The Security Kitchen

initially it would look interesting for an SMB to move (part of) it’s infrastructure to a cloudy environment. However, since I would now be relying on the internet as my main link with all business critical information, what has to change there. Especially here in Belgium we have 2 major ISPs (one providing DSL or Fiber, one providing Cable or Fiber). All other DSL providers use all or part of those 2 major players infrastructure to provide services.

What comes up in my mind directly :
1) What SLAs do I get from my ISP ?
It all depends on what type of applications you are running in the cloud. However, if you don’t know WHERE it is running, I’d figure your ISP can’t guarantee a lot … Time-sensitive applications should not be on your top-10 list of to-cloudify-applications.

2) How easy is it to take out all or part of the connectivity of a competitor ? Disabling his access to his critical information.
Too easy. How you protect yourself from it is a different story that includes €€€ or $$$. You’ll have to invest into connectivity BEFORE (or while) cloudifying your applications. If you don’t, you might be in for a bumpy ride.

3) How ‘open’ is the market for cloud computing in Belgium if the market for connectivity is only semi-open ?
If CCM = Cloud Computing Market and CM = Connectivity Market then Openness(CCM) <= Openness(CM) .
Particularly in Belgium, Cloud Computing may get owned by the two major players.

4) How does a controlled market impact normal evolution ?
I‘d say the messed up market in Belgium might have a very negative impact on how we evolve on this level.
Due to a status quo on the connectivity level, Belgium might miss a chance to ride the cloud wave and get behind
significantly.

5) Do I need at least 2 different providers without shared infrastructure to ensure connectivity to my cloudy infrastructure ?
There’s no easy answer here … I might come back at a later time with a ‘minimum required’ design. Let’s say that starting a crucial race with no spare tires is risky at least.