Clearing the fog from the cloud: how ODI moved Sage and core IT to a private cloud
When the Overseas Development Institute moved offices last summer, we wanted to make our Sage 1000 finance and IT systems more secure and resilient. IT cloud solutions have been promoted very heavily recently but often without being realistic about the risks and challenges, particular for systems like Sage. Our response to these challenges: a private cloud solution would this model work for others?
About us ODI is an independent think tank on humanitarian and international development Founded in 1960 approaching middle age? It is a charity, but not a membership organisation Has expanded to current staff of just over 200, plus research associates, contractors, consultants and interns. A mix of programme and project funding
Our website gives an indication of what we do..
Finance and Information systems in ODI Tetra from 1989; Tetra CS; Sage Enterprise; Sage Line 500 Sage 1000 from 2010 combining a version of Sage CRM with Fin and Ops With Sage BI; Paperless; Replicon (Timesheets and expenses) Qlikview SharePoint 2007 Standard Windows network environment Hosted on server in our computer room Accessed mainly within building on desktop PCs though secure web access also possible
Office move and changed IT ODI s lease at 111 Westminster Bridge Road ended September 2012 Negotiations with landlord to stay failed By mid 2011 it was clear that we had to move Search launched, brief not to move too far New office to support increased meeting and events With enhanced technology Decision to take opportunity to invest significantly in IT
Decisions on Technology We would not just move our existing IT Our IT systems worked, but DR and business continuity were problematic New phone/voice comms needed Need to improve and simplify backup Do we go to the cloud?
INSHARE0 INSHARE0 computing in which scalable and elastic IT-enabled capabilities are delivered as a service using Internet technologies of computing in which scalable and elastic IT-enabled capabilities are delivered as a service using Internet technologies cloud com put ing Noun The practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server...
Many kinds of cloud Cloud computing is now widely discussed and recommended, but the term is often used ambiguously. It can be broadly defined as a type of computing in which the provision of dynamically scalable and often virtualised resources are provided as a service over the Internet. Several different components can be identified: (http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/04/07/15fe-cloud-computingreality_1.html) Info World April 7 2008, Galen Gruman, Eric Knorr Software as a service (SaaS) A single application is delivered through the browser to thousands of customers using a multitenant architecture eg Google Aps, or Office Live from Microsoft. Utility Computing Storage and virtual servers available on demand via the Internet Web services in the cloud Services offered to developers to exploit functionality over the Internet Platform as a service Development environments are provided as a service- applications can be developed to run on the provider s infrastructure. Managed Service Providers Services for IT systems rather than end users security, antivirus or anti-spam services. Service commerce platforms A service hub that users interact with eg. Automated service bureau Internet Integration Integration of different cloud services
Everyone going to the cloud? Apparently, there is a rush to go there; many IT corporates have made a massive investment in capacity Google widely adopted Microsoft putting more there Amazon is everywhere Resellers also buying into cloud Huge savings to be made? Opportunities to focus on core business Op ex rather than Cap ex Rapid scalability and flexibility
Big cloud or little cloud Some huge players: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM.. Medium-size: Sunguard Small but perfectly formed
But.. Concerns about data security Contracts too rigid? Transferability Are the major cost savings achievable?
Our situation New server infrastructure (4 + yrs of life left) Fully licenced Microsoft Exchange 2010; Licensed Microsoft Office 2010 Hosted email; Office apps would all cost much more So full cloud solution not viable for us
Our decision: private cloud We decided to move core IT servers to a datacentre And to migrate services to cloud where it makes sense Timesheets (Replicon) New HR system from ADP Web streaming and services
Private cloud: relocating our servers to an external data centre with high bandwidth fibre link Much better resilience with guaranteed backup power supplies Reduces fit out costs Reduces maintenance and support burden Improved performance for remote users Backup and business continuity become very much easier
IT provision in our new building
On the desks: Compact desktop PC, with screen, keyboard and mouse for those working mainly in the office or Laptops with docking station, screen, keyboard, mouse. 18
Lync 2010 new phone system as part of unified communications links Exchange 2010 email server; to Lync 2010 server for messaging; conferencing; presence Improved video conferencing better phone or all managed through Laptop or PC. Simpler cabling, saves on costs 19
Lync on the desktop Microsoft Lync 2010 Everyone has a softphone on their desktop/laptop With earpiece/handset Integrates with messaging, and conferencing Will work from home/remotely wherever there is broadband internet access Phones in meeting rooms 20
Printing A high quality multi-function printer/scanner/copier on each floor A3/A4 booklets/collating. Follow-me printing: - print to any printer and collect your prints when you touch the card reader. Will cut wasted paper save 10-15% straight away Printing tracked by person/team All supported by one supplier Better quality, and much greener. 21
Audio Visual provision Main conference room facilities with high definition video-conferencing and resilient streaming Larger display screens as well as projector, visible all round when all 3 rooms combined. Interactive white boards for some meeting rooms Re-use of newer existing screens and VC equipment in other rooms Tidy cables, equipment in neat cupboards 22
Cloudy future Provision becomes more complex Increasingly need to draw from range of IT solutions: Cloud attractive for certain specialist applications Also for generic Googlemail; Office 365 But finance/erp systems? Clear attraction for smaller companies financial services as Op ex Conservatism of finance directors reluctance to invest too much Private cloud has clear attractions minimum disruption, yet extra resilience
Thank you any questions? Peter Gee Head of IT and Facilities 24