entrustIT Insights | public cloud (3)

Blog

News and Insights from the entrust IT Group

“Closed Cloud” in Independent Schools

In my recent article, I talked about cloud computing in independent schools, the differences between public cloud and private cloud, and some of the concerns independent schools had about data protection in relation to public cloud solutions. Interested in finding out about ICT in schools? Take a look at our FREE White Paper to discover more >> Due to these concerns, I am seeing increasing numbers of schools looking to adopt private cloud or indeed "closed cloud" solutions where all data remains in school. So today I thought it would be useful to elaborate on "closed cloud": how it works, what benefits it offers independent schools and how it compares with other types of cloud technology. Closed cloud uses the same technologies that public and private cloud providers use, but the vital difference is that rather than being hosted at a cloud provider's data centre somewhere in the world, the whole system is physically located in school. As with private cloud, this necessitates dedicated hardware and thus is more expensive than public cloud. However it has the benefit over both public and private cloud of providing complete assurance around data protection, since all data remains in school at all times. There is also much less reliance on a third party, as although a provider will typically be running and maintaining the system on the school’s behalf, they are not actually hosting the data and therefore should there be a falling out, or indeed a firm ceases trading, there is no vulnerability to the school in terms of their data. In terms of functionality, a closed cloud solution offered similar benefits to private cloud, including:

Cloud Computing in Independent Schools

It's true, the network does seem to get the blame for many things!

Businessman hand with loudspeaker and icons flying out

Microsoft launches Windows Virtual Desktop

After being initially announced last year, Microsoft have now launched their Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) for public preview. It is a comprehensive desktop and app virtualisation service running in the cloud. You can deploy and scale Windows and Office on Azure in minutes and the service offers a multi-session Windows 10 experience and optimisation for Office 365 ProPlus.

Man in suit with cloud head and blue icons on grungy background

Public, Private or Hybrid Cloud... What's right for you?

Cloud computing has become one of the biggest IT buzz words over the past decade, and there has been a huge change in how businesses think of it during this time. When we started, it was a challenge to convince people that the cloud was the future. When you have grown so accustomed to keeping all your data on-site, moving out of your immediate reach seems frightening. That has all changed now.