MSP Cloud Feature Article
July 25, 2011

Cloud Computing: Enterprises Moving from Private Cloud to Public Cloud as Security Improves


Cloud computing is all the rage right now, but it is not really a new concept. Even as far back as the days of mainframe-to-client-server infrastructure, the use of distributed computing power has been used by businesses.

In today’s cloud environment, what is new is the introduction of new, powerful tools that allow distributed computing to really mature into something truly transformative.

“Technology is coming together in a meaningful way to provide good economies of scale for customers to leverage infrastructure-as-a-service,” noted Ashok Balasubramanian, Practice Director at Syntel (News - Alert), during a TechNet video interview at Cloud Expo 2011.

Syntel, a 30-year-old company that provides integrated information technology (IT) and business process optimization (BPO) services, is now working with Global 2000 enterprises and other businesses to develop vertically integrated cloud solutions.

Balasubramanian said that cloud computing, as we know it today, can be characterized as being in the midst of a ‘hype cycle.’ By this, he referred to the proliferation and gradual maturing of many different options.

Within that hype cycle are two main areas: private cloud and public cloud. Private cloud computing is the choice for most larger companies, while smaller firms are more likely to adopt public cloud software-as-a-service (SaaS (News - Alert)) solutions. 

“There is a difference between how enterprise customers and SMB customer are using the cloud,” he noted. “As more enterprises become comfortable with security, they will start moving core functions to the public cloud.”

Syntel’s mission is to work with customers to understand the many cloud technology options available, and decide what will work best for them. He said that early adoption of new technologies is occurring across multiple dimensions, despite security concerns.

The company’s focus on getting to know its customers and help them develop effective cloud strategies has been quite successful. Back in May, Balasubramanian was chosen to serve on TechAmerica Foundation’s Commission on Cloud Computing—an indication company is a mover-and-shaker in the cloud market.

In June, Syntel had two notable achievements. First, it was ranked #62 on the 2011 “Healthcare Informatics (News - Alert) 100,” a list of global healthcare IT providers. Later in the month, the company was once again named to the VAR500 list, ranking #46, compared with #114 last year.

“This ranking validates our strategy of continuing to invest heavily in our employees, infrastructure and innovative new service offerings throughout the economic downturn,” said Prashant Ranade, Syntel’s CEO and President, at the time of the VAR500 list announcement.

For more discussion about cloud computing, watch the full video interview with Balasubramanian. 





Mae Kowalke is a TMCnet contributor. She is Manager of Stories at Neundorfer, Inc., a cleantech company in Northeast Ohio. She has more than 10 years experience in journalism, marketing and communications, and has a passion for new tech gadgets. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Jennifer Russell




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