A Custom Integration By Akash Saraf, Managing Director and CEO, Zenith Infotech
Even though these are early days as it relates to cloud computing, the buzz is still alive, as it relates to this technology, specifically within the channel. In fact, Gartner, Inc., predicts that by 2013, 20 percent of what we do in IT will be hosted or "in the cloud." For those not familiar yet with the cloud, or who have heard about it, and would like to know a bit more, here's a short lesson on how to navigate through the maze of this new technology, which is sure to set the stage for a new level of virtualization within the channel.
The clinical definition of cloud computing is "a style of computing, which dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources are provided as a service over the Internet." In other words, users don't necessarily need to have knowledge of, expertise or control over the technology infrastructure in the "cloud" that supports them. In all fairness, the concept incorporates infrastructure as a service, platform as a service, and a term that many small- to medium-size VARs are familiar with -- software as a service or SaaS.
Realizing the Benefits
According to AMI-Partners, about 31 percent of midsize businesses are currently using cloud services. This is definitely something to watch out for, especially since the cloud originally came forward from the Web giants such as Amazon and Google, and specific social networking sites like Facebook. However, for SMBs, who don't have the bandwidth or the resources to grab hold of these giants, there are alternatives, depending on how you approach the cloud. It's really about how you build the computing infrastructure, and mostly everyone has since come out with their own definition of how the cloud works. For the most part though, it's really about "computing as a service," and a computing utility that could run at a data center or client site. It takes less time to manage, which is also beneficial for SMB resellers. However, some feel the definition of the cloud is that you are essentially "going into someone else's data center," which is not the case. Contrary to popular belief, clouds can be hosted by virtually anyone, it's just the way you approach it, or build the infrastructure.
However, despite all of these positive attributes, there is still a fair amount of work from a technology standpoint, but right now, it's more about: "How can I effectively make the technology available to the end client?"
Possible Fears
More than likely, if you ask any vendor or VAR in the channel their thoughts on cloud computing, their first reaction will likely be "But isn't it a threat to the channel?" The reason for this is that integration is a big portion of a VAR's business model, but now with many end clients venturing into the cloud, will they be out of a job? Some might even stand around scratching their heads, wondering "Will we become obsolete because of the cloud?"
While some might begin to worry, they should look at cloud computing as more of an opportunity, rather than a threat, especially as it relates to the SMB community. For example, an SMB end client is likely too small to venture off into a Microsoft, Amazon or Google cloud. Enter the VAR or MSP, who will work directly with the end client to assist them in developing their own cloud, specifically for their needs. A reseller who has a smaller end client can basically build a small cloud that they will host themselves. It's a custom cloud that meets their specific needs, rather than a "one size fits all model" that most of the larger corporations deploy.
The bottom line is that every client has their own specific need, and that's why a custom cloud model works, not only because it's cost effective, because then the end client has the ability to work with a VAR who they can trust and turn to at any time who will offer customization, offering further opportunities for SMB expansion into the cloud.
Akash Saraf is the managing director and CEO of Zenith Infotech, an international company serving IT Service Providers worldwide, which he founded in 1996. Since then, the company has grown to become one of the channel's premier providers of business continuity solutions.
Even though these are early days as it relates to cloud computing, the buzz is still alive, as it relates to this technology, specifically within the channel. In fact, Gartner, Inc., predicts that by 2013, 20 percent of what we do in IT will be hosted or "in the cloud." For those not familiar yet with the cloud, or who have heard about it, and would like to know a bit more, here's a short lesson on how to navigate through the maze of this new technology, which is sure to set the stage for a new level of virtualization within the channel. 
