Managed Application Service Providers with a Cloud Service Broker

Posted by Tomas Cohen on September 29th, 2014

The utilization of cloud services for organizations presents a wide range of efficiencies, but there are many misunderstood requirements that are beginning to place new burdens on organizations. The customization, management and integration of a proprietary cloud storage infrastructure can become complex, and this complexity can add costs that might prevent an organization from utilizing all of the advantages that cloud services can offer. Many opportunities can be missed including the integration of various cloud services and associated features.

Cloud service providers exist to help an organization in the formation of a cloud-based infrastructure, but these service providers are not always the best approach for an organization. The latest type of service to help in establishing a viable cloud infrastructure is known as a Cloud Services Broker (CSB).

A cloud service broker can assist in aggregation activities by bundling many individual services into a unified package. This can often involve the combination and management of several vendors into a single unified service. Integration is another important method that a CSB can utilize to ensure that a customer’s existing network flows naturally into the new cloud-based infrastructure. One other advantage offered by a CSB is the customization of cloud services to meet an organization’s unique individual needs.

Aggregation, integration and customization are not new concepts when it comes to information technology. These services have been provided for years by managed application service providers (MSP) in environments that did not utilize any cloud-based services. Since these same requirements are need for cloud computing, MSPs are positioned to become a competitive service provider in with respect to cloud-based systems.

MSPs are easily stepping into the role of cloud service brokers. With a wealth of experience already in the management of applications, complex integrations and workflows, they are well suited to the challenges posed by cloud computing. Establishing a cloud infrastructure is the first step in any organization, but this is only the beginning. The overall management of aggregation, integration, and customization also needs to be addressed and MSP’s are able to provide fully managed solutions for organizations of all sizes.

It was initially thought the cloud computing would limit the ability of MSP to function as service providers in the new environment. However, there are many reasons that an enterprise should utilize an MSP for the cloud services.

• Expertise in Technology – Because of their established expertise in the management of applications services, MSP’s must have expertise in all new technologies in order to remain competitive.
• Vendor Access – The relationships that MSPs maintain with technology vendors is a valuable component in the implementation and management of a cloud based infrastructure.
• Cost Efficiencies – The lowest cost of ownership is provided by MSPs when it comes to IT operations. This efficiency is extended to cloud infrastructure, operations and management.
• Large Application Deployment Expertise – Large-scale deployments will typically involve the integration of various applications and an MSP already has expertise in dealing with these cross-platform integrations.
• Customization – Every organization is different and cloud-based systems require a wide skillset when it comes to implementation. MSPs are well suited to this challenge as application management has similar customization requirements.
• Expertise in Applications – MSP’s are used to the management and implementation of applications in non-cloud based environments, but the reality is that a cloud-based environment still requires application management.

An enterprise that is seeking a cloud service broker can take advantage of the expertise provided by an MSP because they are experts in simplifying processes across many different platforms and there is a great advantage to having the MSP as a single point of contact. If you seek a high level of service, an MSP is an excellent choice because of their full integration into your IT architecture. A cloud system is an efficient and simple method for data storage and collaborating with a qualified MSP is a practice that can ensure success.

Author:

Tomas Cohen is a security enthusiast and analyst covering the most significant security topics and trends prevalent worldwide. He also involves in the technology related to Cloud Security, Data Loss Prevention, Cloud Service Broker etc.,