Microsoft Azure Embraces Open Source in the Midst of Promising Challenger

January 30, 2012 By

Although Microsoft Azure has long been the dominant Platform as a Service (PaaS) offering for companies, a recent offering from enterprise cloud platform vendor Tier 3 helps fill a few crucial holes left unfilled by Azure. To provide a brief background, Tier 3 is an enterprise cloud platform provider acquired by VM Ware back in April of this year, and their platform is called Iron Foundry.

The Service:

Overall Iron Foundry consists of three key components required for developers to implement solutions based around their needs:

  • Open sourced code which allows for developers to self-host the platform for their own customized implementations
  • A core .Net framework fork of Cloud Foundry  – an open source cloud platform heavily backed by VM Ware – which will be kept in synch with the main development versions
  • A Windows version of Cloud Foundry Explorer and Visual Studio plug-in will allow for direct deployment of code from IDE’s to Cloud Foundry

In addition to the above features, Tier 3 also is making the code available on GitHub under an Apache 2.0 license, allowing the general open source community to help improve the platform.

Azure Steps up its Game:

Despite Microsoft not being synonymous with being open source friendly, a recent set of adjustments on the Azure platform, cause Iron Foundry to have another key vendor to compete against. Some of the recently adjustments to Azure include:

  • Support for numerous open source technologies including Hadoop and Node.js, whereas in the past clients were limited to .Net languages, PHP, and SQL Asure – a specialized version of Microsoft SQL specifically for the Azure platform
  • Implementation of the Node Package Manager (npm) which can be installed via Micosofts Command Line tool Power Shell
  • The release of a complete Microsoft SDK with support for Node.js fully integrated

‘Overall when it comes to choosing between Azure or Iron Foundry, it is likely best to give both platforms a shot as the ability to use both services without a contract eliminates the barrier which typically comes into play with traditional devices.

UPDATE:  The original version of this article mentioned that Tier3 was acquired by VM Ware in early 2011 however a representative from the company has pointed out that the company is septate from VMware.

 

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Strategies for a Successful Adoption of Cloud Platform (PaaS)

January 16, 2012 By

Cloud is a relatively new concept. IT companies don’t necessarily want to completely trust the technology even though it is the best thing that has happened to application development. Getting in companies to take a head-long plunge and invest in the technology is impossible. What most of us usually do is first test the water, see if it is warm enough for us, and then jump in.

This seems like a practical approach when trying out a prospective business investment. After all, compatibility of the technology with the development cannot be forgotten or undermined. One can’t just adopt the technology on a large scale, try it, and decide it’s not for you. Although it is admittedly easier to do it on the cloud, you still have to pay for the services. I’m sure your insurance does not cover bad investment under risk management.

That being said, when companies start adopting cloud for specific applications, the result was a haphazard collection of applications on different platforms, making it very difficult to manage and maintain the applications. At one point or another, all the applications have to be interlinked; fragmentation will pose to be a problem. What you need is a definitive approach which will make the transition or implementation smooth. There are certain strategies you might want to consider adopting.

Firstly, plan your move. You have to move every bit and piece of your application or business from one or more cloud platform to a single platform. Make a list of the currently available tools and skillset required to use the tools effectively. When I say tools I mean programming languages, development tools, testing tools, deployment tools, configuration tools, fragmenting tools etc.

Secondly, make an exhaustive list of all the requirements. Also make sure you keep track of why you might need that requirement and where it can be implemented. It is best if you prioritise your requirements. With this, you will have a clear cut picture of what you want the PaaS host to provide. Make sure that the available tools and skillsets are compatible with the PaaS service.

Thirdly, you might want to look at all possible PaaS providers and make a thorough report on their services and how far it comes to meeting your needs. Also think of the future. Ensure that the PaaS provider has the resources to expand his services based on your requirements. Test out your PaaS provider first. Your company will be associated with the PaaS provider for a long time. You need to ensure that the provider is easy to work with; the provider should be able to provide assistance when required.

Read the fine print carefully. The policies and regulations will tell you how your applications are created and deployed. This also keeps the IT and business views in perspective. Also, never underestimate the importance of security. Make sure you have your own security measures in place apart from the ones provided by the PaaS provider.

There is no shortcut to migration to a cloud platform. You have to start small. From running one application to more applications to an entire business operation on the cloud is a gradual process. Make sure you have the right fragmenting tools. Planning is a vital process. There is no such thing as a small or minor detail when it comes to your business. If you think you might not be able to make the move on your own, fret not. Cloud experts these days are available to help you out.

