July 21, 2022
Mainframes can still be accessed from the cloud
Cloud migration is a vital step for any modern company looking to remain competitive and grow its market share. However, some business leaders may be afraid to move away from their mainframes. The good news is that cloud computing can be set up as a hybrid solution that includes on-site mainframes. This allows a business to jointly leverage new and legacy technologies to improve computing power and reduce costs.
SEACOM Business provides various cloud computing services to large enterprises in East Africa. These include virtual server hosting on the cloud, which can work in conjunction with existing on-site mainframes for any large organisation. These mainframes have been the backbone of business for many years, but they can still be accessed from a cloud computing platform.
Benefits of hybrid computing
Using a combination of mainframes and the cloud can bring about certain advantages. It allows for the development and deployment of the latest business applications while still maintaining value from the data stored on the mainframes. Cloud-ready business apps can transform a company, both in terms of processes and profitability.
A hybrid computing architecture can create more efficient and cost-effective ways to implement these new processes. In addition, it will be hugely beneficial to employees and customers alike - creating a better customer experience, improving employee productivity and leading to a more efficient supply chain.
The majority of enterprises in Kenya and East Africa still rely on large mainframe setups. The ability to process large volumes of data and store vital information for the company is a core benefit of having private servers. This is why many banks, financial institutions and retailers rely on mainframes to process payments and store account details.
Mainframes are highly secure, but with the right cloud computing partner, so too can a virtual server be made incredibly secure. A hybrid computing architecture improves the handling of a company’s IT workload by splitting functions between the mainframe and the cloud. It also allows employees to access data from anywhere, which is highly beneficial in the age of remote working.
Why access mainframes from the cloud?
Business leaders should consider accessing their mainframes from the cloud in the same way that they consider moving desktop apps and programmes to the cloud. Moving from a desktop version of Microsoft Office to the cloud-based Microsoft 365 enables employees to work from anywhere and in a more efficient manner.
This is a clear case of the advantage of cloud computing. Moving mainframe access from the desktop to the cloud will allow employees to do the same work, just from their homes too. Nothing will change on the mainframe, only the platform via which it is accessed. This will improve productivity and efficiency, which has a direct impact on the bottom line and profitability.
Mainframes generally have a high computing power - they are powerful devices that form the core network of any enterprise. However, they should only be used for the most demanding and essential processing functions. All the non-essential or peripheral work should be delegated to the cloud. This gives business leaders more ability to manage costs and optimise efficiencies.
Where cloud computing benefits growing companies
Although mainframes are a powerful tool for enterprises, the cloud delivers scalability in real time - unlike a mainframe. As a company grows and expands its footprint, it will need to scale up its computing ability. The cloud is the perfect solution for businesses on an upward trajectory as the computing requirements can be expanded in line with the company’s growth.
African enterprises that are already using hybrid computing have experienced cost reductions of up to 30%. Modern enterprises need to evolve their computing strategies in order to remain competitive and meet the shifting demands of customers and employees.
Digital transformation entails a shift to the cloud, but this does not mean that mainframes need to be abandoned; in fact, the opposite is true. IT leaders should adopt a hybrid strategy and architecture for maximum benefit to the company. For more information or to get a quote for our vcloud computing services, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.
SEACOM owns Africa’s largest network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including fibre optic networks and subsea cables. We offer a wide range of industry-leading scalable ICT solutions for large companies that operate throughout the region.
SEACOM is privately owned - making it adaptable to the needs of the client. We are the preferred ICT and internet connectivity supplier for African enterprises. We can guarantee fast, reliable and secure internet and networking services at affordable prices.
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