5 Questions Executives Should Ask About Cloud Computing Services
Several studies predict that cloud computing will be a top priority for enterprise initiatives over the next three years. Market studies show a huge uptake in spending for the cloud. This is a huge shift compared to just two years ago according to the studies.
One leading market research company, MarketsandMarkets, says that cloud computing spending will triple from $37.8 billion to $121.1 billion by 2015 in the EU. The trusted and highly respected research firm Gartner’s predicts an even greater increase. Gartner Inc. says worldwide cloud services revenue is projected to reach $148.8 billion by 2014, triple that of $70 billion in 2010.
At a recent symposium, one prominent Gartner analyst said, “The cloud is here and its utilization is growing. Enough said.” For many CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, and CFOs, there is no time to wait for the shift. It’s already happening.
In May 2011, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) released a bulletin titled 10 Minutes for C-suite execs. PWC says that CEOs can set the tone for cloud strategies to deliver competitive gains and to grow the business. CFOs on the other hand are tasked with modeling new impacts on revenue, profits, and operating margins, as well as the risk of exposing services in the cloud. CIOs and CTOs should share an equal voice in developing a cloud strategy. PWC also noted that cloud computing “creates opportunities to innovate more quickly and to deepen ties with partnerships and customers.”
5 Questions Executives Should Ask About Cloud Computing Services
- How do the organizations short- and long-term cloud computing strategies reduce IT and business costs while driving new opportunities?
- How does the cost structure of our IT compare with that of public or private clouds, and what are the differences between the approaches?
- How do we approach the cloud model in terms of security?
- What are the detailed plans for cloud computing migration and implementation? Is an internal audit involved in the cloud initiative?
- What is the strategy to prevent proliferation of shadow IT among business units? How is acquisition of technology being monitored?
Questions like these aren’t always easy to answer, but seasoned cloud computing providers, like IsUtility, have services and experts in place to help guide your cloud initiatives and guide you in your decision-making.
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