Objectives: COBIT defines a set of control objectives that organizations can use to assess and improve their IT governance and management practices. These control objectives are organized into various domains and are designed to address specific areas of IT governance, such as security, risk management, compliance, and performance management.
  4. Implementation Guidance: COBIT provides organizations with practical guidance and tools for implementing and using the framework effectively. This includes detailed implementation guides, process models, control objectives, and assessment tools that organizations can use to assess their current IT governance practices and identify areas for improvement.

Benefits of COBIT Governance and Standards

  1. Alignment with Business Objectives: COBIT helps organizations align their IT activities and investments with business goals and objectives, ensuring that technology initiatives contribute to the organization’s overall success.
  2. Risk Management: COBIT enables organizations to identify, assess, and manage IT-related risks effectively, reducing the likelihood and impact of security breaches, operational disruptions, and compliance failures.
  3. Compliance Assurance: COBIT helps organizations achieve and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices in IT governance and management.
  4. Resource Optimization: COBIT enables organizations to optimize the use of IT resources, including people, processes, and technology, thereby maximizing the value derived from IT investments.
  5. Continuous Improvement: COBIT provides organizations with a framework for continuous improvement, enabling them to assess their IT governance practices, identify areas for enhancement, and implement changes to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Conclusion

COBIT governance and standards serve as a valuable resource for organizations seeking to achieve excellence in IT governance and management. By providing a comprehensive framework, principles, and practices for aligning IT with business goals, managing risks, and optimizing resource utilization, COBIT helps organizations enhance their strategic alignment, operational performance, and regulatory compliance. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving regulatory requirements, COBIT remains a vital tool for organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of the digital age and achieve their business objectives effectively.

Cloud Computing – SaaS Solutions by SAP ERP

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SAP ERP Cloud Computing – SaaS Solutions

SAP is the world’s largest used enterprise resource planning solution that provides solutions for business process automation based on industry best practice standards. Given the IT service industry shift from Shared Services to Utility based ICT services, SAP has come up with two suite of SaaS solutions.

SAP Business By Design

SAP Business by design is focused on providing large organization’s subsidiaries and small & medium enterprises a full application suite that can help automate their idea to market, market to order and order to cash business processes while still paying based on usage instead of huge deployment costs. It gives them flexibility to configure functionality they need including Analytics and reporting that complete the full suite.

SAP Business One Cloud

SAP Business One Cloud is focused on providing small organization’s an application suite that can help automate their marketing, sales, delivery and service processes while still paying a low fees based on usage instead of huge ICT costs. The suite is preconfigured and ready to use for small size organisations. Being a cloud based solution it allows small businesses to become flexible and IT ready while giving them scalability to ramp up usage based on need.

CONCLUSION

Cloud Computing has started in past decade as a natural transition from ICT Shared Services to ICT Utility based services. The use, need and availability of Internet has made ICT traditional services transition to Cloud Computing service even more faster.

Cloud Computing Service benefits are now out weighing the issues faced and most the issues faced are by and large overcome by service providers. Cloud computing services are being adopted by most organisations and the adoption continues to increase every year.

Its clear that cloud computing services and specially SaaS solutions would continue to grow as this allows the organisations to become agile in adopting new solutions while reducing ICT investments and paying for use only.

The existing SAP ERP SaaS solutions are targeting and meant for use by SMEs and Smaller organisations.  SAP has to look into how it can create an offering for even the large size organisations traditional SAP ERP solution to SaaS SAP ERP solution. Delay in doing so could result in lost opportunity e.g. in saleforce.com is a fast growing SaaS offering for CRM solutions and many organisations are adopting it.

Lastly Cloud Computing Services open a vast opportunity for service providers to build and offer new internet based services and solutions that can help organisations achieve their goals.

