What is Cloud Support and Integration
Cloud integration is a service that provides the tools and technologies to enable integration between local data and file sources, applications, systems, and IT environments and cloud-hosted data and applications. It uses various solutions, services, and platforms to enable the real-time exchange of data, commands, and processes between on-site and cloud systems.
Cloud Support and Integration is a relatively new form of computer systems integration support methodology that integrates, supports, and maintains the infrastructure, data, processes, and architecture of a cloud-based computing system.
Cloud computing is based around the concept that data storage, computing power, and other hardware-based integral resources can be accessed remotely through the integration of applications based software to access and interface with the stored data.
A major difference between legacy computing system infrastructure and cloud-based systems is that the user is not directly involved with the active management of the system. Under most circumstances, Cloud servers and databases are stored in a remote location and are accessible via an internet connection. As internet connection speeds have exponentially increased over the last decade, the use of Cloud-based remote servers has increased dramatically due to the ease of access and seamless and efficient data retrieval become more readily available to all users.
In order for cloud computing to be efficient, cloud integration relies heavily on the sharing of resources between Cloud-based servers and networks, and the use of internal resources of the machine that is running the application. Overall, this synergistic approach to resource sharing allows for a lower cost for user-based machines, as the computing power needs to be focused on running application-based software, as opposed to allocating computing resources towards the support of data retrieval and storage, internal network computing needs, and running the protocols that are required for continual connection to an internal network.
Additional budgetary savings is achieved by leveraging the singular nature of cloud computing. Organizations that continue to rely upon standard internal network infrastructure must regularly perform maintenance, updates, and data integration on every single machine that is integrated into a network from network servers to end-user machines, in order to maintain a continuity of information shared throughout an organization. This process is time-consuming and often requires the hiring of a full-time network integration specialist or a team of specialists to keep up with all the necessary tasks to keep the network running smoothly. However, in the case of cloud-integrated organizations, the retention of internal network professionals to maintain and update your network is no longer necessary. A cloud-based system can be maintained, updated, and scaled remotely, allowing for the time for necessary work to reinforce your network to be minimized. When updating a cloud-based system, the network professional only needs to complete the update to one location, rather than every server and user machine that accesses it. Application updates are rolled out remotely to each machine, allowing for all relevant data and functionality to be installed, updated, and maintained automatically. This functionality allows for all end-users to access the same information across the network. When optimized correctly, usability is streamlined and functionality is equal across the organization.
Categories of Cloud Computing
Since the introduction of cloud computing in the early part of the 21st century, Cloud computing and integration have helped to evolve the agility, functionality, and efficiency of many businesses and organizations. As many businesses have integrated remote working as part of normal business, on-site network infrastructure has become less and less of a requirement for data storage and functionality, as the data servers and network infrastructure has been moved to the cloud. Services to support and enhance cloud computing are increasingly important as cloud computing services are necessary. Some of these services include, Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (Paas), Desktop as a Service ( Daas), Managed Software as a Service (MSaaS), Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaas), Data Center as a Service (DCaaS), and Information Technology Management as a Service (ITMaaS).
Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is a software licensing and delivery model in which users can subscribe to the service and implement the functionality and usability of the software in concert with Cloud-based services. This web-based software is the central service necessary to fully integrate with and take advantage of cloud-based computing services.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
In recent years, as the technology to support faster connectivity has improved, the ease of access to cloud-based computing infrastructure has evolved, the need and demand for cloud-based services have greatly increased. The demand for virtualization has grown significantly, leading to the inception of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). IaaS offers virtual cloud servers for which enterprise systems can be deployed and accessed more easily, allowing for data systems to be more easily shared, scaled, and maintained at a lower cost of initial investment, due to the availability of pre-manufactured hardware that can be optimized and adopted by an operation.
Integration Platform as a Service (iPaas)
A collection of cloud services that allow for development, execution, and the governance of integration flows that connect both local and remote cloud processes, applications, services, and data within an organization
Desktop as a Service ( DaaS)
A cloud computing service where a third party hosts the back of end of virtual desktop infrastructure. Desktop machines run their operating systems from inside a virtual machine on a cloud-based server.
