Cloud, it started as a hype and is now "to stay". Everything that used to be in the broom closet goes into the clouds. From "On-Premise" to "The Cloud", preferably as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or on a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS).
If that is not possible, then by means of the "Lift-and-Shift" principle on one of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). The last two in particular - PaaS and IaaS - raise questions.
Outsourcing the infrastructure, how do you do that and how much knowledge do you need for technical direction? You often see that organizations link the "ignorance" in the infrastructure field to the "Blackbox" thinking. Cover everything with a contract and you're done. The technical infrastructure is considered a "Blackbox" under the direction of the supplier. The danger of this is that organizations confuse the unburdening with technical ignorance. In addition, the incorrect use of terminology often creates confusion. You notice that both parties are talking about something completely different in a conversation. Certainly in the areas of alerting, monitoring and up-time, you see that the IaaS partner means something other than the organization envisages. Gray areas are created where the IaaS partner and the organization work together and sail in each other's water. To be able to do that, insight from each other's area is needed.
How do you deal with this as an organization? First, it starts with technical insight when purchasing and designing. Ask for a Reference Architecture. This architecture provides insight and should, among other things, answer questions such as robustness, flexibility, scalability and network segmentation. It provides the basis for a risk analysis
which the CIO and the business uses to determine whether the technical solution properly covers the needs of the organization. Let the technical specialists consult each other not only in the area of ​​infrastructure, but also a layer higher, the applications. After all, these are the cars that have to drive over the road, so it is handy if the road also meets expectations. It also gives the partner insight into which cars the road should be suitable for. Where are the challenges and weaknesses? And how can measures be adjusted for this?
I sometimes compare the above with a visit to a top restaurant. You visit the website, check references / opinions, view the menu and reserve a table. When you arrive at the restaurant you have a certain expectation. There is often an open kitchen and you can see how the dishes are prepared. On the other tables you see what is being served and you decide to choose the "surprise menu", a bit "Blackbox", but yes there is confidence. Then you will be surprised if the first dish is a "Patatje-Joppie-Sauce". No contractual breach, it is certainly a surprise. Remember one thing; “…. not every Cloud is the same….
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Casper.
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