Windows Azure Hybrid Cloud

5 Private Cloud Components and Services That Help to Build Hybrid Clouds

IN THIS CHAPTER:

• Examining the layers of a private cloud that enable successful hybrid cloud adoption
• Introducing the System Center as the linchpin of successful hybrid cloud management
• Networking, identify management, and other technical considerations

You've made significant progress up to this point. You should have a solid understanding of cloud computing and the hybrid cloud model; its significance to the business and how to build a business case; the critical aspects of project envisioning and scoping; and a technical drill-down of the main Azure components and services. Hopefully, along the way we've built up some trust with you. You know that we're here to tell you the whole truth, and the truth is that adopting a cloud computing model of any kind can be a significant disruption to nearly every aspect of the existing IT environment, including the people and processes — and that is really at the heart of this chapter.

This chapter assumes that you're invested in or are considering investing in the cloud not just as a technology purchase but as a new way of life. The truth is that if you're going to mature your IT infrastructure, management, and operations and mitigate the disruption the cloud brings, you will need to embrace at least some aspects of what it means to be a cloud service provider. This chapter begins with a brief explanation of what a private cloud looks like and then goes into detail ...