Month: May 2015

Many businesses have begun reaping the advantages of the move to the cloud while others are still contemplating the shift. For those who are hesitant, the concerns are real and valid. However, understanding how cloud computing works and making an informed choice can boost your business greatly. In the following paragraphs we outline the services and models offered by cloud service providers (CSP) and provide guidelines on how to choose the right one for you.

Service Models

Different CSPs offer different types of services. Some only offer their hardware (infrastructure) on rent while others offer software packages. Yet others offer the OS and some commercial software like Oracle for use. There are also some CSPs who specialize in database services. How the services are provided or deployed to the user also differs although most CSPs offer all models of deployment. The three main ways in which CSPs deploy their services are the private cloud, the public cloud, and the hybrid cloud.

Making your Choice

Choice of a CSP must be made on several levels including the service, the deployment model, the charges for service, and the support provided. The first consideration is of course your own requirement. Are you looking to dump all your software on the cloud? Or are you looking for some specific services like database hosting? Do you have professionals who will write your apps for you or do you want to rent the apps provided by the CSP?

These are some of the questions you should be asking yourself when selecting the services. Choice of the deployment model will depend on how sensitive your data is and how willing you are to share it with others. Whatever the claims made by CSPs, your data is exposed on public clouds. So if you do not wish to share your information, then private clouds are the best option. However monetary investment in private clouds is considerably high. You can also opt for a hybrid model which is a mix of private and public clouds.

Once you have decided upon the type of services you require, you should consider other aspects like payment, support, and above all, security. It is a good idea to research the provider to gauge the quality of his services. You can also ask probing questions regarding scaling to other providers, location of your data storage and retrieval time. Questions about checks and controls within the cloud are also important.

Conclusion
Before signing on the dotted line, it is wise to consider carefully what services you will be provided, the costs of these services, and whether the services will be provided as expected. Above all you should ensure that your data is safe and available when you need it and where you need it. Asking the right questions can help you make the right choice.

GEEX can provide cloud solutions to your business. Why not give us a call or email to find out more: info@localhost / 0121 285 0098

References:  Dummies, Entrepreneur

All of us install antivirus programs on our computers to protect them from spyware, malware and other viruses. However, there have been instances of the computers getting infected by these antivirus programs instead! This is because you just exposed your computer to harmful programs, courtesy of fake antivirus programs.

How do harmful antivirus programs enter your computer?

A large number of these fake security programs are introduced via a plug-in found on a website, from illegal links on social networking sites like Facebook or simply when accessing a link in a spam email.

There are many others that trick you by asking you to share computer data due to slow speed. Once the virus is introduced, it can wipe all data from your system as well as spy on any data entered into the system.

If you have been a victim, you are not alone. So what can you do to avoid this situation?

1)  Always install trusted software: Beware of those free programs or free patches found on unfamiliar sites. If in case your computer has already been infected, get yourself genuine antivirus software – we always advice our clients base on their needs. This will safeguard your system every time you download something off the internet. Always remember that free software may not always be a genuine one. So only download from trusted sites and especially after installing a genuine copy of an antivirus software.

2)  Once installed, an antivirus program doesn’t guarantee protection forever. Says Nehan Shaikh of eScan Blog, you should regularly update your antivirus program. You can set your computer or device to automatically update software or you can manually update it. You can also configure your device to let you know when an update is available. That way you can decide whether you need the update and when to update the software.

3)  In case you are not very well versed with the World Wide Web, seek assistance from a professional who can help you download the software and configure the updates.

4)  On any web page you will see many links to other pages. You will also see smaller square shape windows called pop-up windows. Avoid clicking on these links or windows unless you are sure where they lead and you really need the information. These links and pop-ups often lead to malware that may get installed on your device without your knowledge.

What should you do if your computer gets infected?

In case your system does get infected, immediately delete the program manually. You may have to navigate to system folder to delete the program permanently. If you are not sure what you should do then seek advice from a professional.

GEEX can provide managed anti-virus on all our support and leased products. The anti-virus software is continuously monitored to make sure it is up to date and if you do get infected then our support team are notified and they can deal with any infection immediately.

Why not give us a call or email to find out more.

info@localhost / 0121 285 0098

We all know that even with the increasing sizes of hard disk capacity, there is a limit to the amount of data that can be stored on a computer. Yet cloud computing is said to have unlimited storage. This may seem to be somewhat oxymoronic. The seemingly unlimited storage on clouds is achieved by a combination of two techniques called scaling and virtualization. Anyone remotely connected with the field of IT understands that virtualization is the creation of functionalities that do not exist. Scalability is a relatively new concept. In this blog we explain the concept of scalability and how it is used in cloud computing.

Cloud Service Providers (CSP) use two types of scaling – vertical and horizontal scaling.

Vertical Scaling

Vertical scaling refers to improving the hardware components of a single server such as adding CPUs, faster and larger hard disks, and additional memory. Improving the hardware components helps retrieve data quickly. This is advantageous in single thread applications where data has to be served up to a single client. However vertical scaling is helpful up to a certain point beyond which it does not add any value to the system and soon becomes a liability. CSPs then resort to horizontal scaling.

Horizontal Scaling

Horizontal scaling refers to utilization of multiple servers to serve multiple clients. Says John Ellis of BlueLock, it is simply the math of doubling your resources to provide double the amount of services. For example if one server can process 10 web pages per second, then two servers can process 20 pages. Of course, this is a bit more complex, but the basic principle remains the same.

How it Works

When users sign up with a CSP they seemingly work on a single server. However, the data, programs, and apps they use, are stored on several servers located at different locations. When a user connects to the cloud, he taps a single server that is usually closest in location. This server then makes requests to other servers to provide the data and processing requested by the client. These servers work in sync to serve the users. What gets stored on each of these servers depends on the networking model adopted by the CSP. Some CSPs contract with other CSPs to rent their hardware. The distribution of data and software then depends on the agreement between the two CSPs. All these interactions take place without the users being aware of them.

Conclusion

Cloud computing is attracting more and more business with its advantages of huge storage capacity, service on demand, and flexibility. These advantages are achieved by the use of networking techniques. Scalability and virtualization are the names given to the techniques adopted by cloud service providers to meet the increasing demands of their clients.

GEEX are able to provide various cloud solutions depending on size of your business. To learn more, please give us a call or drop us an email.

References: VMware