Cloud-based computing is on everyone's radar these days. While your data resides in an off-site location -- or maybe even on the other side of the globe -- most users never even realize that business is anything less than normal. CIOs employing cloud vendors love the ease of use, reduction in data center costs and the knowledge that their data security is being guarded by a dedicated company. CIOs are also leveraging shared services environments to capitalize on IT expenses with other parts of the business. CIOs employ cloud technologies to add or expand capabilities without investing in new infrastructure, hiring new personnel or licensing new software. Because companies pay as they go, cloud computing saves money without sacrificing IT processes.
In this guide, you’ll find tips to help you make the most out of cloud-based computing for any company and industry. We'll show you how one midmarket company transformed from a "do it yourself" model server to one that now depends on its cloud provider to handle its IT infrastructure. We'll also guide you through identity management in the cloud and explain why you should be wary of certain cloud capabilities. We'll also explore the server hugger phenomenon and whether this is a badge of honor or one of shame. This guide will help you plunge into the world of cloud-based computing and realize the maximum rewards.
This guide is part of SearchCIO-Midmarket.com's Midmarket CIO Briefings series, which is designed to give IT leaders strategic management and decision-making advice on timely topics.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Server hugger or cloud services evangelist? CIOs don’t have to choose
There’s a common fear that cloud-based computing has the potential to eliminate entire IT departments, replacing people with cloud services. Although cloud computing is appealing for many midmarket CIOs, there are still worries. Is it possible to transition to cloud-based computing without outsourcing your own job, or the jobs of your employees? Expert Scott Lowe recommends a sharing corporate culture in which IT is treated not only as a department that takes orders and fixes problems, but also as an appreciated business partner. Business units must learn to expect that only reasonable requests will be met by the IT department, says Lowe. They must also give IT enough time to solve a more complex problem. Cultivating this collaborative environment will help all facets of the company toward working for goals, cloud or otherwise.
Lowe describes how you can move to cloud-based computing without necessarily compromising the welfare of your employees. Ensure that IT remains responsible for supporting enterprise architecture, and keep data systems simple to avoid fracturing existing data systems. This will help you avoid placing blame on any one employee or department. With these tips and more, CIOs can begin to learn how to successfully implement cloud computing without a single IT layoff.
Read Scott Lowe's full cloud-based computing tip.
Midmarket CIOs lead the charge with cloud-based computing
Although CIOs have had reasons to avoid cloud-based computing in the past, many midmarket companies are now leading the way to the cloud. As the Great Recession ebbs to a close, are you prepared to realize the benefits that cloud computing could bring to your company?
Phil Simon notes that in the past cloud computing was risky, costly and unfamiliar. Today, there are many reliable and safe cloud services that will not plunge your company into bankruptcy. Simon details how Telelok, a Brazillian furniture rental company, was able to make the transition smoothly and successfully. It initially had a "do it yourself" attitude, relying on on-premise applications that were managed by its own servers. As it grew, Telelok realized that the on-premise model was not viable for future growth. After due diligence, it turned to Amazon Simple Storage, a reliable cloud server, for its IT and infrastructure needs. Simon suggests that midmarket companies follow this example and adapt Telelok's strategies for cloud implementation.
Read all about how CIOs led the way in cloud computing.
Cloud-based computing for CIOs glossary
Want a practical business dictionary, made just for you, the CIO? Here are a few terms geared specifically toward the midmarket CIO.
Cloud Identity Management as a Service: Not quite ready for prime time
Cloud servers also pose the challenge of identity management for CIOs in midmarket companies. How can your system validate identity when the users are not behind your own firewall? How can you authorize them to utilize services or even account for their activities? These issues pose immediate threats to those utilizing cloud-based computing. We'll help you work around them, and offer thoughts on what the future of cloud identity management may bring.
Our expert Jonathan Hassell points out the flaws of Cloud Identity Management as a Service. Because different providers have different internal systems, it’s difficult to incorporate identities among users and to preserve one identity among different providers. Cloud computing also exaggerates the complexity of compliance and auditing. Hassell writes that he believes cloud services will eventually be able to maintain the identity control and allow services to consume necessary information to provide services on an impromptu basis. Although cloud identity management may not yet be ready for prime time, it has the potential to recover in the future.
Read the entire cloud identity management tip.
Cloud computing basics quiz: Have you got what it takes?
You have the cloud computing basics down pat and have been following along with our cloud experts as we've dissected virtualization theory and explored cloud computing strategy. Now it's time to put your money where your mouth is with our cloud computing basics quiz. Find out how well you know your stuff by answering eight questions on cloud computing basics. If you get stuck, you can always refresh your memory by clicking the links within each question and re-reading the story to find the right answer.