Realizing ‘cloud’ for firms in PH

MANILA, Philippines—Cloud computing? We all keep hearing about this for quite some time now. Viewed a few years back as one of those technologies that will change the way businesses operate in the coming years, cloud computing still remains an enigma for some.

“The concept of cloud computing may be shrouded in fear of insecurity. Most businesses wonder how this new technology will deliver tangible benefits. However, the fact is simple: As an evolving IT outsourcing model, cloud computing has numerous benefits,” said John Orrock, president of GlobalOne (globalone.com), a leading global service provider for software as a service (SaaS), Cloud and Client Management Solutions.

He explained that by using cloud computing, companies and organizations could just pay the provider only for what they use and be able to save money that they would have spent on acquiring hardware, software and services.

With the introduction of cloud computing and SaaS (in SaaS, the software programs and bulk of document data are stored on servers elsewhere and no longer on one’s desktop computer) technologies, Orrock said GlobalOne could now provide solutions that would allow clients to experience a new level of outsourcing.

Transferred virtually

“The data centers that used to be located at company premises are now virtually transferred to a cloud computing vendor. As a result, we now take care of bulk data storage while business processes and applications are now delivered to these companies as a service wherever and whenever they are needed via real-time Internet connectivity,” said Orrock.

Such a paradigm shift can very well explain why a number of the country’s telecommunications companies are now partnering with GlobalOne, looking at cloud computing (which needs their infrastructure to reach end users) as a way to increase revenue and create closer relationships with customers.

Some people are skeptical about the idea of putting their data, files and other stuff in a centralized “cloud” outside their local drives.

But Lani De Leon, GlobalOne marketing and communications director, tells skeptics that they may rest easy.

“We are slowly becoming dependant on cloud computing from a consumer side and don’t even realize it. If you have used e-mail services from Yahoo! or Gmail, used Google apps to create documents or shared photos online via flickr, photobucket, then you are already using cloud computing. Security? GlobalOne implements stringent security measures including proven cryptography. As part of our business strategy, we always strive to adhere to safe and secure practice,” De Leon said.

She added that the safest option for any company operating with large amounts of data is to try to employ cloud computing technology.

Evaluates and selects

GlobalOne constantly evaluates and selects partners to ensure the company would confidently make the right recommendation to its clients, Orrock said.

“Our promise to our clients is to provide the right guidance that best fits their needs, considering business requirement, commercial fit and support. This is also why we partnered with many of the world’s leading vendors such as Salesforce.com, Informatica, Business Objects, Rackspace,” Orrock explained.

With security and cost becoming the least of the concerns in cloud computing, GlobalOne can make a huge impact on bringing the technology to the government sector, healthcare, and education here in the Philippines, he said.

“These areas will eventually attain socio-economic development which they have been wanting for many years. They will realize that the ‘cloud’ is an opportunity for them to get closer to their end clients and provide new levels of service. With GlobalOne’s expertise, I believe these will be quickly realized considering they will have fewer things to be worried about, like dealing with cooling power costs and upgrading and maintaining infrastructure that currently slow them down,” Orrock said.