This post was sponsored by Bicom Systems, a leading provider of VoIP phone systems and cloud services.
“Cloud-In-A-Box,” also known as “Cloud-In-A-Can,” is a buzzword that I recently stumbled across. And I did some research to see what the hype was all about. Now, not to get confused with Jack, the wind-up toy that pops out at you, but a Cloud-In-A-Box, as per TechTarget, is “a turnkey product for private cloud deployments.”
Essentially, it is a type of private cloud solution that can be quickly installed, provisioned, deployed, and integrated within your current IT environment. Users do not have to build their infrastructure from scratch and can simply pick a package combination of everything their enterprise would need.
However, rumor has it that the “Cloud-In-A-Box” is a marketing gimmick. Why? Well, because the cloud is #trending in the IT world today. Everyone wants to get rid of their clutter and move everything to the cloud. But building a private cloud isn’t as easy as you would think! So, the logical method would be to purchase a “Cloud-In-A-Box.”
Do you know what a “Bed-In-A-Bag” is? It is a bag with a:
- Fitted sheet
- Flat sheet
- Two pillow cases
- Two pillow shams
- A comforter
And if you get a really good deal, sometimes decorative pillows!
The “Bed-In-A-Bag” supplies all the tools needed to make your bed. That is essentially what this “Cloud-In-A-Box” offers. Provided under a single solution by a single provider, it gives the buyer all the tools they would need in one place. As well as one vendor who is providing the support.
Tools like:
- Storage
- Networking
- IoT
- Management software
- Etc.
Just like the “Bed-In-A-Bag” doesn’t include the bed frame, mattress or box spring, the “Cloud-In-A-Box” can not include EVERYTHING!
Unfortunately, that is what some companies are promising. A “private” cloud solution that is cheap and that you do not have to manage. This probably sounds attractive to small businesses or new organizations. For a small fee, users can easily install their very own plug and play private cloud. But eventually, users have to start thinking about security.
What happens when they want to control their ‘private’ cloud themselves to manage their data? Or perhaps they outgrow their box and require more tools. Users need to predetermine their needs and services because there is no one-size-fits-all model for cloud deployment. Every enterprise is different, and the tools required are just tiny pieces to a big puzzle.
What are your thoughts on “Cloud-In-A-Box?” Marketing gimmick or the real deal?
Laura Kyle is a marketing assistant for Bicom Systems (www.bicomsystems.com).