Software as a Service (SaaS) Service Model – Benefits and Issues

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Benefits of SaaS Service Model

Cloud Computing SaaS Model offers the full stack of ICT service and full stack means it delivers an IT Solution for the organisation. The key benefits of SaaS service model can be listed as follows,

  1. One Standard Solution: SaaS solutions are made using industry standard best practice business processes for making them adaptable and fit for entire industry. The SaaS solution offering is standard and available across the whole organisation for use based on needs. This gives the organisation real time usage across the world and more importantly saving ICT costs of duplicate or different solution at different locations.
  2. Self Service Model: SaaS solution offering works on self-service model where by the business users can choose and pick the services options they need. The solution support issues are also self-service based making the business users to check and receive support from one central support.
  3. Pay for Use: SaaS solution offering allows organisations to pay for use, it means organisation do not incur or worry about ICT additional costs as they pay only for number of users using the specific service(s).
  4. Reduced Costs: SaaS solution offering allows organisations to reduce their ICT capital expenditure costs as the solution is ready to use and minimal to no upfront investment required to start using the SaaS solution. On the other hand as there is no ICT Infrastructure and other components ownership, the organisation only incurs the usage costs and has ease of ramp up and ramp down usage, thus allowing higher flexibility.
  5. Faster Time to Market: SaaS solution offering reduces the time for preparation and deployment to the lowest possible as the solution is available for use and requires minimum configuration, setup and user training time to start using the solution. As the whole organisation uses only one solution any changes or new functionality can be also introduced in one go to the whole organisation.
  6. Standard Interfacing: SaaS solution offerings are used by multiple organisations so these are made using industry standard best practices processes and ICT standard for cross system communications and message exchanges. This makes organisations to connect with their customers and consumers in a standard and easy to use way.

Issues of SaaS Service Model

Cloud computing and SaaS service offering by service providers is still evolving. The key issues of SaaS service model can be listed as follows,

  1. Security: Security is the key concern for all organisations that think of SaaS Service adoption. This emerges from the fact that everyday unsecured internet sites and at times even the highly secured internet sites are hacked and data is stolen. SaaS service offerings are internet based and concerns organisations have is about securing their identity and organisation data.
  2. Standards: Cloud computing and SaaS offerings are still evolving and along with them the standards for such services are also still evolving. Type of clouds and mashing of multiple providers e.g. SalesForce.com offering Saas Channel CRM solution while using Amazon IaaS / PaaS service to host it.
  3. Big Data: Data Management is a growing concern for all organisations and its specially an issue for SaaS service solution as the organisation does not own any solution component and pays only of usage of the services. The concern is how the data captured can be stored in organisations data warehouse with ensuring that the data is encrypted while exchange and securely stored as well as usable for generate reports and insights required for decision making.
  4. Change: While adoption of SaaS service is fairly simple, the concern and issue is of switching from one SaaS solution to other and how the transition as well as underlying information exchange from one vendor to another vendor to be handled.
  5. Strategy and Governance: For Cloud Computing Service adoption organisations must have a clear strategy and governance structure and processes. Strategy will help identify in what areas what types of cloud services can be adopted while governance will help ensure clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, compliance and risks.

Cloud Computing Service Evolution and Predictions

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Cloud computing is opening doors for businesses and organisations to have IT services available as utility service with predictable cost and quality as per customer needs and pay for use models while still allowing flexibility of needs based selection of SaaS, PaaS, IaaS service and its components.

IT is becoming an essential part of companies DNA and Fabric as organisations realize that ICT services and solutions will give them a competitive edge to achieve their growth using real time information and insights as well as making products and services available using digital presence. Organisations are awakening and becoming to redefine their strategies to become a real time company, at the core of this is IT but now its not just another IT project but a business transformation enabled with word class IT solutions and services.

In most organisations ICT services are already served as Shared Service Model for past decade and organisations have become mature in having ICT services delivered using shared service model. The move from Shared Service Model towards Cloud Computing is a natural progression where organisations go from Shared Services to Utility Services model.

Internet and the need for doing things online and real time is now well embedded in most organisations as well as consumers. This is leading towards having ICT services being available through internet around the clock and in a secured manner. Could Computing Services and Service Model is fulfilling this need.

Forrester Research white paper of he Evolution Of Cloud Computing Markets” of july 2010 shows that organisations are spending around USD 2.4 Trillion for ICT services. Cloud computing is opening up a new space where the organisations will transition towards. A big part of the overall ICT spending would be moving towards cloud computing services. A macro shift of services already began from year 2009 and its expected to grow rapidly in coming year.

