How to Build a Private Cloud Network

Knowledge is power as businesses know. A new idea can take your enterprise further than you could imagine and it is important to protect the path that led to your progress. Instead of spending time and money trying to store information in actual space, it makes sense to look at the virtual world for answers. This is where a cloud network becomes so vital.


Cloud network is a concept that companies and businesses big and small stand to benefit from. It involves the integration of software and hardware and works with a system, mostly internet operated. Cloud infrastructures are used to store information and are a key element in any business. With a cloud network, you can control data from remote locations, change, delete and control access to such information. You need space for a bank of computers and cooling systems and you are all set.

While the popular choice is to rent cloud infrastructures from providers, it is possible to build a private cloud network. This is a cloud that uses your own software and hardware you can build it with the help of your IT staff or through solutions offered online. Needless to say, there isn’t a right or wrong cloud network; just one that works for you. Let’s start at the basics and make our way through to the building of a private cloud
network.

1. Research
You know your needs and requirements best so start with thinking about how the cloud network fits into the scheme of things. If yours is a medium or small business, it becomes a tad simpler to set up a network. Research will help you decide crucial elements like size of the infrastructure, number of resources and people required and space availabilities. This first step is vital to the whole process and even if time consuming, needs to be done with patience and diligence.

2. Layout
After you’ve gone through the first step, make sure you create a network that doesn’t require too much of change. It should be easily integrated into the present system and be easy to manage. It doesn’t make much sense to move from a platform you are comfortable with to something new. So if you’re using Linux, think of a Linux based server or choose the Windows Server if that’s where your loyalties lie.  Ensure that your security systems are in place when you design a layout for your cloud network.

3. Process
Try a trial run, probably in a phased manner to see if your system is up and running. You might run into a few issues and you can fix them here. Once your cloud network is up and running, you will need to create systems for problem fixing and maintenance.

4. Launch
Set your private cloud in motion by ensuring great training, technical know-how and back up for those with questions. If your previous steps have been carried out diligently, this should be easy enough to do.

5. Future
Your initial cloud network will need to be streamlined and periodically updated, to stay efficient and glitch free.

Alternately, there are many players in the market and you could use any service to help you build a network to your specifications. Here are a few suggestions- OpenStack, Microsoft’s Private Cloud option, VM Virtualization, IBM SmartCloud Foundation and Ubuntu.

No matter what route you choose, keep quality and security at the base of all you do.

This is a guest post by Christy Haywood of offers.telcoservicesgroup.net, a site that offers savings and current information on at&t u verse internet, as well as att.com services.