Combining cloud and in-house IT

Experienced system integrators like Siemens IT Solutions and Services are needed to analyse which applications are suitable for cloud computing and to integrate them into existing infrastructures. Cloud computing is driven by cost pressure and the need for increasing flexibility in a fast-changing business environment.

In uncertain times like these, why would a CIO be keen to make significant investments in server parks and hardware that are not utilised to their full capacity? But to maximise both security and cost∞effectiveness, companies need to carry out a detailed analysis of which applications and data are critical to security and which ones are not. They can then run non-critical applications in a cost-efficient public cloud, while sensitive workflows and data remain in the company’s own data centres. To ensure smooth workflows, both are interlinked using a common platform.

Reaching the full potential of the cloud
Siemens IT Solutions and Services not only offers industry-specific consulting and security assessments on cloud strategies and solutions; this provider also carries out the transformation and integration of the systems. Siemens is one of only a few providers that cover the entire spectrum from software as a service (SaaS) over infrastructure as a service (IaaS) to platform as a service (PaaS).

Boasting a broad vendor ecosystem, Siemens is able to deliver the solution that works best in almost any given environment. Combining their integration experience, architecture know-how and security knowledge, Siemens delivers hybrid models that provide cloud flexibility in a controllable and measurable setting.

Software as a service
The advantage of software as a service lies in the fact that highly standardised applications are available on a pay∞per∞use basis, making SaaS both highly affordable and flexible. Providers can smoothly install upgrades in the background ensuring that users always have the latest software version, which at the same time guarantees that the same software version is immediately available to all parts of the organisation across the globe.

Infrastructure as a service
With IaaS, companies can purchase infrastructure services such as computing power, storage, or archiving space within minutes over a web browser portal. Users also benefit from easily adaptable and very flexible computing and storage services to meet dynamically changing requirements. In such an on-demand model, users can cancel services they no longer need at any time. For companies that wish to take advantage of multiple IaaS providers, Siemens offers services based on their hybrid architecture,  an architecture which can maximise the potential of using several on-demand environments.

Platform as a service
PaaS goes beyond IaaS by also providing development tools for applications that run in the cloud. These tools can be used to develop new applications or adapt existing applications to run on the cloud-based platform. There are two ways for customers to enjoy the benefits that PaaS can offer. Either they set up and maintain their own application, or they choose a partner which aggregates and/or integrates many applications on the same platform into a complete solution. In both cases, an on-demand business model means that a vendor, such as Siemens, provides a secure and stable application platform.

Further information: Siemens IT Solutions and Services, Anne Beck, Otto-Hahn-Ring 6, 81739 Munich, Tel. 089-636 47982, Fax: 089-636 42162, E-Mail: anne.beck@siemens.com, www.siemens.com/it-solutions