The report from delloite consulting of year 2009 suggests that cloud computing services would grow to the size of USD 1 Trillion in current decade and would continue to grow further. Cloud Services offerings from major players like Microsoft – Office 360, Azure and SAP – Business By Design and Business One Cloud and Amazon EC2 and S3 will lead the transition of Traditional ICT services and solutions to Cloud SaaS, PaaS and IaaS services.

Cloud Computing Services are on number 4 position of IDC’s Top 10 Predictions report of 2012. IDC report suggests that Spending on public and private cloud services, and the building of those services (the “cloud arms dealer” opportunity), will reach USD $60 billion. Amazon will join the $1 billion IT vendor club, and the strategic focus in the cloud will shift from infrastructure to application platforms and the race to build the largest portfolios and ecosystems around those platforms.

Cloud Computing Basics

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The term cloud computing came in existence is last decade while the concept and types of cloud computing services existed in one or the other form for past two decades. The name cloud computing is given to specify that organisations don’t have to worry about where there IT Infrastructure and Application Software are hosted, instead organisations can focus on the IT services they need to meet their fast changing customer requirements.

In past three decades business process automation has gone to the extent that IT has become a key part of all business transformation initiatives to help automate and enable the organisations to achieve their goals. IT services are more and more seen similar to utility services that are reliable, scalable and paid by usage. Cloud computing is also focusing on provide IT services as utility while keeping in mind that utility service needs vary from organisation to organisation. E.g. The power supply and water are the generic utility services and full fill basic need of electricity and water for the customer. But as the need for customer varies so the utility services vary and accordingly the service costs. The need of an industrial organisation is different to the need of an individual customer.

Cloud Computing focuses on providing IT services as utility services and has three types of service offerings which are briefly explained below,

SaaS – Software as a Service : SaaS offering covers the full stack of IT from the hardware all the way up to the software application service. The service is focused on pay for use and generally operates on the pay per use based on number of users and duration of use. E.g. Microsoft Office 360 costs $30 per user per month for online office application software usage.

PaaS – Platform as a Service: PaaS offering covers the IT stack up to providing a platform that business can use to build / manager their own applications. This service is also focused on pay for use and operates based on type of platform and number of applications to be run on the platform as well as any value added service additions. E.g. A company offering PHP and My SQL platform that can be used by organisations to build and host their own applications.

IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service: IaaS offering covers the IT stack upto the Infrastructure layer, in simple words up to Operating System level. The service is also focused on pay for use and operates based Infrastructure usage like hardware and storage. E.g. Hosting providers like Rackspace, Amazon and T-systems offering standardized, virtualized and secured infrastructure hosting that individuals as well as organisations can use for hosting their application platform and application software solution.

Application Convergence – What, Why, Who and How?

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More then ever the businesses are getting automated and enabled using IT solutions. Every part of the organisation are dependent on one of more IT solutions, some in house and some bought from the market. The IT solutions are made with the need for enabling the business and often leaving the useful ones rest are forgotten and left as legacy/archives to be referred only when needed.

With fast changing business needs applications are created, used and left even faster then we all could think about. Day in and day out business creates document libraries, project team rooms, intranets and a lot more. Over years this turns out to be a huge mess and close to unmanageable. The result is higher maintenance and infrastructure costs. Legacy / archive appls, as they are hardly used result in Loss of knowledge.

In the era of acquisitions and disentanglements to speed up innovation and change business directions, its even more essential to ensure companies have defined and controlled solution catalogue which is well managed and serviced.

For MNCs this is extremely essential as MNCs have multiple office locations, the applications appear like mushrooms in those locations and then grow into a huge architectural and landscape mess to manage and maintain. The issue starts with slight differences in global and local process and document needs. Ones allowed localize the changes continue one after another leading into a fully customized monster application and that too not just in one location but many. The result is enormous costs to maintain, control and change business applications and processes.

