Tips for Cloud
By Matt Sandford
The importance of cloud computing to modern business is now widely recognised. However, people considering the move still face a baffling array of choice, complexity and confusion.
These ten tips are aimed at helping you as your business moves towards the cloud. They focus on the practical steps you can take to help change provision.
- Demand is increasing rapidly. Up to 80% of companies intend to use cloud services in some form within 12 months.
- The future of enterprise IT will be based around a mix of on- and off-site services so try to get a grip on the hybrid nature of technology resources.
- IT leaders must face a future of hybrid environments that integrate on-premise and cloud-based applications. The key will be integration, as one size of on- or off-site provision will not fit all requirements.
- Auditing will always be crucial, even once cloud systems are in place. Spend more money on tools that help the business keep a careful eye on the performance of on-demand technologies.
- While executives can use the cloud to purchase their own IT on-demand, business owners should be careful and ensure strong governance prevents resource duplication.
- Digital-savvy users who do not receive access to the systems they require might circumnavigate their boss and implement their own technology. Such shadow IT represents a growing menace for business owners so make sure you understand and meet the requirements of all users.
- Spending on infrastructure and software as a service activity has doubled in the past six months and now accounts for between 30% and 33% of projects. Talk to business peers and IT suppliers and consider which systems could be moved to the cloud.
- Many business people believe significant obstacles are slowing the speed of cloud implementation. These blockages are often related to people, process and political concerns. Plan your implementations around the regulatory environment and the requirements of users.
- Going on-demand can save money but it is also crucial to recognise that some of your existing IT investments will not be best suited to a cloud environment - only apps already designed with high availability and performance in-mind will suit a shift to cloud.
- Use different models in combination to boost efficiency, such as a mix of on- an off-premises systems and a blend of public and private clouds.
- Matt Sandford is an award-winning businessman, who is managing director of Pure Telecom in Shrewsbury