How To Build A Cloud Strategy In 10 Steps

Grazed from Business2Community. Author: Michael Brenner.

Is your business ready for cloud computing? We know there are cost-saving reasons to run your business in the cloud, but before signing with a vendor, there are some other things to consider. Processes, goals, and technology are just a few.

ViaWest’s white paper entitled How to Execute a Successful Cloud Strategy succinctly outlines 10 “cloud tenets” that are perfect for helping you develop a cloud strategy specific to your business. When evaluating a cloud vendor, the white paper recommends:

• Analyze your long-term business needs – Cloud computing vendors aren’t “one size fits all.” Consider your organization’s present and future needs and match them to a cloud vendor that has a choice of technology…

• Go beyond the lowest price – The vendor’s technology should match your business’s requirements. Make sure the vendor has the tools to support you, and not just a low price.
• Understand APIs – Your cloud may be defined by what application programming interface (API) is accessible. Know what APIs are and that they may change over the life of your cloud.
• Know your portal – The portal may be what defines your cloud. Map out what you need from your portal. Keep in mind that a portal from a single vendor may reduce confusion and increase issue resolution.

Read more from the source @ http://www.business2community.com/tech-gadgets/how-to-build-a-cloud-strategy-in-10-steps-0316689