Cloud Computing: Architecting a Microsoft Private Cloud

My colleague Dave and I are writing a series that covers the principles and reference architecture of our MCS-built Datacenter Services Infrastructure-as-a-Service Solution. Please take a few minutes each month to read and let us know your thoughts! Here’s a blurb from part one written by Dave, make sure to check out the FULL ARTICLE over on TechNet Magazine. Thanks.

In this first of a four-part series, you’ll learn what a private cloud is, and how hosted Infrastructure as a Service can support that environment.

David Ziembicki and Adam Fazio

There are many definitions for cloud computing, but one of the more concise and widely recognized definitions comes from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST defines five essential characteristics, three service models and four deployment models. The essential characteristics form the core of the definition. The required characteristics for any solution to be called a true “cloud” solution include:

• On-demand self-service
• Broad network access
• Resource pooling
• Rapid elasticity
• Measured service

NIST also defines three service models, or what are sometimes called architecture layers:

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Finally, it defines four deployment models:

• Private Cloud
• Community Cloud
• Public Cloud
• Hybrid Cloud

Getting into the Cloud

Microsoft Services has designed, built and implemented a Private Cloud/IaaS solution using Windows Server, Hyper-V and System Center. Our goal throughout … (FULL ARTICLE)