Shell pushes cloud computing into mainstream

Shell pushes cloud computing into mainstream

The largest company in the world by revenue has introduced cloud computing at 'multiple levels' of its operations, highlighting the ever growing importance of the concept to large scale corporations.

Royal Dutch Shell plc has rolled out cloud-based technology across its global IT infrastructure, driven by the greater flexibility and cost savings the service can offer. Cloud computing also allows Shell to trial new computing applications without being forced to commit to them.

Shell group IT architect and lead architect for the projects and technology business, Johan Krebber, told the Wall Street Journal: “For every application, we look at whether the cloud can be used, and at that moment we look at all aspects, including security. When all criteria are met we will launch on the cloud and therefore we believe that the cloud is secure enough for a number of scenarios.”

Shell began turning to the cloud three years ago in order to host a variety of applications. New services such as predictive analytics have been explored using the cloud, whilst the 'most significant' use of the cloud-based technology has included rolling out cloud-based business applications such as training management software, engineering design service and business planning services.

“We already have quite a lot of computer resources that we use in the cloud,” Mr Krebber added.

Businesses looking to move services into the cloud, should evaluate the performance of their existing network and consider getting a leased line or MPLS network.