Paradigms in computing and business seem to change every few years. In recent times, a cloud-first approach has come into the spotlight. Companies need adopt a cloud-first approach by first making their enterprise “cloud-enabled.”
The benefits of cloud computing can be missed altogether if adopting cloud services is not done in a coordinated way. Often, companies will make the mistake of treating cloud infrastructure like on-premise hardware.
The downside of this approach is that your organization cannot maximize the benefits of being a cloud-enabled enterprise.
Business Benefits of Cloud Computing
Being able to scale is the one of the biggest benefits of using the cloud in business. It is very easy to scale down by eliminating unnecessary servers and as a result, reducing costs. Housing hardware on-premises requires more upfront investment and additional on-premise staffing. On the other side, a cloud-enabled enterprise could allow for staff to be in different geographic regions around the world.
Making this transformation to a cloud-enabled enterprise involves both technology strategies, coupled with business or organizational strategies. Cloud consultants are experts that can make its implementation a much smoother process.
Cloud computing benefits both large corporations and small business. For instance, IT departments within organizations can go from providing services to providing value as a partner to the business. Cost savings results from not having to maintain data and servers on premises.
Potential Problems of Enterprise Cloud Computing
Moving to a cloud-enabled enterprise is not without drawbacks, though.
One obstacle for some companies is the challenge of having sensitive data located off premises. Companies can migrate to a private cloud and then, in time, transition to a public cloud, using a hybrid cloud approach in the interim.
However, a hybrid cloud approach presents specific challenges for a company trying to migrate to a cloud-enabled enterprise. These challenges vary and are specific to the individual organization, and they partly depend on their corresponding infrastructure.
A hybrid cloud approach means that some systems companies use might reside in the cloud while other systems are located on premises. Unique situations specific to the company can arise as a result of this hybrid approach. These unique scenarios need to be taken into account both during the planning phase and as they arise.
Which Cloud Solution is Best for Your Business?
Company size and areas of business should determine what type of cloud computing solution is optimal. The cost of entry for small businesses to utilize all that cloud computing has to offer is lower. They’re not left behind and can take advantage of something that was previously only available to large corporations.
The IT workforce needed can change as a result of moving to a cloud-enabled enterprise. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) become two areas that will need more priority assigned to them.
Security of their company’s sensitive data is one area that all cloud-enabled enterprises must deal with. A private cloud key is needed to spawn up additional, new servers. Companies should limit the number of employees who have access to this private key. Only key personnel should have access to private cloud keys. If your private key is compromised, someone could run as many servers as they wanted and do so on the company’s dime.
