Cloud computing is rapidly pushing companies for new models to virtualize physical resources, allow for more efficient use of servers and networks, and provide an ability to scale resources based on demand. Gone are the days of building infrastructure for the moments of highest demand, which then sits unused at off-peak times. We’re moving into the age of elastic computing that can happen on-premise as private cloud, off-premise as public cloud, or as a hybrid cloud mixture of the two.
Once the buzz for the bright, shiny object wears off (as it always does), we’re left with the reality that any new way of managing information technology comes with a different set of challenges we’ve ever faced before. With cloud computing, the challenge is squarely centered around integration.
It Has to be Faster and Better
The world doesn’t stand still, and simply integrating to stay abreast of new deployment models won’t cut the mustard. There needs to be a way of integrating that takes into account increased and more complex connectivity, big data’s volume, velocity and variety, complex event processing, and driving it all, real-time analytics that are business-user friendly. Each of those requirements is a sizable challenge unless companies find cleaner, faster, streamlined, and flexible ways to integrate.
If this sounds theoretical, it isn’t. While we’re moving our systems to public and private clouds, we’re also rapidly becoming a mobile society that works and plays wherever and whenever necessary. We expect instant information and instant responses to our requests. No one wants to hear the cloud is less reliable or slower than the old ways. Cloud has to always perform, faster, better, and more reliably, while also enabling new capabilities of cost-efficient scalability. The question becomes how to make things more elastic and less expensive while actually increasing the performance of our systems.
This puts the bulls-eye squarely on integration technologies. Without better ways to move, manage, cleanse and secure data, we’re in risk of actually taking a big step backward. To move forward, we need to integrate the mature backbone of enterprise integration with new computing methods like cloud.
Are you ready to play in the clouds?
For more, watch a webinar on cloud and integration with Forrester VP and Principal Analyst John Rymer.
