The rate at which UK business is transitioning to the cloud is at an all-time high. Companies have their sights set on innovation, efficiency and lower OpEx, as delivered by cloud-based infrastructure. In fact, a report from Gartner predicts that by 2025, 55% of large enterprises will successfully implement an all-in cloud SaaS strategy.
However, when it comes to digital transformation a one-size-fits all approach doesn’t always work. There are many types of cloud solutions, offering businesses the opportunity to choose the service that best meets their needs.
Private cloud, in particular, is an especially attractive option for businesses that know what tools they need and want to maintain complete control of their infrastructures as they evolve. By virtualising their network and storage technology, the entire infrastructure can be managed in-house – including the deployment of new resources.
Therefore, a rapidly increasing number of businesses are achieving their goals by working with a software-defined datacentre (SDDC), like that offered by OVH. This method virtualises infrastructure setup and design, leaving the hardware behind, with a focus on flexibility, security and control.
Speed and flexibility
So, what are the key benefits of moving to an SDDC? An almost seamless transition to the cloud is a very important factor for business leaders when making the digital leap. As we all know, downtime is dangerous! Setting up new network infrastructures and new server environments may seem like a goliath task, and traditionally it was. But today SDDCs can be up and running in less than an hour, greatly limiting operational disruption.
The increased flexibility of the SDDC also delivers a powerful boost to staff’s speed and productivity, while helping to keep costs down. In fact, the successful implementation of an SDDC can reduce operational expenditure (OpEx) by as much as 56%.
Businesses are reflecting many of the trends that are growing among consumers, and the will to not be tied down is a central one. Businesses want to know that they are not giving up the ability to be agile by bringing a new service on board, and SDDC technology ensures this much needed freedom. . For example, our infrastructure is built to VMware’s industry standards which means customers not only have certainty but have access to a reversible platform.
Getting the right fit
If your infrastructure is currently based on dedicated servers, there are many ways an SDDC can help businesses. In addition to a growing call among customers for flexible options, businesses also need scalability. Companies using dedicated infrastructures won’t be able to achieve the levels of scalability and flexibility offered by the SDDC, a requirement that is becoming increasingly essential for businesses at both ends of the size spectrum. . An SDDC will allow the customer to use as much or as little capacity as they need, leading to considerable savings and the ability to progress on their digital transformation journeys.
Another option for businesses could be to combine an SDDC with Public Cloud instances. This allows an organisation to take full advantage of the SDDC’s security and reliability for essential applications, while enjoying the speed and flexibility of the Public Cloud for any applications that need to be deployed and broken down quickly and cost-effectively.
A combination of Public Cloud instances and Private Cloud solutions, a true hybrid cloud solution, is now not only possible but highly attractive for many global organisations. For example, a healthcare company may use an SDDC to keep sensitive patient data secure, while using Public Cloud instances for additional sites, such as blogs, news pages or test and dev environments.
With so many options, deciding whether an SDDC is the right solution for a business may seem complex. However, the key to success is knowing your business goals and to work with cloud specialists to establish which combination of solutions will help you achieve those goals most efficiently. The wealth of SDDC choices means that businesses can find a cloud solution that matches their individual needs.
Taking back control
Having the flexibility to choose a hybrid cloud solution is important but maintaining full control of your infrastructure is what unlocks the real business benefits of an SDDC.
Not only is data more valuable than ever, it is also at its most plentiful. Vast datasets are now required for cutting-edge work like training AI algorithms, and technologies like IoT stand ready to generate masses more. Handling and managing this volume of data is not a task that humans can successfully carry out, instead businesses need an automated process.
Using SDDC technology also allows businesses to control the process of scaling up by adding disk space to accommodate growing datasets and an evolving virtual infrastructure, all without causing costly operational disruption.
From concept to reality
The SDDC concept is evolving alongside the changing needs of the customer, but the rate of change is swift and constant. Providers like OVH are continually investing in research and development to fuel progress and ensure their services keep up with business needs.
Sophisticated private cloud solutions have the ability to change the playing field for businesses of all sizes. Above all, regardless of where your business is in the digital transformation journey, it can benefit from the flexibility, efficiency and control offered by an SDDC.
Hiren is an industry expert with over fifteen years of experience in IT. He has previously held positions at the likes of Serif and HostEurope, before joining OVH in 2015. As Senior Director of Cloud and Hosting for the EMEA region at OVH, Hiren is focussed on helping businesses to engage in cloud adoption and transformation.