Cloud computing reflects a major shift in the way businesses use computers to store and access data and perform tasks. With cloud computing, files can be stored on distant data servers so that the information is accessible anywhere and can easily be shared among multiple parties. Applications can also be accessed through the cloud, reducing the investment in multiple copies of expensive software for each employee.
Cloud computing presents significant benefits to the business user, both in terms of cost and convenience, but making the switch to the cloud can be a challenge. In particular, there are five common issues that need to be addressed as a shift to the cloud takes place.
1. Migration
Moving to the cloud involves convincing key players in the IT and executive departments that a shift in computing technology is necessary. Even when everyone is on board with a migration to the cloud, however, it can be a challenge to identify cloud solutions that serve the needs of the business and to transition multiple employees to accessing their applications and information through the cloud instead of through a traditional desktop and software model.
Before migration begins, it is important to have a detailed roadmap. Each necessary software program (or part of an "application suite") needs to be identified. Not only is it necessary to identify the particular software applications to use in the cloud, but it is also necessary to identify how many people in the company will need to access them and how the data across different applications will be synchronized, accessible and able to exchange information across programs as necessary. The migration road map should also contain a detailed plan on the needed infrastructure and middleware and should address what data center(s) will be used.
2. Integration
Cloud applications will also need to be integrated with existing applications. Information stored in the cloud needs to be accessible, and cloud applications and information all need to be seamlessly integrated into core business systems. For instance, if a company already has a computer program for entering orders and tracking inventory levels, and a shift to the cloud is made, the cloud applications need to provide a means for accessing, updating and managing this important information.
3. Training
Employees may be set in their ways as far as how they use applications and information and a shift to the cloud will require a shift in their mindset and the way they interact with computers. Cloud computing works best when everyone in the company is onboard and makes use of the remote data and applications, and so it is important to train all employees adequately to the new technologies incorporated.
4. Security and trust
When information and application are stored and accessed on remote servers or in the cloud, it is essential to trust the cloud provider completely. This means trusting that the delivery of information will be reliable and will happen when it is needed. It also means ensuring that there are no risks of data loss, downtime or breached data security.
Many companies who use cloud computing will still have their own internal backup procedures in place, but this can add to the cost of an IT infrastructure, so this is not always the case. Even when a company has its own on-site back-up to the cloud, however, they need to trust that the cloud provider will not compromise the security of their information. Finding a trustworthy and reliable cloud provider is a challenge that must be overcome before the process of transitioning to the cloud begins.
5. Calculating ROI
To identify appropriate cloud opportunities and to determine the strategic advantage of shifting various applications and services to the cloud, it is necessary to have a metric established for measuring the return on investment, or ROI. The total cost of ownership (TCO) while need to be considered in calculating the ROI, but so will other measures that are more difficult to calculate objectively, such as convenience and risk. Despite the difficulty, being able to calculate ROI is important to make strategic and informed choices about when a shift to the cloud is appropriate in a particular situation.
The key to overcoming all of these challenges? Having a reputable, knowledgeable IT consultant in your corner who can help you seamlessly transition to the cloud.
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