Managed Software as a Service (MSaaS)
A service that integrates immediately available software, configured specifically for each individual account. This type of software service requires a subscription to use. Each subscription typically includes cloud support, upgrades and updates, and training an organization’s staff to properly use the application.
Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS)
Also known as Backend as a Service, this model provides mobile developers with access to link their applications to the “backend” cloud servers, integrating features such as push notifications, social network integration, and user management options.
Data Center as a Service (DCaaS)
A hosting service where a physical data center’s infrastructure is provisioned for client usage. Essentially DCaaS will allow customers to remotely access a provider’s server, storage, and network through a WAN connection.
Information Technology Management as a Service (ITMaaS)
A model of operation where IT service providers provide Information technology as a service for their customers virtually, through granted access to an operation’s data, network server, information, and configurations remotely in order to provide IT support wherever and whenever necessary.
Software as a Service (SaaS) Architecture
Most SaaS services are based on multitenant architecture. Using this model of architecture, a single application using a single configuration is used across the network for all users (or tenants). This type of architecture supports scaling by allowing the single application to be installed on multiple machines and used simultaneously. These digital applications can also be built to allow access to different versions of the same application to be accessed by a select group of users for testing, specialization, and optimization of the application before widespread distribution as a pre-release.
SaaS cloud applications also support configuration management and customization options. Configuration of a SaaS application can alter the configuration options or parameters that affect the functionality of the application, as well as the visualization and interface of the application. Using this functionality, each client may have their application customized to meet their needs, within the parameters of the application’s functionality – clients will be able to use the application software for the same end goal, however, the interface can be changed for usability or taste. This type of configuration model will allow multiple clients to use the same application, but in a different way, integrating branding, layout, or other minor design concepts so that the application can feel customized, while at the same time use the proven and designed functionality that the application was designed for.
SaaS applications are generally used via an intermediary interface such as a web browser. Much of the common usage for SaaS applications are for businesses, and include office software (such as word processing and spreadsheet management), messaging, and payroll software, as well as management solutions, CAD software, HR management software, invoicing, CMS, and desktop management.
Another Feature of SaaS applications is the functionality to deliver accelerated updates and features. SaaS applications are often updated more regularly than a standard software package, allowing for updates and features to be rolled out from a centralized host, allowing for a large scale rollout of the updated software to be triggered by the application provider.
The nature of this application type is also important due to the availability of customer-based improvement suggestions, as well as access to a wider array of user data from usage.
This will allow the provider to identify areas for improvement or remediation, as well as integrate suggestions or features with a relatively quick turnaround time for customers. This built-in functionality also cuts down on expending resources due to the centralized nature of rolling out software updates, it is no longer necessary to install new patched software onto existing devices and machines one by one.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) Architecture
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a platform-based service of cloud computing that integrates a platform (the environment in which a piece of software is executed) that allows users to develop, manage, and run applications without the need to build and maintain the infrastructure associated with the development and launch of a cloud-integrated application.
PaaS is a suite of cloud-based services that allow users to develop, engage, and govern the interaction between non-similar applications and programs. One feature of PaaS architecture is the ability for users to drive development and the deployment of different integrations of an application without the need to manage hardware.
PaaS Development
Platform as a Service will provide a habitat for developers to host and distribute applications, allowing developers to avoid the complex nature of infrastructure and database management. PaaS gives users the agility to improve the development speed of applications, as well as allow for users to focus on the application rather than the complexities of development, as the user manages their own data and applications as the provider manages processes such as the operating system, servers, storage, and networking. Tools for development are also typically customized towards the needs of the application user, but can also choose to maintain their own network.
Platform as a Service may also include the environment for application design, development, testing, and distribution. This allows for more streamlined web service integration, database integration, cybersecurity, scalability, storage, management, application updates, and developer facilitation. PaaS can also offer management functionality for network monitoring and workflow management.
Platform as a Service can be delivered in three ways to users:
- As a public cloud-based service employed by a provider. Users can control application and software deployment, while the provider provides the infrastructure such as the network, servers, operating systems, and storage, as well as other services as a host.
- As a private service protected by a firewall
- As software rolled out on public infrastructure.
