Cloudy with a Chance of Clarity: Navigating Cloud Computing & IT Service Management
by Aileen Axios
Introduction
In our latest thought leadership whitepaper, Sharon Taylor, Chief Architect of ITIL® V3, provides insight on the concept of cloud computing and its impact on ITSM.
In this paper, Taylor clarifies the facts about cloud computing and discusses whether or not 'the cloud'changes the need for IT Service Management.
She also:
- Outlines how cloud-based ITSM tools can benefit your organization
- Distinguishes the difference between public and private clouds
- Proposes trends for the future of managing cloud services and SaaS ITSM
Information overcast!
"The Only Constant In Life Is Change." Heraclitus of Ephesus, the Greek philosopher said this back in the 5th century. This is exceptionally true when applied to IT. The next innovation is always just around the corner.
One of those innovations it seems is cloud computing. It ranks number 2 or 3 on most CIO agendas. Companies are lining up to use cloud services and, the more that gets written about it, the more confusion that sets in.
This thought leadership paper intends to help clarify some of the facts about 'the cloud' and to discuss whether or not cloud computing changes the need for IT Service Management.
What is cloud computing?
'Cloud' computing is nothing more than services hosted for the customer, usually delivered over an Internet connection. The term 'cloud' was inspired by the commonly used symbol to indicate a network connection that often represents the Internet in diagrams and illustrations.
Some things come back into fashion when they are reintroduced with a 'twist'.
The concept of cloud computing really isn't new to the IT industry. Virtualization,Software as a Service (SaaS), data hosting have been around for some time. Cloud computing offers the same basic service, but with some new innovations with regards to how it works and how customers can use it.
The commoditization of reliable, fast Internet access speeds has paved the way for a cloud-computing "coming of age" and great possibilities to externally host more network-intensive services at a reasonable cost.
As the IT industry begins to organize and commoditize cloud computing, the consuming public has begun to recognize a few basic types.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
Using a multi-tenant model, SaaS delivers access to an application or a suite of applications through a web browser to many customers. Customers do not need to invest in servers or software licenses, and the provider maintains one application/ suite for multiple customers. Examples of this are Axios Systems' assystSaaS for ITSM, Salesforce.com for CRM and SFA, Google Apps, Zoho Office and Workday.
To receive this complimentary whitepaper in full please visit:
http://www.axiossystems.com/en/resources/detail.php?whitepaper=24&src=excerpt
If you are interested in SaaS ITSM, we are giving you the opportunity to evaluate assystSaaS for free.
Register now to gain access to your own self-paced 28 day trial:
http://www.axiossystems.com/assystSaaS
About Axios Systems
Axios Systems is one of the world's leading providers of IT Service Management (ITSM) solutions. Its customer-centric approach, combined with its award-winning software, enables customers to improve their Service Delivery and Support and deliver Continual Service Improvement by helping to align and realign IT services to changing business needs, supporting business processes and improving productivity.
