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F5 Networks views cloud computing as an extension of data center architecture, said Linda Hui (pictured), managing director, Hong Kong, Taiwan & GCG strategic products development, F5 Networks. 

“F5’s cloud strategy is to create a flexible infrastructure for cloud-based architecture,” Hui said. “Our focus in 2011 was to ensure our range of product offerings has the maximum ability to provide resources and services whenever needed in the cloud environment.”

In 2011, F5 continued to invest in research and development, as well as infrastructure development in cloud computing. As part of its cloud strategy, F5 launched the BIG-IP version 11 software in July 2011. “Designed to enable more dynamics in data centers, version 11 enables faster provision of services on an application-by-application basis, aligns IT functions and services more closely with business needs, and provides better visibility and reporting of IT resource utilization,” Hui said.

Last year, SingTel Alatum implemented F5’s application delivery networking (ADN) solutions to speed up the delivery of its business-critical Web applications, secure sensitive application data, and lower the cost of delivering Web applications through its on-demand platform.

F5 also supported SingTel Alatum’s pay-per-use services by routing traffic through various network gateways, using its application delivery controllers. With the result, SingTel Alatum can now manage traffic on a single device instead of from multiple devices.

The deployment of ADN solution also saves SingTel Alatum rack space and associated costs. Besides easier management of their systems and virtualized network, F5’s BIG-IP caching and compression capabilities have enabled SingTel Alatum accelerate hosted applications without additional point solutions.

Finally, Hui shares her three most important lessons learnt about cloud computing in the past year:

The ultimate goal of any cloud environment, regardless of model or location, is to deliver applications to users in the most efficient, agile, and secure way possible. "It is therefore enterprises need to have the ability to introduce control and allow ‘ownership’ of the cloud in the context of where data is kept and users are directed," Hui said. “Maintaining corporate control while still gaining the flexibility and simplicity demanded are key consideration areas. Cloud computing has matured and established itself as yet another option for IT.”

"More data -- including sensitive data -- is making its way to the cloud. Like all other elements within cloud architecture, security must be integrated into a centralized, dynamic control plane," Hui said. “In the cloud, security solutions must have the capability to intercept all data traffic, including instructing other cloud elements on how to handle it.”

The cloud requires the ability to apply global policies and tools that can migrate with, and control access to, applications and data as they move from data center to cloud -- and as they travel to other points in the cloud. “To have a successful cloud environment, apart from changing technology, enterprises should also look into changing processes and people. Very often cloud initiatives are filled with hurdles because there is a lack of clarity between CXOs, IT and business on the reasons for change. Merging of technology, people and processes will be the key,” Hui said.

F5 Network’s last year’s review: F5 reviews: Firms to overhaul IT systems for seamless data access

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