IT Serves as a Liaison Between Executives and the Cloud

In many cloud migration plans, it’s the C-suite driving digital migration. Executives hear about the potential savings cloud subscriptions can offer, including the ability to categorize spending as operating expenses versus capital expenses. They also know that the fast pace of cloud software updates results in a competitive edge, particularly when it comes to the customer experience.

Once the deployment of the cloud solution has occurred, there may be a period of disillusionment and even a move back to on-premises software. Cost efficiency isn’t quite what executives had hoped, data storage is more complex than they expected, and the team isn’t equipped with the right training to handle the infrastructure side.

These issues demand that IT fill a unique role of liaison between executives and their dreams of the cloud. IT can provide a realistic picture of what to expect with cloud migration and help executives understand the challenges and risks that come with digital transformation. Key concerns include:

Current IT skills don’t transfer to a cloud environment. In your existing IT team, your employees are likely working in silos, without a lot of cross-training. In order to support a shift to the cloud, you’ll need to invest heavily in training to get your IT team up to speed on the skills that are necessary to keep your systems running seamlessly through the transition.

Expected cost savings may be unrealistic. Make sure your organization’s executives are getting a total cost of ownership analysis to aid in decision-making. There are variables in cloud computing that can significantly impact costs, including bursting and rehydrating cold data storage. Be sure that all costs are accounted for when you determine which solution is best for your company.

It is important to budget for customization in your plans. Every organization wants a unique solution that’s tailored to their needs, but cloud service providers are largely focused on mainstream services. If you have highly specific needs, be prepared to pay for them.

There are a few steps your IT team can take to help mitigate some of these challenges:

• Be proactive in professional development. Companies are actively pursuing digital transformation, so get your team the necessary training to be able to navigate a cloud migration.

• Get in the habit of documenting baselines. It will be difficult to determine whether a cloud application results in better performance or cold data retrieval if you don’t know how your current system is handling these tasks.

• Collaborate with other companies, with cloud service providers, and with consultants. Nobody knows every system out there, so talk to a variety of people to help you choose the right software options and implement them successfully.

At AMD Technology, we pride ourselves on long-lasting relationships with our customers. Our consultants work to help you solve your specific and unique business issues with comprehensive solutions. We look forward to hearing more about your business, so contact us today.