This document introduces cloud computing through discussing who the author is, defining the cloud, when clouds are useful, where they are being used, pros and cons to consider, and how to get started with cloud computing. It outlines the basic characteristics of cloud computing, the public, private and hybrid models. It provides examples of common cloud applications and services. It discusses factors to consider such as access from anywhere, managing peaks in demand, and redundancy. The document concludes by advising readers to start small with the cloud and choose a respected provider, understand costs, and develop a strategy.

1. an introduction to cloud computing.

2. discovering cloud nine.
data in the cloud.
• who: a little about me.
• what: defining the cloud.
• when: clouds appear.
• where: is it being used.
• why: pros and cons.
• how: learning to fly.

3. discovering cloud nine.
a little about me.
John Magnabosco
• Data Services Manager at Defender Direct
• Author: “Protecting SQL Server Data”
• Co-author: “SQL Server MVP Deep Dives, Vol. 2”
• Microsoft SQL Server MVP 2009 & 2010

4. discovering cloud nine.
defining the cloud.
Basic characteristics of cloud computing:
• Computing delivered as a service.
• Web-based applications.
• Remote data storage.
• On-demand resources allocation.

5. discovering cloud nine.
defining the cloud.

6. discovering cloud nine.
defining the cloud.
Types of cloud computing:
• Public: resources provided through the
Internet to the general public.
• Private: resources provided for a specific
organization. Often referenced as a “hosted
solution”.
• Hybrid: a solution that offers multiple
clouds, public and private, that interact with
each other.

7. discovering cloud nine.
clouds appear.
When the cloud becomes interesting:
• Collaboration
• Database
• Audio Storage and Sharing
• Video Storage and Sharing
• Software as a Service
• Remote Hosting
• Project Management
• Backup Storage
• Disaster Recovery
• … much more

8. discovering cloud nine.
is it being used.
A snapshot of cloudy providers:

9. discovering cloud nine.
pros and cons.
Consider the cloud when…
• Access from anywhere: need to conveniently
share data or files with the general public, or
a select group of people?
• Managing dramatic peaks in need: need 1Tb
of data only for a week without the long-term
investment of hard drives?
• Redundancy: need to provide redundancy to
your computing systems for outage
management or disaster recovery?

10. discovering cloud nine.
pros and cons.
Don’t consider the cloud when…
• Large volume of data transfers: typically, the
cloud’s pricing model is based on usage – much
like a utility.
• Can’t rely on connectivity to the Internet: in
most cases, the delivery route of data stored in
the cloud is through the Internet.
• Privacy is of utmost concern: there is less
control over who is monitoring data transfers
since the data resides at a third-party location.

11. discovering cloud nine.
pros and cons.
Cloud myths to consider…
• The cloud is cheap: this is dependent upon your
use of resources and the provider’s pricing model.
• The cloud is not secure: data in the cloud can be
secure; however, compliance to regulations my
require a hybrid (privatepublic) solution.
• The cloud is a “green” solution: cloud computing
is often offered as an environmentally friendly
solution. This will depend heavily upon the
provider’s infrastructure.

12. discovering cloud nine.
learning to fly.
How to get started:
• Give it a try, start with something small.
• Choose a provider that is well respected.
• Know your numbers.
• Develop a strategy.

13. discovering cloud nine.
learning to fly.
Give it a try. Manage your next project in the cloud:

14. discovering cloud nine.
learning to fly.
As you jump in further, chose a well respected provider.
• Amazon Web Services
• Microsoft Azure
• Google Apps
• IBM SmartCloud Enterprise

15. discovering cloud nine.
learning to fly.
Know your numbers.
AWS – Disaster Recovery Model
1 instance SQL Server Std.
Utilization: 100%
Transfer rate: 200 GB In 30 GB Out
Elastic bandwidth: None
Monthly cost: $2,945 +/-
from Amazon Web Services simple monthly calculator:
http://calculator.s3.amazonaws.com/calc5.html

16. discovering cloud nine.
learning to fly.
Once you enjoy the cloud, develop a strategy.
• Identify guidelines for considering the cloud.
• How can the cloud enhance your current systems?
• Do you have/anticipate increased mobile demands?
• Is your technical team ready to utilize the cloud?

17. discovering cloud nine.
partly cloudy.
• The cloud is less mysterious.
• The cloud is useful for your business.
• You are likely using the cloud today.
• Cloud <> Silver Bullet.
• Start small, advance strategically.

18. discovering cloud nine.
My contact information:
@johnnydata
john_magnabosco@live.com
www.JohnMagnabosco.com