May 16, 2022
Top-down vs bottom-up cloud solutions
Over the last few years, cloud computing has developed at an exponential rate, with more companies opting for the cloud over on-premise options. The cloud provides a more cost-effective and scalable solution that is easier to manage and maintain while also providing improved speed and security.
Thanks to advances in machine learning and automation, the cloud also allows for more flexible and reliable networking. Large enterprises are able to revolutionise every department via data-driven decision-making by using data stored on the cloud. This allows for increased transparency and agility, whether it's for market and consumer demand analysis or improved human resource management.
Once a business has decided to migrate to the cloud, the next step is to determine which approach will work best. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches have their advantages, and large enterprises should evaluate them before deciding on a cloud strategy that will work best to suit their specific needs.
A cloud solution can utilise existing public clouds applications (bottom-up) or be built from scratch (top-down), and the choice between the two will depend on the company's digital strategy. Since the expense of establishing a cloud solution for large enterprises can be high, a bottom-up strategy generally provides a better return on investment. Large-scale operations, such as those in retail, entertainment, education and banking, can benefit from a robust and secure cloud by adopting a bottom-up cloud solution.
SEACOM Business offers high-performance cloud solutions that provide large enterprises with improved security while keeping costs low. Our cloud solutions have been tried and tested, giving businesses peace of mind that they can benefit from world-class cloud services that are secure, scalable and affordable.
The key difference between the two approaches
New solutions are developed from scratch in a top-down approach. A top-down approach necessitates a high-level view of the digital portfolio as this informs the cloud strategy moving forward. Cloud architects and developers begin planning, prototyping, testing and finally implementing the necessary digital infrastructure once the primary objectives have been established.
Enterprises are migrating to cloud solutions that are already publicly available, such as the Microsoft Azure platform, using the bottom-up approach. SEACOM Business is a Microsoft-validated cloud OS network partner in Kenya, providing major companies with specialised solutions to support their cloud strategy.
The adoption of bottom-up cloud approaches is popular among large enterprises as they offer several advantages over a top-down approach, including being quick to implement, more cost-effective and still customisable to a company's specific needs.
The drawbacks of a top-down approach
Purpose-built business applications that are then modified to meet ever-changing demands are frequently less agile, more expensive to develop and more complex in design. These types of cloud systems can be over-engineered, with complex architecture that necessitates in-house IT personnel with specialised knowledge and expertise.
Although scalability should be a consideration in the design of cloud-native applications, complex infrastructure can cause delays in development and implementation. Potential future uses should be considered in a top-down approach, however these requirements may be beyond the skill capabilities of certain IT teams.
In certain cases, developing a highly specialised cloud solution to fulfill specific company needs may be necessary. In these circumstances, a top-down approach holds more benefits. However, such specialisation is only required in a few circumstances when an existing platform as a service (PaaS), such as Microsoft Azure, is insufficient. Customised solutions can be incorporated into a hybrid cloud model in these scenarios, lowering costs while still meeting specific cloud requirements.
The benefits of a bottom-up approach to cloud migration
Migrating legacy enterprise workloads to the cloud can be a huge undertaking, especially for companies that have legacy applications that aren't built to function on a distributed infrastructure like the cloud. When it comes to migrating large volumes of data onto virtual servers, there could be issues with compliance, particularly in terms of how data is stored, as well as vast amounts of datasets that are poorly organised.
Despite this, a bottom-up approach is often recommended, even for legacy workload migration. Custom-built solution research and development is not required as part of cloud transformation strategies. Users can increase their workloads on cloud-based systems using enterprise-grade versions of cloud technology. With hybrid cloud engagement, more businesses are opting for a cloud strategy based on widely available software that supports several operating systems.
Before adopting a bottom-up strategy to cloud migration, enterprises must consider security, configuration and integration. It is imperative for large-scale businesses to select a cloud solution that provides excellent security and compatibility. To ensure superior levels of cyber-security, SEACOM Business has partnered with premier IT security providers, including data encryption and next-generation firewalls.
Our expert cloud architects assist businesses with network design, deployment, data management and the implementation of security policies. SEACOM Business's cloud solutions are compatible with remote desktop working and supports Windows and Linux-based operating systems.
The importance of a cloud solution strategy
Regardless of whether an organisation takes a top-down or bottom-up approach, having a cloud strategy that supports the corporate plan should always be the starting point. Before adopting a cloud solution, a detailed assessment of existing hardware, software and network topology is required. How much data do you deal with on a daily basis? What contracts does the company already have with vendors? The cloud strategy must help businesses achieve their goals.
Due to the fact that complexity can impede cloud strategy, many enterprises are opting for a bottom-up approach. However, forward-thinking businesses will inevitably migrate to the cloud, regardless of which cloud solution is adopted. The cloud provides valuable new levels of interconnectivity in both the private and public sectors, both in terms of organisational structure and consumer engagement.
The cloud's unlimited capacity allows for flexibility and scalability that on-premise solutions just cannot provide. It facilitates data-driven decision-making, which has become the new normal. Using well-known cloud technologies allows large businesses to manage their digital portfolios and perform system maintenance and backups without disrupting their everyday operations. For more information or to get a quote for our cloud solutions, 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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