Cycurion’s Offerings for Cloud Support
Cycurion has long realized the benefits that cloud solutions hold for our current and future customers. Many of our client’s current Information Technology (IT) environments are characterized by low asset utilization, a fragmented demand for resources, duplicative systems, environments that are difficult to manage, and long procurement lead times. These inefficiencies negatively impact our clients’ ability to serve their citizens, shareholders, and customers. Cycurion works with your organization to assess your current application and technology needs and create recommendations and plans to address these inefficiencies and improve service delivery. Our recommended cloud computing solutions will significantly help you to provide highly reliable, innovative services quickly despite resource constraints.
What are the benefits of Cloud Support services?
Cloud integration services provide companies with the flexibility to grow or shrink on demand, keeping costs in line with the actual usage, as opposed to pre-priced bulk integration packages that include unneeded services or solutions. Cycurion custom tailors our services to meet your direct needs, and anticipate your future requirements, optimized for your organization. Our cloud services automatically update and patch applications and the infrastructure in those applications reside. In addition, the distributed nature of cloud solutions provides SMBs with redundancy that directly impacts and solves business continuity challenges. Cycurion will also work to improve user experience, access, quality of data, and optimization and streamlined processes.
How does Cycurion Cloud Support and Integration provide a better experience for clients?
Cycurion Cloud Support and Integration allows our customers to receive instant access to up to the minute information across their operation and enterprise. Our totally integrated solutions reside centrally in the cloud as a single solution, as opposed to cobbled together, non-centralized, and non-optimized cloud-based infrastructure. Our Cloud infrastructure solutions store all of the data and information in a single location, adding to the stability and security of your data and information. We offer a single solution for Cloud integration that broadly supports your organization’s needs while tailoring our services specifically to your organization’s business needs. This specificity provides a more comprehensive, integrated, and efficient time to market while maintaining configuration and customization of your Cloud solution.
What are the major challenges of a cloud based integration? Solutions?
Cycurion understands that implementing the right cloud integration plan is necessary to optimize your organization’s cloud infrastructure. Moving your organization to the cloud presents a fundamental change in how your organization does business; oftentimes affecting the entire organization on all levels.
Choosing the right communication plan will orchestrate the needed changes that your organization must go through to adopt a cloud integration methodology.
Cycurion will provide trusted advisors that will carry our clients through the entire cloud solution.
What makes Cycurion’s Cloud Services better than other companies?
Cycurion is an industry-leading organization that has always resided on the frontlines of creating the methodology and implementation solutions for new cloud integration techniques across many industries including healthcare and education. Since the inception of cloud computing, Cycurion has been a leader in setting up pilot programs and unique infrastructure models that the rest of the industry has integrated into their own organizations. We are thought leaders, creationists on methodology, in how your organization can apply cloud integration to any organization.
Cycurion delivers established applications to our users that can be customized and are aligned with federal standards in a HIGHLY regulated environment. We leverage this experience and expertise to create the most usable solution for our clients; intuitive in use and functionality, integrating perfectly into your organization’s infrastructure.
Cycurion’s methodology and deployment strategies streamline innovations into new technology.
Our approach integrates Application rationalization in order to assess your organization’s current inventory of applications, determine which applications are obsolete, or usable, and recommend a solution to intelligently determine which applications can still be used, and which applications need to be created or implemented to serve your organization’s business needs.
What Cloud Integration Services Offered by Cycurion
Cycurion offers a host of services and solutions to support your Cloud Support and Integration needs.
Compliance
Cycurion understands that there is no single approach to meeting Compliance for IT, due to the singular nature of each operation. Compliance in this field refers to the list of protocols to bring your IT services in alignment with your business need, strategy, and the specific details of your operation’s existing IT structure. Compliance in this space is a specified inter-department workflow that can be adhered to and communicated throughout your business. This includes IT-specific milestones and applications and how they operate as the focus. To this end, establishing effective awareness training, IV&V, Information Assurance, Information security officer support, regulatory compliance services, vulnerability scanning and management, creating policies, and continuously monitoring your environment is the most effective way to optimize your IT, and align with business objectives.
Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V)
Cycurion’s Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) service provide a third-party external assessment of system and application processes, procedures, and internal implementation. This neutral outside perspective facilitates a fresh opinion and assessment using established and familiar industry-standard approaches to internal and external security practices. IV&V is essential in identifying potential gaps in management, operations, and technical implementations strategy for system administration, security configuration, defense-in-depth capabilities, and documentation deficiencies.
