Cloud services, explained
A cloud-based system uses computing services delivered over a network. Instead of operating every part of an application on your own premises, an organisation can use a provider’s infrastructure or managed services. A solution may combine on-premises systems, cloud services, and third-party software.
Choose the right service model
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): use infrastructure such as virtual machines while managing the operating systems and applications on them.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): deploy applications using a managed platform that handles more of the underlying infrastructure.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): use a provider-operated application while managing its configuration, users, and your organisation’s information.
These models divide operational responsibilities. Organisations still need to manage access, protect information, and understand their service configuration. See Microsoft’s shared responsibility guidance.
Public, private, and hybrid environments
A public cloud provides services through a cloud provider. A private cloud is reserved for one organisation. A hybrid approach connects different environments. The appropriate arrangement depends on the application, information requirements, integrations, and the team responsible for operating it.
Plan the whole operating model
A migration plan covers more than moving files or creating servers. Identify application dependencies, data ownership, identity management, backup and recovery needs, monitoring, and the people who will respond to incidents.
Start with a defined workload and measurable acceptance criteria. Document the current service, choose a suitable target, test the migration, and rehearse a rollback. Include usage, support, licensing, and operational work when comparing costs; a server price alone does not describe the full cost of a service.
Questions for your project
- Which business process does the system support?
- What information will it store, and who may access it?
- Which integrations must continue working?
- What recovery time and data-recovery targets are required?
- How will the team monitor reliability and control ongoing costs?
Our cloud consulting starts with your business requirements and practical delivery conditions. Discuss your project with I Digital GBS.