Network Configuration Management
Cloud computing has developed as a new paradigm of computing in which there are two forms of players that include cloud end-users and cloud service providers. The cloud focuses at offering the end-user or customer computing environment containing Quality of Service and founded on the changing requirements and benefits for the providers of the cloud service. Cloud computing is referred to as a model for permitting on-demand, convenient network access to a joint configurable computing resources pool that can be released and provisioned with minimal service provider interaction or management effort. Cloud computing uses distributed resources by integrating then to address large scale, complex computation problems, and to attain larger throughput (Rani et al., 2015).
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This paper focuses on cloud computing topologies, their differences, challenges in their management and implementation, and a recommendation on the best topology to employ based on the organization environment.
Challenges in Implementing and Managing Cloud Topologies
Managing and implementing cloud computing topologies is a complex task that requires good training. It normally involves the use of networking training and systems security training among other IT related skills. In this regard, this is not a task that can be carried by anyone. It requires intensive IT skills for one to be able to implement and manage cloud topologies. The main challenge in implementing and managing cloud topology is networking. All the three identified cloud topologies involves intensive networking particularly the private and hybrid topologies where networking may be done by the cloud owner. Networking errors may influence the functioning of the cloud system. Cloud manager should be able to troubleshoot the network to enhance effective operation and to reduce downtime. Security is another major challenge faced in managing cloud computing. There are various forms of system attacks that can influence the operation of a cloud system. These attacks evolve just as the technology evolves. They can affect data availability, integrity and confidentiality and hence the general function of a cloud (Andrei, 2009).
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Another major implementation and management challenge particularly in private and hybrid topologies is cost. Private cloud topology involves high implementation cost since the cloud owner is required to purchase all the hardware required to host a cloud. The cloud owners also require employing specialized IT personnel to manage the cloud system if the system is to be held in the organization premises. The need for adequate space and high utility consumption are two other aspects that add to the cost challenge of implementing and managing cloud topologies (Mundt & Vetterick, 2011).
Difference between Open, Private, and Hybrid Cloud Topologies
Public, private, and hybrid cloud computing topologies are the three commonly known computing topologies. Public cloud is a cloud infrastructure which is owned by the service provider. It exists in the cloud provider premises. A large industry group or general public can access services of the cloud for utilization, on a pay based on usage technique. The cloud resources are allocated to the users, on-demand. These resources are offered over the internet on dynamic basis. They are commonly used by Small and Medium enterprises. The benefits of public cloud include high scalability, location independence, utility style costing, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and reliability. Private cloud refers to a cloud infrastructure solely operated for an organization. It can either be managed by a third party or the organization itself. It can exist off premises or on premises. Private clouds advantages include more privacy and higher security, energy and cost efficiency and more control. However, private cloud has limited scalability as a result of inflexible pricing, limited resources, and it is also limited to a certain region. Hybrid cloud on the other hand refers to infrastructure composed of two or more clouds. It integrates private cloud with either public or community cloud. Although each of them remains as distinctive entity, they are connected together by proprietary or standardized technology. This technology allows application and data portability. Hybrid clouds advantages include security, scalability, flexibility, efficiency and cost. The main disadvantages include security compliances and networking issues (Rani et al., 2015).
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There are more emerging technologies employed in cloud computing and which are enhancing its further advancements. One of the merging technology include the intra-cloud technology which is a cloud of clouds interlinked global and network of networks internet extension on which it is founded. Intra-cloud computing involves interlinking infrastructures for multiple cloud providers. They mainly centers on direct interoperability between providers of public cloud services. This expansion may change the operation of cloud computing in the future (Rani et al., 2015).
Recommendation on the Best Cloud Topology in my Organization
The selection of the topology highly depends on the organization size, and operations. Large organization with a lot of private information which require high level of security would do better with a private cloud. A good example is healthcare research center.
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However, this is considerably expensive to implement and manage. In this regard, they can opt for a hybrid topology which involves the use of private cloud to manage confidential data that requires a high level of privacy and public cloud for other data that are not highly confidential. This will safe the organization cost and still provide a higher efficiency like a private cloud would do.
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