Cycurion has been providing IV&V services for our clients over the last decade. We identify root cause issues impacting critical areas with elevated risk, in their respective environments. Cycurion is prepared to integrate with existing continuous diagnostics and mitigate CDM services to provide clear and consistent risk reporting.
Consulting/Advisory
Cycurion leverages its deep understanding and trend-based analytical posture to augment and inform your organization by implanting strategic consulting and advice for your operation. We implement advanced Strategic Consulting in IT support, in order to provide a sound and accurate assessment of your IT capabilities, weaknesses, maturity, and operational adequacies. Cycurion has a team of seasoned professionals who will work with your IT support professionals to create or strengthen your IT environment as well as advise your organization in best-practice methodology in training, and maintenance requirements to keep your network operations running smoothly.
Cycurion professionals utilize best practices derived from our extensive experience working with the Federal Government, in order to provide your organization with a precise and outlined understanding of your IT capabilities, as well as the data and information on how to streamline your operation for optimal effectiveness. Cycurion will provide guidance for best-practice standards and guidelines to tailor your IT to the specific needs of your organization, and bring you the best customer experience imaginable.
Engineering & Architecture
Engineering and Architecture for IT organizations include the various software and hardware resources of a network that enables full network connectivity, communication, operations, and management. When properly developed and implemented and optimized, your organization’s network architecture provides the communication path and services between users, processes, applications, and external networks such as the internet. Cycurion will help implement efficient, robust, and secure Architecture that is required to stay within compliance, and will also support strong application and cloud security, Identity control and access management, Managed endpoint security, network engineering, and design, security engineering, software assurance, and system design and infrastructure support.
Governance
Governance is a necessary set of rules and systems by which your organization directs IT efforts across your network. Governance defines a chain of command when making decisions that affect your network, assigning responsibility, and a specific chain of decision making. Cycurion will help create or redefine your Governance protocols, specifying accountability, and providing specific directives that will ensure direct protocols for operation-specific tasks, and who ultimately is responsible for actionable resolution. Aligning with NIST guidelines, Cycurion will establish a framework of accountability and a guide map for successfully aligning your IT needs to the business objectives you wish to accomplish while mitigating risk to your operation.
Cycurion follows a Four-Phase approach to deliver intelligently and proven Project Management Services. Using the methodology of Initiation, Planning, Execution, and Closure define our project management delivery process creating repeatable and scalable results. Each phase of this methodology is a distinct stage of the project life cycle and consists of standard tasks, activities, and work products that provide the requisite inputs for each subsequent management phase. Each phase fully encompasses the related management of expectations, communications, resources, time, quality, change, risks, and issues.
As projects and infrastructure become more complex, and technology continues to evolve at a faster pace, a single project manager becomes more valuable. Cycurion’s IT Project Management Services will increase your business’s efficiency by looking externally and relying on our Subject Matter Expert guidance and analysis to complete your IT projects from end to end.
Implementation
Engineering and Architecture for IT organizations include the various software and hardware resources of a network that enables full network connectivity, communication, operations, and management. When properly developed and implemented and optimized, your organization’s network architecture provides the communication path and services between users, processes, applications, and external networks such as the internet. Cycurion will help implement efficient, robust, and secure Architecture that is required to stay within compliance, and will also support strong application and cloud security, Identity control and access management, Managed endpoint security, network engineering, and design, security engineering, software assurance, and system design and infrastructure support.
Operations - Cloud Operations, Strategic Staffing
Cycurion understands that an efficient IT environment must be staffed by informed, dedicated, and well-trained professionals. Often, there is a disconnect between the ability to fully staff your organization with a capable, and deeply knowledgeable staff due to budgetary concerns and business needs. Cycurion offers an evolutionary solution for strategic staffing challenges by providing deeply knowledgeable Subject matter Experts and highly trained analysts directly to your organization as a service to fulfill some or all of your IT needs. Our contractible analysts and staff provide a deeply cultivated knowledge base in IT, for everything from Data Management services to technology integration with the ability to solve specific challenges across your organization, at a cost below that of hiring an IT department. Cycurion Staffing solutions will provide highly efficient world-class, multi-disciplined, and deeply knowledgeable experts to your organization.