How to Avoid Cloud Computing Failure

Guideline No. 5: Hold service providers accountable

Today, if a problem occurs within the network core, the engineer can monitor the entire path of network traffic from the client to the server in order to locate the problem source. With service providers controlling the majority of information in cloud computing, it becomes more difficult to monitor, optimize and troubleshoot connections.

As a result, service-level agreements (SLAs) take on greater importance, ensuring expected network and Internet performance levels. SLAs should outline the delivery of expected Internet service levels and performance obligations that service providers must meet, as well as define unacceptable levels of dropped frames and other performance metrics.

An SLA by itself is not enough to guarantee an organization will receive the level of service promised. Since it is not in the provider's interest to inform a client when its quality of service (QOS) fails, clients must rely on an independent view of WAN link connections. Utilize a network analyzer with a WAN probe to verify QOS and gauge whether the provider is meeting SLA obligations.

Cloud computing is more than the latest IT buzzword; it's a real way for companies to quickly obtain greater network flexibility, scalability and computing power for less money. But similar to most technologies, these services are not without potential problems. Cloud computing requires proper preparation and refocused management efforts in order to succeed.

Dave Kofflin is a Manager of Sales Engineering at Network Instruments, LLC. Dave has been building and managing networks for over 15 years. Having started out with the U.S. Marine Corps, he worked in information systems control, designing and deploying networks for the battlefield. After the military, Dave worked in various software companies, providing in-the-field application and technical support for clients. Having been with Network Instruments since 2006, Dave has in-depth experience helping network teams tackle virtually every facet of network monitoring and performance management—from application and technology rollouts to daily monitoring and problem solving. He can be reached at dkofflin@networkinstruments.com.