This article originally appeared in the January issue of INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine.

Cloud computing is generally thought of as the delivery of computing technology via software as a service and an excellent replacement for the traditional customer-premises equipment IT infrastructure. However, many industry insiders now consider that definition somewhat dated and a traditional approach. Private clouds have become quite popular and hybrid combinations of traditional, public and private solutions have also emerged. This mix provides a wide array of choices but still leaves open the question of what is the best model for a organization’s needs.   

Cloud computing can reduce IT costs, enhance business continuity, provide scalability and increase the efficiency of employees – but not necessarily in equal proportions. There is also a cost associated with the cloud migration, and a disjointed approach can waste time and resources. Organizations need to evaluate carefully all of the options available before selecting the optimum path.

Many organizations already have VoIP and converged messaging in place and running in a virtual environment. Quite a few of these, however, are simple migrations layered on top of a traditional CPE IT model with limited flexibility. Internal budgets are fixed, providing full accountability, but with little opportunity to reduce costs without an accompanying reduction of services. In a hybrid solution, IT departments are competing with external service providers, allowing the organization to maintain or increase services plus reduce costs.  

The process needs to start with a full review of the current infrastructure weighed against the potential benefits of migration. If you do not have experience in this area, selecting a consultant or reseller with cloud expertise is advisable and will expedite the process. Visiting ITEXPO (News - Alert) East in Miami is also strongly recommended.

ITEXPO is where resellers, enterprises, SMBs, service providers and government agencies congregate in the clouds to look under the hood of many of the industry’s hottest communications vehicles. IP-based voice, video, fax, unified communications, hosted services and hybrid solutions are all on display. You can also participate in educational seminars and conferences under the tutelage of leading industry experts who really have their heads in the clouds.

See you at ITEXPO East Feb. 1-3, 2012, in Miami. For more information, visit: http://itexpo.tmcnet.com/east12/.

Max Schroeder is senior vice president of FaxCore (News - Alert) Inc. (www.faxcore.com) and managing director of the DPCF.