One of the cloud-related myths is the loss of control, and thus implicitly the loss of the power of the IT department (and potential loss of jobs).
The first idea is that by moving a local server service to a public cloud, the management of the hardware and potentially the software on which the service in question is based is effectively eliminated. If we extrapolate to all the hardware and software, it appears that the person who took care of this management become unnecessary. But is it totally true? Let’s take an example in the three cloud models:
- IaaS. We move one or more virtual machines (VM) from the local data center to a public cloud. Which VM to choose? How to integrate it into the existing environment? How do you ensure security, redundancy or backup? Here are a few questions to ask. Certainly, if you have a technician or a service provider that is devoted to the preparation and configuration of the equipment, you will have to consider what that person will do. It is very likely that you need to reconfigure your team to abandon the management of the equipment, manage VMs and integrate them into your private cloud. It should be noted that the current trend is moving towards the hybrid cloud. This creates new development opportunities for personnel in charge of the existing data center hardware.
- PaaS. I would be tempted to say that nothing changes, or so little. In fact, managing a database server in your data center or on the other side of the planet does not have an honest impact on the day-to-day tasks. It is necessary to install the appropriate software, to manage its operation and its data, and possibly to see with the team in charge of the equipment to adapt the latter to increasing needs.
- SaaS. Local or remote mail administrator, to take an example, both have the same duties. On the other hand, the opportunities to extend his power are huge. In an environment constrained by the infrastructure or the platform, it is necessary to constantly arbitrate. While in an open and flexible environment, the cloud offers endless choices! Certainly, all the options available in private cloud may not be accessible, but it is for the benefits of an infinity of new options.
What about the final loss of control? A real myth! The only control that is lost is the one on the purchase and maintenance of the equipment. For the rest of the tasks, you continue to have the hand, a hundred percent.
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