Cloud Computing Forces Changes in IT Departments

Grazed from Midsize Insider. Author: Bert Markgraf.

When IT departments at midsize businesses start to implement cloud computing and transfer some noncritical IT functions from their own data centers into the cloud, the location of the infrastructure is not the only thing that changes. IT departments in such situations suddenly have new and unfamiliar responsibilities and have to develop new skills. At the same time, many traditional computer and network functions are no longer in high demand. ZDNet looks at how some of the skills required of IT professionals are evolving based on recent discussions with a CIO panel. Many aspects of IT work are changing, including such fundamentals as who pays for services and who fixes problems.

Expertise

Traditional IT functions have focused on keeping the company computer systems in operation, integrating new equipment and maintaining security. As new applications migrate to the cloud, these skills become even more important with regard to the critical functions that the company retains in its own data center. At the same time, the scope decreases as fewer changes are made in these existing applications. The emphasis shifts to software maintenance of a reduced application base and increased coordination with external cloud suppliers. IT departments have to develop additional expertise in making their in-house systems work with standardized external applications that often have limited adaptability…

Management

In addition to continuing to purchase IT equipment, though at a reduced volume, IT departments have to manage long-term relationships with cloud suppliers. When buying computers, servers and networking equipment, IT managers have been able to shop for what they need and to customize their purchases to match the requirements of their systems. Midsize businesses do not often have the clout to ask cloud suppliers to develop custom solutions for them. Instead, IT managers have to identify cloud computing suppliers that offer the best solution to their long-term needs. Since they know their own systems, IT managers are ideally placed to identify these suppliers and to develop plans to integrate company systems with the cloud where needed. They then have to focus on managing the relationship rather than on managing employees and equipment…

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