cloud computing and smes

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Cloud Computing & SME Stuart Dillon-Roberts

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An introduction to Cloud Computing for small to medium businesses. This presentation outlines the benefits and risks to businesses, ways to mitigate risks and a checklist to review when considering cloud providers.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Cloud Computing and SMEs

Cloud Computing & SME

Stuart Dillon-Roberts

Page 2: Cloud Computing and SMEs

“In the simplest terms, cloud computing means storing & accessing data & programs over the Internet

instead of your computer's hard drive.” source: pcmag.com

What is the Cloud?

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Page 3: Cloud Computing and SMEs

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Cloud Computing

Click the image to the right for a short explanation (78sec) of Cloud Computing

Page 4: Cloud Computing and SMEs

Internet based computing▫ Large groups of remote servers - networked

▫ This network allows;

sharing of data processing tasks

centralised data storage

online access to services/resources

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So the Cloud is..

Page 5: Cloud Computing and SMEs

Ingredients needed:

Fast, reliable Internet.

Access at home, at work or on the move

Driven by advances in:

Fast and scalable processing power

Mass and cheap storage

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Cloud Catalyst

Page 6: Cloud Computing and SMEs

Clouds can be classified as;

Public – service multiple clients using shared infrastructure

Private – accessed by a single organisation, providing greater control & privacy

Hybrid – uses private & public clouds e.g. an organisation can use cheaper public cloud services for non sensitive info

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Types of Clouds

Page 7: Cloud Computing and SMEs

Key reasons SMEs cite for moving to the Cloud:

Lack of skills to manage IT in-house

Reduces spend on technology infrastructure

Cost advantages because of ‘Pay for Use’

Improve security/ Disaster Recovery Plans

Easier to share & collaborate with others

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Benefits

Page 8: Cloud Computing and SMEs

Other benefits include:

Scalable & flexible - you only pay for the resources you use

Improved accessibility

Globalise your workforce cheaply

Manage ‘Big Data’

Automatic software updates

Security

Decreased deployment time

Increased protection against computer failures & network outages

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Benefits

Page 9: Cloud Computing and SMEs

Someone else is responsible for your data

Your data could be anywhere

Cyberattacks & insider threats

Legal liability

Lack of standardisation

Lack of support

Ownership of data

Moving to a new cloud provider 9

Risks

Page 11: Cloud Computing and SMEs

Know what info you’ll put in the cloud

Encrypt your data – in transit and in storage

Check out potential providers (audits, breaches, certifications & memberships, compliance with industry specific standards, downtime history, company stability, customer support)

Compare contracts (termination clauses, breaches, clarity, accountability, data management)

Find out where your data will be stored (country, privacy laws, management of government requests)

Determine who will have access to your data (3rd parties and their contracts)

Complete the Privacy Commissioner’s checklist (previous slide)

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Mitigating the Risks

Page 12: Cloud Computing and SMEs

Moving to the Cloud

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Page 13: Cloud Computing and SMEs

Cloud Services

Cloud services are generally grouped into 3 categories;

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Enterprise infrastructure, cloud hosting, virtual data centres

Operating systems, server software, storage, network access, hosting

Software e.g. Microsoft 365, Google Gmail, Xero, Dropbox.

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Page 14: Cloud Computing and SMEs

Examples of cloud based software:

Financial Accounting Software

Sales Software

HR & Payroll Software

Storage Software

Email Software

Instant Messaging

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More on SaaS

Page 15: Cloud Computing and SMEs

Id your needs▫ What do you want to achieve?▫ What problems are you solving?▫ Don’t replace ‘like for like’ – investigate how it can transform

Do your research▫ Talk to others in your industry, mentors, research online, will your current Internet

connection allow easy fast access to data in the cloud?▫ Seek independent advice

Compare Cloud Providers – pros/cons list

Narrow your list to 2 or 3▫ Take advantage of free trials to double-check service will meet your needs▫ Talk to other businesses using them

Select your provider & plan implementation carefully▫ Consider resourcing, budget, testing etc

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Moving to the Cloud –where to start

Page 16: Cloud Computing and SMEs

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Comparing Providers –Considerations

Customer support

• Can you contact them when you want?• Can you speak to a person?• Response & resolution times?• Metrics provided?

Costs • What is the monthly fee?• What are the costs to migrate data?• Are there support fees?• What other fees are there?

Organisation • Reputation• Where are they based? Where are there

servers?• How long have they been in business?• What is their downtime history?

Scalability • How easy is it to add services?• How easy is it to add data?• How easy is it to add users?

Migration • How does this process work?• Do they need to integrate with your

existing systems?• How would they do that?• If the agreement is terminated how

would they migrate to another provider?

Data • How do they protect your data?• Who ‘owns it’?• Who can gain access to the data?• How will they deal with government

requests?• Are you notified if someone accesses

your data?

Contract • Is it clear & enforceable?• Does it include pricing, contract length?• What are the termination clauses?• What accountability do they have?• What will they do if things go wrong?• Will you be notified of a breach?• What happens to your data if they go

under?

Security • What certifications and/or memberships do they have

• What country are they in and what are the privacy lawsWhat contracts do they have with 3rd

party providers & are the security protections the same?

• How do they deal with breaches?• Are they independently audited?

Page 17: Cloud Computing and SMEs

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Case Studies

Click here for a video case study (2min 42sec) of a SME using cloud based

accounting system

Click here for a video case study (2min 41sec) of a cloud based job management

system