Over the last few days I’ve been in conversation with practitioners suggesting to them that saas/on-demand/cloud computing offers a viable and valuable alternative to existing methods of reactive response in the current economic climate. I’m not selling anything but I am trying to gauge reactions.
It never occurred to me that broadband availability might be an issue until I received an email from one colleague who said their firm is in an area where the exchange is old and not due for upgrade until 2010. Duh?
The reason I’d never given this topic much thought is because where I live I’m lucky to get a 3MBPS downlink complemented by a 0.24 uplink (see image at top.) I know, compared to many other countries this is pathetic but then my connection is pretty stable and I get most of the juice I pay for. I don’t experience issues with on-demand applications and there are times when I am pulling massive 1GB files.
I’ve tested many applications and it’s not been a talking point. Load times seem fine even if they’re not necessarily lightening fast. Given my past experiences with early Windows applications, they’re positively speedy. There’s also the issue of what kinds of business the current crop are aimed at. Bulk data entry it ain’t. However, redrawing nice looking graphical screens can soak up resources.
Even so I thought I’d take a peek and cast around among saas vendors to establish a few of the parameters. I’m no broadband expert though I DO know that line contention does impact performance. In which case it is always best to check what will likely be the true speed of the connection that is available to you. Try out Speedtest.net as a first call. It will provide you with data you can use in discussions with service providers.
I also learned that there is a debate about the impact of what are called Javascript libraries on load. these libraries add what you can describe as pre-built functionality that helps shortcut the development process. However, I also know that badly written or poorly optimized libraries can have a dramatic impact on page load. But that usually only happens once on initial load, especially when the vendor has applied smart caching techniques. Which should be standard practice IMO. You can think of caching as a way by which software pre-loads and holds the information it needs in background until it is needed.
Some vendors agreed that low bandwidth or high levels of contention will impact performance. Most are developing on the assumption there is a reasonable ie 2MBPS link. That might exclude a proportion of the country for the time being so what to do?
- As I said earlier – check what you can get and test what broadband providers say can be delivered will be delivered.
- Networks are complex even though most providers try and hide complexity. Check out sites like PlusNet for easy to understand advice so that when you are trying to figure this out, you at least have a grounding in the broad principles.
- Make sure there is a sensible SLA in place. This will be a juggling act between service availability and cost but there are plenty of points around which to negotiate a deal.
- Consider whether cable is a viable alternative. I’m less in favour of this solution because there is less choice in provider but if you anticipate very high demand then it can be worthwhile.
- Test a variety of systems. If you find specific problems with an application then make sure the support lines know about the issue. It is their service and they will want to keep you happy.
- While broadband costs are falling, be prepared to invest in the fastest line you can justify for the anticipated futrure of clients coming onto saas. This is all part of your response mechanism. Under investment is no investment.
- Consider offsetting higher bandwidth costs by using VoIP services like Skype. In the US, providers don’t like it but the UK is less intolerant. That can make a BIG difference to overall telco costs.
Speaking personally, telecommunications are my single largest cost but that investment is essential for someone who is living in the internet cloud.
And to close – I checked out availability for my colleague and they can get 2MBPS basic with the possibility of tweaking up to 8MBPS.
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