CLOUD COMPUTING
IS IT TIME FOR YOUR
BUSINESS TO MOVE
TO THE CLOUD?
By Patrick Kabuchi
H
owever, for the longest time,
data security has been a major
hindrance to cloud uptake and
some CIO’s are still skeptical in this
regard.
Gartner, a globally renowned
technology research firm predicts
that security will be the number one
driver of cloud adoption in public
sector, by 2018. While security
concerns cannot be wished away, it’s
important to note that significant
strides have been made in securing
the cloud, especially in the past 5
years.
Before moving to the cloud, it’s
advisable for a thorough evaluation to
be performed to determine and align
the change with strategic business
objectives.
Otherwise, transitioning without
due diligence is not worth because
the cloud is not a one-size-fits-all
business solution.
In line with this, below are some
factors for consideration to help you
rationalize a shift to the cloud:
Suitability in relation to business
needs
A holistic review of the business
processes, services as well as
information should be taken to
‘‘Gartner, a globally renowned technology
research firm predicts that security will be
the number one driver of cloud adoption
in public sector, by 2018. While security
concerns cannot be wished away, it’s
important to note that significant strides
have been made in securing the cloud,
especially in the past 5 years.’’
18 MAL 11/16 ISSUE
establish whether moving any of
these elements to the cloud will
add value to the organization. More
important is data security which
is a critical aspect that has to be
ascertained before migrating to a
cloud platform.
Right Timing
To ensure a hassle-free switch to the
cloud, the move has to be executed
at the opportune time. Thus, crucial
timing indicators and triggers such
as: scheduled system replacements
or upgrades, need for temporary
software testing environment,
planned launch of online pilot
projects; just to name a few, should be
identified.
Financial implications
Delivery of services via the cloud
enables businesses to save on
significant capital outlay at the point
of acquisition and expenditure is
transformed to operational basis.
This is occasioned by the fact that
cloud services are charged on per use
basis. Thus, the organization has to
establish the budgetary implications
that are bound to arise.