A cluster can be defined as a system where two or more computers work jointly to perform heavy processing or mission-critical tasks. Basically, any kind of critical application, or applications that cannot stop working or cannot lose data (such as core banking systems, for example) can use the cluster technology.

High Availability: Cluster model is configured to provide an availability of services and resources on an ongoing basis through the use of redundant systems. The general idea is that if one web server in the cluster fails, applications or services may be available on another server. This type of cluster is used for data base of mission critical e-mail, file servers and applications.

Load Balancing: This model distributes incoming traffic or resource requirements on all servers in the cluster. All servers are responsible for monitoring requests and if a server fails, requests are redistributed among the available servers at the moment. This type of solution is usually used in the application servers.

High Availability Load Balancing: As the name suggests, this is a sport that combines features of both types of cluster, thus increasing the availability and scalability of services and resources. This type of cluster configuration is widely used in application servers, web and e-mail.

Main Advantages of the Cluster:

• Scalability;
• High performance;
• High availability;
• Better utilization of server capacity;
• Use of lower-cost servers.

Currently, there are three categories of “clouds“:

1. Public Cloud
2. Private Cloud
3. Hybrid Cloud

Public Cloud Computing – is the IT infrastructure that is used by many companies and services at the same time. Data users of the clouds are not able to manage and maintain this cloud, the entire responsibility for these matters rests with the owner of the cloud. Subscriber services can be offered by any company and individual user. They offer an easy and affordable way to deploy Web sites and business systems, with high scalability, which in other solutions would be available.

Private Cloud Computing – A secure IT infrastructure is controlled and operated for the benefit of a single organization. The organization can manage  its own private cloud or outsource this task from an external contractor. Infrastructure can be placed either on the premises of the customer, or in a data center. Ideal private cloud is the cloud that is deployed in the organization premises, served and controlled by its employees.

Hybrid cloud Computing – Is the IT infrastructure using the best qualities of public and private clouds, with the task. Often this type of cloud is used when an organization has seasonal periods of activity, in other words, once the internal IT infrastructure can not cope with current challenges, some facilities are  transferred to a public cloud (e.g. large amounts of statistical information, which is in its raw form or something that does not represent value for the enterprise), as well as to provide user access to enterprise resources (for private cloud) via a public cloud.

There is no doubt that the cloud computing services has become a delivery mechanism for increasingly popular IT tasks that are often complicated and time consuming. To help companies that are ready to migrate to the cloud-based services and also those that are beginning to consider this possibility, here are some tips for a safe transition. Following the suggestions, corporations ensure simplicity, economy and efficiency that the cloud has to offer.

1. Bigger is not always better: The cloud service providers are trying to find its position in an increasingly competitive segment. The reputation of the provider and the length of experience in the cloud matters more than size.

2. Understand your security needs: There is much speculation about security in the cloud, but there is little difference between the confidence that companies have in their service provider of Internet and other technology providers. Keeping that in mind, we can say that the demand and expectations of security of each organization are different. Therefore, it is important to understand how the supplier can meet those needs. Check references on the service provider and analyze cases similar to yours.

3. Learn the basics of data backup: Get to know how the cloud services provider backs up data and in the worst scenario, what if he gives up activities or if your company wanted to migrate your data to another provider. Seek to know more about the reputation of the provider’s storage resources, the number and location of data centers, infrastructure and redundancy.

4. Make sure you have good SLAs (Service Level Agreements): Certifications segment depicting a moment in time and do not necessarily indicate good performance. The best way to ensure good service is through Service Level Agreements – SLAs – with clear language. Look for vendors to disclose their financial performance and use values for cases of clear Service Level under the contract.

5. Evaluate standards of customer service: The best customer service departments for cloud services have experts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Make sure that the customer service provided by the chosen supplier is able to meet the needs of your organization.

6. Test the service: The main advantages of SaaS ( Software as a Service) option is to offer a free trial, easy to implement. Most suppliers offer to those who wish to evaluate the services. Start with a free version that once evaluated and approved, can be expanded to include sensitive data and other mission-critical systems.

With the above tips, we hope that companies start to migrate to the cloud with more security and less of doubt, since the subject is still complex and brings a whole host of issues within organizations. The great challenge for companies now is to think about taking the first step toward the cloud.

And that is the first of many!