IBM to validate resilience of cloud computing infrastructures
1 min read
IBM says it is launching an initiative to validate the resiliency of any company delivering applications or services in a cloud environment, so that users can buy cloud services with confidence – including IBM’s own new offerings.
Philippe Jarre, IBM general manager of business continuity and resiliency services, observes that the success of cloud computing for storage, data protection and some enterprise applications has resulted in a large influx of new providers, but with unpredictable performance.
He also points to a few high-profile downtime and recovery events with newer cloud services that have sewn seeds of doubt – despite the clear cost benefits of eliminating the implementation and infrastructure requirements.
Cloud providers that work with IBM on its ‘Resilient Cloud Validation’ programme will be allowed to use the IBM Resilient Cloud logo for their services.
“Every cloud service provider has the same objective: provide an uninterrupted flow of information for their business,” says Jarre. “Since these providers power other businesses, there is a ‘network effect’ of downtime, [so] it’s absolutely critical to build to the highest standards of resiliency.”
He explains that IBM’s Business Continuity and Resiliency Services unit, which has 155 data centres around the globe, will provide the basis for the new service – indicating that it will build on its 40-year history of eliminating downtime in the most demanding business environments to help cloud service providers meet the highest standards of resiliency.
As for IBM’s own new cloud services, it’s the full package, from economic modelling to assess the total cost of ownership for building and integrating clouds, to cloud technology consulting services that help clients create roadmaps for re-constructing their IT environments.
The latter could be important – going the extra mile beyond the classic cloud savings (up to 80% on data centre floor space, 60% on power and cooling costs, and tripled asset utilisation) to also improve operational efficiency and flexibility.
