Cloud is all the buzz...what is it really?!?!

Editor's Notes

• #3: Talking points:There are three advances that are really changing the game for businesses.The device in your hand is more powerful and has access to more, better and faster networks. Plus, the widespread use and understanding of virtualization technology has allowed us to push the limits of shared resources. So, applications can live off premises and be delivered quickly to any device. It’s changing what users expect, and it’s changing what business leaders expect of mobile executives. The intersection of these technologies will result in faster decision making based on access to more and better information.
• #4: Let’s begin with a quick level-set of what we mean when we say, “cloud”. National Institutes of Standards and Technology: “Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.”Translation: Pooling IT resources in a remote environmentCloud enables a shift to shared infrastructure: Processing power is delivered over the network Apps reside in the network, accessed on demand Security is managed over the networkThe cloud sets up a the delivery of transformative technology solutions to businesses and consumers.In short, cloud means you can deliver applications, information and business processes to a desktop, laptop, table, smart device of cell phone without using the memory or real processing power of that device, keeping it information flowing quickly.
• #5: AtAT&T, we look at the cloud as a delivery model. That delivery model allows you to improve productivity, reduce costs and remove complexity from your IT environment. Realistically speaking, if you are considering deploying the cloud, you’re considering it because you believe it will enhance how you do business or allow you to materially improve the workload on your staff. The key features of cloud lend themselves to reducing resource constraints while improving access to information. Our vision for cloud, which we’ll discuss in more detail later, is to provide customers with on-demand, easy to use, web enabled services that drive greater value from their investments and make it easier for their people to do their jobs.
• #6: As our customers undertake this journey to cloud, we are undertaking it, too, but from a slightly different perspective. We are working with leading industry organizations to ensure that as we develop new cloud services and enhance our existing cloud services, we are cognizant of standards. In fact, in some cases, we are deeply involved in setting the industry agenda for cloud standards in areas like interoperability and security.
• #7: AT&T is focused on these standards and helping to set this agenda because we design our cloud services for the Enterprise. That means we are creating cloud services that meet rigorous standards for security and reliability. Our approach to security is to layer network, physical and logical security so that your AT&T Cloud Services are delivered in a highly secure way that meets the standards in your industry.
• #8: The AT&T cloud is built on our historical strength and largest investment, our network. In addition to providing AT&T global reach, the network’s inherent features like security and reliability provide you an extra layer of protection. Plus, since any cloud relies on the network for a positive user experience, we have an opportunity to control the entire user experience. That’s something that a lot of other providers can’t do.
• #9: While the network is the foundation, the cloud builds on many of AT&T’s other strengths and brings together our experience in building platforms and delivering information across wired and wireless networks to any device. Again, with the network at the core, we have an opportunity to control the user experience from when information enters the network to when it’s delivered back to a user’s device.AT&T provides a menu of options, of sorts. We work with you to determine what mix of services meets the needs of your users and applications. Let’s explore that concept a bit further.
• #10: The cloud itself offers a number of options for customers looking to deliver applications.You can select which option is right for you based on the needs of your organization and its culture. As we’ll look at in the next few slides, AT&T offers services across this spectrum of cloud services. We’ll define them a bit better and give you some details about when we think they’re a good fit. Equally as important, we’ll explore when they may not be the right fit.
• #11: First, we have infrastructure as a service, which offers computing and storage delivered via the network. You pay for what you use, when you use it. IaaS allows you to move capex to opex without compromising on flexibility. That’s because it’s build on and delivered from our network. Still, there are a few different ways you can buy Infrastructure as a Service.Use CasesCompute as a ServiceUnexpected Scalability:Unpredicted consulting projects.Infrequent Batch Jobs: Month end closings or biweekly payroll.Volatile Loads: Expected, but unpredictable in volume, increases from seasonal peaksStorage as a ServiceData ArchivingDisaster Recovery
• #12: Depending on what you’re trying to accomplish, you should look at deploying IaaS in a couple of different ways. First, there’s private cloud. That means that you have your own resources that are shared only by people in your organization. It can be deployed at your facility or a third party’s. In either case, however, you’ll incur capital expense building it because you won’t share it. It allows you to gain efficiencies because your own applications can share the physical hardware, though.In public cloud, you share everything. Though your applications and data are virtually separate, you share machines and connections with other parties. You may know who they are, but it’s likely you won’t. For all that sharing, you will achieve a lower TCO, but your data traffic flows over shared networks into shared boxes.In virtual private cloud, your virtually segregated environment is connected to you via a private network connection. That means that your data is more secure in transit and separated from other organization’s information. In our point of view, it’s the best of both worlds and is only made possible by the private networking capabilities of a company like AT&T.
• #13: If you’re looking for something more comprehensive than Infrastructure as a service, which you still have to manage, you can move into something like Platform as a Service. In this model, you have a full technology stack that’s ready for you to deploy an application. You don’t have to manage it and it scales as use of your application grows. AT&T has recently launched a Platform as a Service that’s delivered via the web and has an easy-to-use graphical user interface. It’s windows-like, so its easy for non-developers to use.Use CasesBusiness Process AutomationCreate a web-based process, replacing paper and “sneakerware”. Launch New SoftwareWrite and release software without investing in hardware.
• #14: Finally, we come to Managed Applications. In this cloud model, a single software instance is shared by multiple customers. The software stays in the provider’s facility and is accessed via the internet. This greatly reduces upfront costs of deploying software. AT&T offers several services that have many of the benefits of SaaS – we deliver certain enterprise software in a subscription model, greatly reducing upfront costs and allowing users access to full software functionality. The software itself isn’t truly multi-tenant today, but its our vision to work with our software partners to provide this kind of service in the future. Example of SaaS-like services from AT&T:AT&T Workforce Delivered, Powered byOracle offers a complete human capital management suite. AT&T Application Management for Siebel Case Management allows organizations to track issues and resolve them.
• #15: We continue to invest in the cloud to build out our vision. In addition to adding some SaaS capabilities to our portfolio, we want to deliver on the promise of mobile cloud, leveraging our historical strength in mobility. We also have a core strength in business collaboration that we hope to bring to the cloud. It’s our end-state vision to help customers choose services from our cloud ecosystem that deliver value, that are portable and that are business grade.
• #16: We’re doing this because cloud is a part of our strategy and it’s key to our long-term goals. The three pillars of the network, mobility and as a service solutions serve as the base of three legged stool that ends with AT&T helping you deliver content and application access to your users, any time, anywhere and to any device.
• #17: Quickly explore strategic intent of each business First….we will align, manage and scale these entities as self contained businesses…not as product lines…but as units that have end to end responsibility for all business processesManaged Sourcing: Led by Don Herring. AT&T becomes the “infrastructure CIO.” Design and integrate multi component networks…and transform cost and utility with emerging technologies – security, UC/Telepresence, etc.Mobile Productivity: Led by Chris Hill. Use solution expertise and mobile assets – device, network, platforms - to redefine how work is performed. Deliver and operate integrated (device, network and application) solutions. Raise productivity and speed. As a Service – Led by John Potter. Maybe most ambitious. Transform services we provide and how they are consumed. Make computing, storage, software distribution network functions. Change experience from labor and time based…to on demand. Importantly…all rely on network assets, competencies and customer relationships
• #18: Now, we’d like to talk to you about how we can help you in your journey to the cloud. The move to cloud is a process and you should take several steps before you lift and shift any of your operations over to it. In addition to our pure cloud services, we have experienced cloud consultants who can help you assess your current state and define your roadmap for a move into cloud. Please discuss AT&T Cloud Services trials as well as the Cloud Consulting offers.