What applications run best in the cloud?
Usually, applications where the endpoint interface is external. So for example, SaaS and consumer applications. Next applications that require geographic diversity and scalability with variable traffic patterns work well on the cloud for clients. We have also observed how non-legacy applications – not tied to third party products – are quite effective on the cloud.
Finally, it is worth bearing in mind that event based architectures (like serverless, Functions-as-a-Service) on the cloud can help to remove the need for ‘always-on’ servers. This is critical when billions of devices start consuming cloud resources.
The pitfalls
There are many pitfalls to consider when adopting the cloud:
• Consumption cost can easily overrun — you can’t manage what you can’t see!
• The overprovision of infrastructure to cover bad application design.
• Some companies struggle with control and auditability.
• Compliance restrictions related to PCI, HIPPA and recently, GDPR.
• Application developers are not always security experts. And, therefore, applications are not developed with cloud security in mind. This can create major disruptions to operations and increase costs.
• Re-architect applications to enjoy the real benefits of the cloud such as agility, scalability and of course security.
The right cloud for you
When adopting the cloud, select one that gives developers control over infrastructure like code. The clouds should have an active marketplace of microservices and tools that developers can utilise to build apps.
See also: What’s causing the move to the cloud? It’s all about digital transformation – agility, flexibility, scalability and eventually, digital transformation (or digitisation). This is why organisations are moving to the cloud in their droves.
It should not put constraints on choices and it should provide platform services that in turn are building blocks of solutions. Finally, a cloud that can host the most commonly used Open Source software will get more attention from app developers.
