We talked to Beatriz Oliveira, Vivo¸ cloud expert, to find out more about this technology and for her to explain in more detail what it consists of, what types there are and what its future holds.
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your job at Telefónica?
My job at Telefónica is to drive our digital transformation process through cloud adoption. In Brazil, we started this process in 2021 and, since then, I have been helping to create cloud-native solutions that drive the business. In addition to creating new cloud solutions, I also work on migrating resources from on-premises to the cloud.
Today, in the cloud, we have solutions that serve various business segments, such as Novos Negócios, Logistics, B2B and B2C, for example.
This whole process is very challenging, because we are not only adopting a new technology, but we are also building new ways of digitising the business, which also converges in a cultural change of the company.
For those of us who are not very clear, could you explain what cloud computing is all about?
Cloud computing is a technology that allows the use of computational resources on demand through the Internet, including servers, data storage, networks, among others. This technology is used for a variety of purposes, such as storing files (text, photos and videos) for end users and for companies to develop and store applications of any size.
For those who want to continue their education, is it worth studying cloud computing?
Without a doubt, specialising in and deepening your knowledge of cloud computing is worthwhile. It is a fast-growing area, and companies need professionals who not only master the technologies involved, but also understand the cloud adoption process, which is key to a successful and consistent migration to the cloud for organisations.
According to the HashiCorp 2024 State of Cloud Strategy report, 64% of respondents indicated that they do not have the necessary expertise in their teams to support their cloud infrastructure strategy.
This highlights a significant shortage of skilled professionals in the area. Investing in this specialisation benefits both the market, by providing experts in an essential technology, and the professionals themselves, who find more opportunities for career development and growth.
What do you study in cloud computing?
Before starting to study a specific cloud provider, it is essential to understand the basic concepts of computing, such as networks, servers, operating systems, databases, containers and information security. This is because the cloud encompasses all these layers, and having a solid foundation in these concepts makes it easier to understand how they apply to the cloud.
Once these basics are consolidated, it is recommended to study cloud providers and understand in practice how they work. Currently, there are several providers in the market.
According to the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud Infrastructure and Platform Services, published in October 2023, the market leaders are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Oracle Cloud. In addition to these, there are other relevant providers such as IBM Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Huawei Cloud and Tencent Cloud.
Understanding the cloud adoption process, migration strategies such as the ‘5Rs’ (Refactor, Rehost, Replatform, Retire, Retain), cloud deployment models, the importance of structuring landing zones and how to apply FinOps practices in the cloud is also essential.
Where is the Internet cloud?
I know that, when talking about storing something in the cloud, the idea can seem rather abstract. The expression ‘it’s in the cloud’ suggests something intangible, as if the file or application that is in the cloud floats above our heads. Behind this concept, however, is a robust and carefully planned structure.
Storing a file in the cloud is like storing it on a virtual ‘shelf’ accessible via the internet. Instead of storing the file on your laptop or phone, it is sent to a server located in a data centre, which can be anywhere in the world.
These servers are usually connected to the internet and are managed by large companies specialising in cloud services. These companies maintain this infrastructure not only so that we can store personal files, but also to enable the deployment and maintenance of applications and services used on a large scale.
What are the five most important characteristics of cloud computing?
The cloud offers numerous advantages, but the ones that stand out the most for me are the following:
- Scalability. The cloud makes it possible to adjust resources according to demand, which makes it easier to increase or reduce capacity without the need for large investments in physical infrastructure.
- High availability. The cloud guarantees high availability, ensuring that services are always accessible. In addition, the geographical distribution of the infrastructure in different locations around the world minimises the risks of prolonged interruptions, protecting against technical failures or disasters in a specific area.
- Sustainability. The cloud also brings environmental benefits, especially when used efficiently, as it enables consolidation and optimisation of the use of computational resources. This greatly reduces carbon emissions, as companies can avoid having their own physical data centres, which tend to have a somewhat larger carbon footprint.
- Flexible Cost Model. In this model, companies pay only for the workloads they actually use, without the need to invest in physical infrastructure or resources that will not be required in the future. Payment is based on actual usage, with the ability to make adjustments according to demand, allowing for more efficient cost control.
- Innovation and Agility. The cloud makes it easier for companies to adopt new technologies quickly, without the need for large upfront investments in infrastructure. This accelerates innovation, as companies can experiment, test and scale solutions in a more agile way, responding quickly to the needs of the market and their customers.
What are the types of cloud computing?
- Private Clouds. The private cloud is a computing infrastructure with resources exclusive to a single organisation. It can be implemented internally by the company itself or contracted through a specialised provider. This model is ideal for the storage of critical and confidential information, as it offers greater control and security over the data.
- Public Clouds. In the public cloud, computational resources are provided that are accessible through the internet to several clients who share resources and infrastructure. This model stands out for its scalability and flexibility, allowing companies to reduce costs associated with the acquisition and maintenance of physical infrastructure.
- Hybrid Clouds. The hybrid cloud combines private and public cloud models, allowing companies to use private data centres and public cloud services simultaneously. The main advantage of this model is the flexibility to distribute workloads between both environments, ensuring a balance between control and efficiency.
What is the future of the cloud?
I believe that, as technology evolves, cloud computing will continue to be an essential element in the digital transformation of businesses. According to Gartner, by 2028, cloud computing will move from being a technology disruptor to becoming an indispensable necessity.
I therefore believe that the cloud will continue to enable us to develop solutions that digitise businesses in an accessible, sustainable and innovative way.
Which colleague do you nominate for this interview that you consider to be excellent at his job?
Douglas Gomez is an amazing colleague who has been with Telefónica for many years and understands a lot about our cloud management and adoption process in Brazil.
