Presentation to the Housing Technology Conference

Tim Cowland - Senior Consultant

27th February 2014

The Rise of the Housing Cloud

Introduction

• What is Cloud Computing?

• What are the benefits of Cloud?

• Cloud uptake in Housing

• Implementation Approach

• What to look for in a Cloud providerUser Experience

Cloud

Sovereign

About Sovereign• The Group

• Operating since 1994• Staff of about 80• Turnover > £8m

• Unit Companies• Business Integration• Data Connect• Business Resourcing

• Our Approach• Lines of Business• Tailored Services• Client Advocacy

Breadth of Capability• Technology Domains

• Cloud & Virtualisation (own Data Centre)• Storage• Unified Network Communications• Security• Housing Application Development

• Service Domains• Infrastructure Managed Services• Change Projects• Consultancy• Resourcing• Procurement

What is Cloud?Cloud computing is the set of hardware, networks, storage, services, and interfaces that combine to deliver aspects of computing as a service. Cloud services include the delivery of software, infrastructure and storage over the Internet (either as separate components or a complete platform) based on user demand.

Cloud Models• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

• Compute, network, storage, power and data centre on demand • Can be self service, or operator serviced• Hosted externally (off premise)• Provider owned and maintained• Shared or dedicated infrastructure

• Platform as a Service (PaaS)• Includes IaaS• Provides software tool stack to end user• Self-service develop and deploy

Cloud Models• Software as a Service (SaaS)

• Includes IaaS• Applications, usually on demand• Licenced for use to end user, variety of methods as with non-SaaS• Provider owned and maintained• Shared or dedicated infrastructure

Granular Model Definition

Applications

Networking

Storage

Runtimes

Server HW

Security & Integration

Virtualisation

Servers

Databases

Applications

Virtualisation

Servers

Databases

Security & Integration

Runtimes

Networking

Storage

Server HW

Virtualisation

Servers

Databases

Security & Integration

Runtimes

Networking

Storage

Server HW

Applications

Infrastructure(as a Service)

Platform(as a Service)

Software(as a Service)

You

man

age

You

man

age

Managed by vendor

Managed by vendor

Managed by vendor

Cloud Supply TypesVarious ways to get your Cloud:

• Private Cloud• Dedicated customer owned off-site infrastructure• Known performance• Dedicated security model/ policy• Provider owned and maintained• Space, operational and cost benefits

• Public Cloud• Infrastructure shared with many other anonymous customers• Shared infrastructure components and services• Security model is usually ‘one size fits all’

Cloud Supply TypesVarious ways to get your Cloud:

• Community Cloud• Exclusive IaaS shared by parties who have agreed the sharing

mechanism• Subscribers are usually organisations with shared challenges and

goals, e.g. Housing providers

• Hybrid Cloud• Usually consists of multiple supply types, e.g. private and public• Can include hosted or customer premise equipment and services

Benefits of Cloud• Opex versus Capex, enabling easier budgetary planning

• Increased efficiency in resource usage

• Scaling on demand with an elastic infrastructure

• Greater continuous performance

• Less business interruption

• Improved security

• Redeploy staff to task and services that add more value

• Less environmental impact

Some Facts and Figures• 55% of organisations expect an increase in Cloud spending in 2014

• 60% say that security is their biggest concern

• 92% are interested in Community Cloud

• 75% of UK businesses will be using at least one type of Cloud soon

• 95% of IT users have used the Cloud but do not know it!

The Trend in Housing

Is the Cloud Right for Me?Some questions and issues to consider:

• What are my software licence implications?• Will my application providers support a Cloud-based installation?• Am I approaching significant Server and/or Storage investment• Using desktop virtualisation, e.g. thin client delivery• What are my data security requirements?• Can I retire some traditional applications

In reality most organisations adopt a hybrid approach with suitable applications.

Keys to Success• Undertake careful due diligence and thorough preparation when moving to cloud

• Maintain capability within your organisation to manage service

• Ensure detailed auditing and security arrangements

• From the outset develop an exit strategy

• Choose your provider carefully, buy wisely and keep control of usage

• Consider what would happen to your data if the worse happened

Potential Quick Wins• Non-production environments

• Disaster Recovery

• Ease of Remote Access, e.g. anytime, anyplace, anywhere

• Fast start-up for a new organisation or new service

• Off-site backup

Some Questions to ask Potential Providers• Security

• Data integrity?• Infrastructure security?• Data encryption?• Location of the data, e.g. on-shore?• Backup methods and routines?

• Provider’s reliance on Third-Parties• Do they own their own DC?• Do they offer managed services around the infrastructure?• Simple / shallow supply chain for lower risk and greater flexibility?

Some Questions to ask Potential Providers• Infrastructure

• Where do the services sit?• How do they operate?• Disaster Recovery policies and procedures?• Provider lock-in period?

• Data• How can we manage and export our data?• Do we have access to code or customised development?

Some Questions to ask Potential Providers• Governance

• Staff structure and culture?• Security certification and is it ongoing?• Operational efficiencies, e.g. does the Data Centre follow best practice?• Do they engage freely and are they responsive during Due Diligence?

• Business Case Development• Business Impact?• Business Value?• Product Description in business terms

Summary• Cloud continues to grow in popularity

• Identify the right type of Cloud service for your organisation

• Housing Community Cloud is an exciting development

• Take advantage of quick wins with clear benefits

• Understand the risks and then mitigate these

• Pick the right partner through thorough Due Diligence

• Take advice in the preparation of your Business Case

Thank you for your time - Any questions?

Tim Cowland – Senior Consultanttcowland@sovereign-plc.co.uk

www.sovereign-plc.co.uk020 8216 3333