Application convergence can be addressed by addressing the following in order mentioned,

Bottom Up Dos

  1. Ensure the As is application portfolio is clearly documented with ownership from IT and business
  2. Collect relevant solution changes and yearly maintenance costs to ensure full visibility
  3. Get the collected data well categorized by business process, functions, platforms, location etc.
  4. Create some data analysis and reports showing number of applications in different dimensions of the categories to be able to see the duplicates, expenditure and other information useful to make decisions.
  5. Ensure the 1st hand bottom up approach analysis and output is shared with the top management and local businesses alike in condensed and relevant manner.
  6. Identify the champions that helped in bottom up approach and they should be used for the application convergence activities going forwards.
  7. Identify the road blockers and how they can be kept in control or convinced that application convergence is good for the whole organisation
  8. Ensure during the whole process that current business and activities are not affected as they will create –ve publicity and barriers for progress

Top Down Dos

  1. At the company level define the Application convergence initiative ensuring full business buy in and management support throughout the organisation
  2. Adapt an Enterprise wide architecture framework (like TOGAF, Zachman, DoDAF etc.)
  3. Start with the Business process layer to define the core business processes. Ensure core functions, business processes are well documented and have clear global ownership.
  4. Short list and select the required architecture and portfolio management tooling as these would be needed for ongoing use, structure, control and management.
  5. Business process by business process start harmonizing the processes and select the best solutions from existing ones or new ones (from the market or built in house)
  6. Focus on quick wins by choosing the valuable but easy transitioned business processes and start filling up the solution catalogue with global solutions. This also means start closing down by transitioning old solution towards new ones and launching them as one global solution
  7. Focus on clean ups that can aid to reduce the infrastructure and maintenance costs and hence result in better use of resources across organization
  8. All new business demands should fit in to new way of working with only one solution at company level.

Another important point to keep in mind is Application convergence in MNCs could take from up to 1 to 5 years although a lot will be achieved in 2 years while the complex applications convergence would require a lot of time and efforts and proper strategic planning to make it happen with business change.

If the above is done in write order with proper management support and control then it ideally should lead to globalised solutions which if made with agile and service oriented architecture would result in agility to cope with business process and tools changes done fast enough and efficiently across the organisation. On the other hand running application convergence will lead to whole IT landscape clean up and steam lining ideally resulting in savings.

What does it mean to be moving towards cloud computing…

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Cloud computing has started in the decade of 2000 and has been becoming a future of Data Centre Hosting. It is closely linked to the term “Platform as a Service” for infrastructure hosting related solutions. It aims to make the business Asset Free and move them towards Pay as you Go model. Given the dynamic economic situations, growth in number of internet sites and growing number of individuals becoming self made entrepreneurs is igniting the need for Cloud Computing and Cloud Hosting solutions.

Cloud computing is the buzz word and real good thing for individuals, small and medium enterprises. The need for individuals, small and medium enterprises is driven by low cost, pay as you go strategy while they don’t have to take care of assets, facility and services. They simply buy the so called Utility services from existing cloud solution providers and start using the hosting almost instantly. The challenge still remains on ensuring the effective use of cloud solutions in the right manner. Like all technology changes the cloud solutions are also evolving and it will take some more time for people & businesses to get use to the Cloud solutions effective use for their needs.

For the multinationals (MNCs), cloud computing and hosting are still seen as risky as well as time consuming in terms of transformation from existing asset based data centre hosting to cloud hosting solutions. The MNCs are moving towards private cloud solutions that enable their businesses with high secure cloud solutions based on their needs. For MNCs the other challenges are,

  1. Multiple locations with all sizes of office, small, medium, big, requiring different scale of solutions and accessibility needs
  2. Latency issues due to remote users, remote sites, 3rd party access
  3. Multiple vendors involved in IT end to end service delivery chain
  4. Every changing speed of acquisition and disentanglements due to dynamic economic situations and drive for growth
  5. Wide variety of application platforms resulting in complex hosting needs and making upgrades even more difficult
  6. Multiple new and change projects in IT service delivery chain
  7. Scattered or Consolidated but too big, multiple billing within IT service delivery chain from various vendors
  8. Loss of touch and feel (Control) over assets and their management
  9. Multi company shared datacenters can pose security and control risks if not managed properly

Like all new innovations Clould Computing/Hosting is also a good thing from future perspective and is evolving. Companies are preparing to be ready for the next versions of cloud computing/hosting solutions. In few years from now the real view and use of cloud computing will come to light as more and more businesses/individuals start to use it and demand/suggest/ask for improvements in services.