Data Center Talk updates its resources everyday. Keep yourself informed with the latest trends of data center industry.

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Three Types of Cloud Computing

December 16, 2011 By

This cloud computing video explains the three types of cloud computing- SaaS, PaaS and Iaas — otherwise known as “software as a service”, “platform as a service” and “infrastructure as a service”.

 

For more videos on Cloud Computing,visit Data Center Talk.

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Cloud Platform

December 9, 2011 By

What is Cloud Platform?

In a nutshell, Cloud Platform is a system that allows cloud applications to be hosted on it.

Cloud Platform is a next generation platform service that allows software developers to develop, run and test a cloud based application. It alternatively allows developers to make use of other services already being provided by the cloud. Cloud platforms act as a foundation for running cloud applications and storing data. It is to be noted that the platform is built to suit the needs of a developer rather than an end-user.

The concept of cloud platform is similar to that of an in-house data center platform except that it is usually owned by an external service provider; it is easier to scale resources on a cloud platform and the services are much cheaper when compared to an in-house data center. It can, as with all cloud services, be accessed only through the Internet.

Why do I need Cloud Platforms?

To understand the benefits of cloud platforms, consider a scenario where one has to write an application software. Now, to support that application software, he would have to build the underlying platform (like an operating system or a virtual machine to translate the needs of the application for the system hardware). This is not a feasible option in situations where the application software demands are high, as is the case today.

Similarly, for every cloud application to operate, it has to be built on a cloud platform. Building a platform for every application makes no sense and is a sheer waste of resources. To address this, cloud vendors are developing technologies that can host the client’s application without added expenses of the underlying hardware and software.

It is to be understood that with the help of cloud platforms, the developer can only control the application software. He cannot modify or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, storage, servers, operating system and network.

Benefits of Cloud Platform

From a business investment point of view, cloud platform can be a real money saver.

  • Faster Deployment of Application Software:

    Organizations don’t tend to invest in servers unless an application software is ready to be launched. Ordering the servers, their delivery and installation itself could take weeks or even months, during which the company might lose the market for the product. Building the software on cloud platforms ensures that the company can deploy the software as soon as it is ready. There is no wait time.

  • Save on Innovations:

    Every organization spends huge amounts of capital on innovations in terms of infrastructure, software etc. This comes with an inherent risk factor. In case the innovation is a failure, the organization may incur heavy losses. Cloud platforms reduce this risk as they come with a ‘pay-as-you-go’ package. You only spend for the applications and resources that you will be using and in the event of a failure, you can just shut down the project and stop paying.

  • The World is Shrinking. Make Use of it:

    Cloud platforms help take your business global. Most vendors have their data centers across the world. Cloud platform allows you to run the same application in all the data centers and just synchronizes the data in all the centers. Also, it allows you to scale up or down the resources to suit your needs and the demand with ease.

  • Flat Rate Tariffs Don’t Apply:

    Cloud Platforms work strictly on a pay-as-you-go scheme. You need not have to spend on infrastructure, servers, network and other initial investments of a data center. Unlike an in-house data center, you can actually keep track of where your money is being spent as the cloud only charges you for what you use.

The Other Side of the Coin:

Cloud platforms also have their own downside.

  • Relying on an External Service Provider:

    Cloud Platforms essentially include having to rely on an external service provider to take care of your IT needs. If the services that are being provided do not meet your expectations or if the services are not reliable, then you stand a chance to suffer failure.

  • Data Security:

    Ensuring that your data is safe from unwanted intrusion is as important as innovation itself. Data in the wrong hand could spell disaster. Although all platforms are as safe as your own data centers, nevertheless, it is always advisable to make sure that your data is secure. You can always choose to save your data in your own data center and just run the application on the platform.

  • Vendor Lock-in:

    Think of this in terms of machine dependent programming language. A code in C++ written for a Windows operating system will not run on a Linux based operating system. Similarly, a cloud application built for one platform may/may not run on other platforms. If you are not satisfied with the services provided by your vendor, looking for a different service provider who can successfully host your already built application can be quite taxing.

Conclusion

Cloud Platforms are going to revolutionize the IT world. The way the world looks at developing application software is going to change forever. Cloud applications are going to be more powerful, capable of processing terabytes of data in the shortest time and Cloud Platforms are going to be the foundation of those applications.

 

For more updates on Data Centers and Cloud Technology, visit Data Center Talk.

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