Taking the complexity out of the cloud

10 Oct 2012

Working in the ICT market, we often hear vendors say that the concept of cloud is simple. In fact, many cloud providers claim to solve their clients’ business challenges using cloud solutions. Yet, if you are looking to cloud computing to simplify your IT environment, you need to be prepared for, at least initially, sorting through a high degree of complexity.

I say this, because, whilst cloud computing may alleviate concerns about your company’s physical infrastructure, storage systems and the network it uses, it will create another set of complex challenges the IT department will suddenly be held accountable for. In a recent survey conducted by Fujitsu we found that security challenges was sited by the majority of respondents as the main barrier to cloud adoption. But there are many more complicating factors ranging from ease of integration to control reporting and management.

Cloud computing is not a panacea solution to the challenges facing an organisation, it necessities careful consideration and requires users to make decisions on how they want to consumer cloud and what business ‘triggers’ for change they choose to address. This is still the job of IT departments and CIOs. Admittedly, figuring out how to support and manage the cloud in-line the existing infrastructure and the complexities in an agile pay as you go environment brings with it a set of challenges but they don’t have to be an insurmountable.

In order to take this strategic management complexity out of the cloud you need to take a step back and assess your business and IT requirements. You need to take the time to do this so that you can make an informed decision on which cloud delivery model will work for you. This decision needs to be based on the way you want cloud services delivered and integrated into your business. For example, you have to be clear on whether you need to invest in a public, private or hybrid cloud solution, what security and management implications each cloud model could have on your business and what the return on investment will be in terms of cost and time savings within your department. By clearly understanding these and other requirements you will be able to match your needs to the best cloud service for your business.

Also, if your company’s CIO or IT team does not have the necessary skills to ensure service delivery is aligned with business strategy; you may have to consider working with an external partner to solve these challenges. Clearly figuring out what the strategic requirements of your business are, and ensuring that the cloud service you deliver aligns with the overall business strategy, is something that has to be discussed with various internal stakeholders in order to make the best decision.

Ultimately, choosing the right cloud solution should be about aligning business and IT strategies.  By doing this, businesses will ensure that IT service delivery can be handled effortlessly and effectively in a way that not only ensures cost-efficiency but also enhances business.

Join Ian Hunter on Wednesday 17^th October at 11:10am in the Cloud Services & Applications theatre to hear how you can take the complexity out of cloud.