Cloud Service Integration

Cloud Service Integration

Cloud service Integration is unique in that it is both a problem, and a solution.

The problem scenario: An IT department is faced with the reality that they must integrate newly established cloud services with other existing services.

The solution scenario: Cloud service integration allows you to perform new processes and accomplish things that simply weren't previously possible.

The Problem

The main stumbling block for clean and efficient cloud service integration for businesses, IT departments and individuals is a complete lack of standardization. In other words, there are no established rules, guidelines or boundaries that can dictate how actual cloud service integration should be performed. In order to formulate a standardized system for these purposes large amounts of variable data must be collected and compiled; this situation will of course, remedy itself over a longer period of time.

Currently, any type of cloud service integration procedure is more or less a 'trial and error' process of adjustment; however, professionals or experts in this area should be more than capable of dealing with any potential hindrances or roadblocks. One of the main reasons why it is currently impossible to establish a method for standardizing cloud service integration is the simple fact that the full range of cloud services, applications and potential uses for these are still being developed and explored. Even in scenarios where one type of cloud service is being integrated with another type of cloud service, there are unexplored limitations and incompatibility issues that must be overcome if a true system of cloud service integration is to be established.

The Solution

On the other hand, cloud service integration is a shining example of how certain cloud services can benefit businesses and/or IT departments at the ground level. When certain cloud services are seamlessly integrated, they offer opportunities for greater understanding, analysis, storage, security, productivity or communication. Right out of the gate so to speak, IT departments and cloud brokerages that employ some type of cloud service integration will see immediate benefits.

Once fully integrated, the benefits / possibilities will become more evident. Some of these advantages or possible uses include:

• Possible use of some type of remote access protocols, which would allow one application to oversee another group of applications or the entire system. This could also be set up as a form of failsafe system, which could come in handy for protecting data in the event of security breach, component failure or even system errors. However, use of cloud services integration in this area would most likely be resigned to setting up a 'chain of command' among applications and programs connected to an entire system (eg. only cloud services / cloud to cloud services / cloud to pre-existing infrastructure).
• Establishing a new type of safe and effective communication network; which will speed up business process and help to clarify any ongoing work or misunderstandings. This is one of the most obvious ways that cloud service integration can directly impact an organization's bottom line; disorganized communication streams in the workplace often requires even more time (and by extension money, since time is money) to sort through.
• Ability to instantly analyze and adapt any and all incoming business data into a format that allows management to make better decisions at a much faster pace. Just imagine being able to feed all business process / customer data into one application that outputs it into a format that allows said information to be instantly reintegrated into daily business proceedings. This is the very definition of efficient.
• Design / creation of a new type adapter technology which can be used to integrate with present systems and data, as well as navigate potential usability problems between existing cloud services or applications. Despite the supposed compatibility amongst various types of cloud services or applications there is still a disturbing lack of adaptation present in most instances.
• Creation of a new IT and data flow management system that is much more efficient, in terms of both work flow and energy usage. A classic example here would be in online retail, where customer order details are both automatically updated / sent out and one or more connected applications are able to share data so that there are no disputes or cross communications.

How cloud service integration is carried out

Cloud service integration isn't limited to one type of format; it can be offered as a service or via software. Some institutions are even employing new types of cloud service integration that are essentially a combination of service and software (arguably, the most thorough approach). As to be expected, there are companies beginning to offer third party solutions for cloud service integration; they can be affiliated with a larger cloud provider or not.

The Future of Cloud Service Integration

In the very near future, the parameters of cloud computing and the territories that specific applications within a cloud network inhabit will be fully laid out. This will either build upon the current model of cloud service integration or make it obsolete. More than likely all cloud service providers (at some point) will begin to standardize their applications into established levels which may allow for a much the ability to simply 'plug and play' / 'mix and match' applications within any particular framework at a moment's notice.