Is That a Cloud Computing Strategy or Just Wishful Thinking?

Grazed from MidsizeInsider. Author: Jason Hannula.

Cloud computing has moved from a business and technology buzzword to a standard for software and storage implementation, and it is no surprise that businesses have begun reaping returns on their investments. As noted in a piece by Linda Tucci for SearchCIO, the benefits of a successful cloud computing implementation strategy are freeing up IT staff to engage in a more strategic role for the business.

However, the idea of implementing a cloud computing strategy is still met with fear and resistance from within IT shops when such solutions are broached by CIOs. For example, former Electronic Arts CIO Mark Tonnesen reported that the company’s initial "public cloud first" stance was reassessed in favor of the selective use of private cloud implementations. Forrester Research confirms that a trial and error approach by businesses is common when attempting to strike a balance between public and private clouds…

A consistent cloud computing strategy can mitigate any of the common internal responses, such as resistance and fear of layoffs, as well as avoid implementation or execution failures. For IT professionals, the strategy components are familiar: A governance plan for services and resources, a training and hiring plan and an operational transition plan. Developing and communicating these plans assists in situations like the one encountered by Electronic Arts on its announcement of implementing cloud services in IT. The lure of promised revenue increases may drive an accelerated investment plan for cloud computing, but without a sound strategy, the business can experience significant pain along the way…

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