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There’s a misconception that embracing cloud managed services means surrendering control over enterprise environments. Not true!
It's a strategic partnership that empowers in-house connectivity teams to focus on innovation rather than relinquishing authority. Cloud managed services (CMS) act as extensions of enterprise teams, providing proactive monitoring, optimization, and security for cloud environments.
In this article, we’ll explore the various types of managed cloud services, their benefits, and the key factors multinational organizations must address to fully reap the benefits of the cloud.
What do cloud managed services include (what’s the scope)?
Cloud managed services encompass a comprehensive suite of offerings designed to remove the internal management of cloud resources. While self-service cloud solutions leave these responsibilities to the company, managed cloud alleviates the burden on internal IT teams.
The scope varies depending on the CMS solution and associated service-level agreement (SLA). Typical services include data migration, system upgrades and management, security, analytics, and 24/7 support.
Global enterprises transform their operations by leveraging managed cloud services, achieving greater agility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Let’s explore cloud managed services and their capabilities further.
What are the different types of cloud managed services?
Cloud managed services encompass a broad spectrum of solutions that address various enterprise needs. While not an exhaustive list, below are some of the most common service models.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS delivers essential computing resources, like servers, storage, and networking, over the cloud. It replaces traditional on-premises infrastructure, granting enterprises scalability, cost efficiency, and the flexibility to adapt to evolving demands.
IaaS enables streamlined resource allocation for global organizations and promotes operational agility across dispersed locations.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS provides a cloud-based environment for developing, running, and managing applications. It eliminates the need for on-premises development and testing environments, accelerating software delivery and simplifying deployment.
Multinational enterprises benefit from PaaS's ability to foster collaboration across disparate development teams and support rapid innovation.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS delivers applications over the cloud, accessible via the internet. It replaces traditional on-premises software installations, reducing upfront costs and ensuring effortless updates.
SaaS promotes accessibility across locations, ensuring consistent, user-friendly experiences for employees and customers.
Database as a Service (DBaaS)
DBaaS offers cloud-based database management solutions, alleviating the complexities of on-premises database administration. It provides scalability, high availability, and cost efficiency.
Enterprises benefit from DBaaS's ability to support data-driven insights and decision-making across global operations.
Security as a Service (SECaaS)
SECaaS delivers cloud-based security solutions, safeguarding enterprise data and infrastructure from evolving threats. It complements traditional on-premises security measures, offering 24/7 monitoring and expert support.
Additionally, SECaaS guarantees consistent security enforcement across all locations, mitigating risks in a complex digital landscape.
Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS)
DRaaS provides cloud-based backup and recovery solutions for business continuity in the face of disruptions. It replaces traditional on-premises disaster recovery setups, offering faster recovery times and cost savings.
Global enterprises benefit from DRaaS's ability to safeguard critical data and operations across dispersed locations, minimizing downtime and ensuring resilience.
What are the key cloud considerations for multinational enterprises?
While cloud managed services present compelling advantages, global enterprises have much to consider during procurement.
Data sovereignty and compliance regulations vary across regions, demanding careful review during the research process. Ensuring optimal network performance and minimizing latency across geographically dispersed locations is crucial for seamless operations.
Striking the right balance between cost efficiency and performance requires ongoing usage monitoring and lifecycle management. Finally, safeguarding sensitive data and intellectual property necessitates robust security measures and proactive risk mitigation.
Embracing a multi-cloud or hybrid cloud strategy
Global enterprises often adopt a multi-cloud or hybrid cloud strategy to maximize flexibility, optimize performance, and mitigate vendor lock-in.
A multi-cloud approach involves leveraging multiple public cloud providers to select the best services for specific workloads or regions. A hybrid cloud approach combines public and private cloud resources to balance agility and control.
According to Oracle, data sovereignty and cost optimization are the two main drivers of enterprise multi-cloud strategies.
Cloud managed services are pivotal in orchestrating complex multi-cloud or hybrid cloud environments, ensuring seamless integration, governance, and optimization.
Conclusion
The sky’s the limit when it comes to managed cloud. Organizations unlock scalability, agility, and cost efficiency by outsourcing management to expert providers.
From IaaS and PaaS to SaaS, DBaaS, SECaaS, and DRaaS, a diverse array of cloud managed services caters to specific enterprise needs.
However, global organizations must carefully consider data sovereignty, network performance, vendor selection, cost optimization, and security for a successful cloud journey.
By embracing the power of cloud managed services and adopting strategic multi-cloud or hybrid cloud approaches, global enterprises achieve operational excellence, drive innovation, and stay agile.
Let Advantage help you navigate your cloud journey. We partner with you to understand the enterprise’s unique strategy, identify ideal workloads for cloud migration, and recommend a tailored solution.
As global connectivity experts, our talents go beyond the cloud. Contact us for a comprehensive lifecycle management strategy for your enterprise connectivity needs.