I have been involved in Technology Management for much of my professional life. \u00a0\u00a0I have helped people in many type of organizations (small, medium, large and global) manage their technology improvements, migrations and transformations including PCs, Internet, virtualization, and as of late, cloud-based infrastructures\u2026<\/p>\n
I have seen what it takes organizations adopt, transform and shift their existing organizations to take advantage at some of these very significant technologies shifts and the challenges they face. \u00a0Some have tried to resist and \/ or delay but ultimately, the benefits have proven beyond any doubt and the lagers ultimately adapt\u2026<\/p>\n
Word like \u201cInfrastructure-as-a-Service” and “Applications -as-a-Service” are no longer just buzz-words but realities that serve as solid directional strategies to follow.<\/p>\n
Back in 2009 we ran across a company which offered a service \u00a0where you draw your desired infrastructure in a Visio-like diagram and after accepting the estimated monthly price, within a hours you will get back all of your \u00a0IP addresses and access codes for the items you requested.<\/p>\n
Cloud Computing is the next level… \u00a0but it requires a different\u00a0mind-set…<\/p>\n
Infrastructure as SOFTWARE… <\/strong><\/p>\n Organizations can now treat hardware in the same way in which they treat code (software) where independent dynamic components work together\u00a0to create the desired outcome (aka service). \u00a0 \u00a0Each\u00a0complete version (hardware, software, and configuration) can be version-ed, and “replicated” or recalled at any time. \u00a0 And I do not mean just single servers, but entire infrastructures with security, internal network connectivity (vLANS), scale up\/out and down depending on workflows and\u00a0rule-based logic, content \/ database replication, monitoring traffic \/performance and self-adjust.<\/p>\n Literally — code!<\/p>\n Beyond the Obvious…\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The cost savings are clear…<\/p>\n But what is not usually clear are the intangibles:<\/p>\n Different\u00a0mind-set<\/strong><\/p>\n A different mindset is needed… Everyone in the information technology management field needs to look closely at what they do… \u00a0 \u00a0From technology consultants to technical architects, from technology managers to CIOs.<\/p>\n The fact that the cost barriers for large complex systems have been shattered, allows to focus on proper component design (with security and independence in mind).<\/p>\n It is very exciting times again for the future of Technology… \u00a0We are at a cross-roads similar to when the personal-computer (1981) or later the Internet (1991) were\u00a0introduced to the masses. \u00a0It existed in limited formats, but it \u201cleft-the-early-adopters\u201d and became mass-adopted, it revolutionize the world we live in…<\/p>\n Traditional technology infrastructure build-ups (including in-house virtual infrastructures)\u00a0are as obsolete as mainframes, mini-computers, vacuum tubes, horse-carriages. \u00a0 \u00a0Yes they will continue to exist in limited and\/or specialized formats, but for the vast majority of enterprises, they will need to change, or forced to change.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Recommended follow-up: <\/strong><\/p>\n Do not look at the traditional hosting service providers…<\/p>\n Look \u00a0closely at all of the services being offered by:<\/p>\n\n
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