10 ways business leaders can get the most out of cloud
TRANSCRIPT
The end customers are playing a growing role in
selecting and managing cloud services.
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Line of business leaders need to know how to choose and manage an IT-intensive
resource successfully.
Here are 10 tips that will help business leaders avoid common pitfalls and
get the most value from cloud solutions[ Mary Shacklett, TechRepublic: 10 ways
business leaders can get the most out of cloud ]
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1) Know what you want before you shopDon’t let sales staff talk you into a new set of
objectives that divert you from what you originally wanted to accomplish; define and document your business requirements before you meet with a cloud vendor.
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2) Arrange for a cloud trial To ensure that a cloud solution can not only
bring value to your organization, but is also easy to use & adaptable to your work processes,
ask the cloud provider for a trial evaluation period before you sign up.
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3) Establish cloud metrics that tie back to the business
All cloud services should be linked to measurable business values and then regularly assessed.
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4) See if the cloud can deliver specialized expertise your business lacks
internally If you select a cloud provider that offers not only
service but also expertise you lack internally, you can
increase the value of that cloud service to your business.
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5) Check out the cloud provider’s cultureCloud service providers should have business &
cultural values that blend closely with those of your own organization. With similar work values &
ethics, collaboration between your company and the
provider is greatly enhanced.
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6) Understand your costs Get the most out of cloud for the long haul by
capitalizing on critical returns on investment to the business,
such as the cloud’s ability to improve competitiveness,
contribute to revenue growth, or deliver IT capabilities that
don’t exist internally. #CiscoCloud
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7) Make sure IT is covered – and get help if needed
The most successful ventures with cloud providers are
those where IT and the end customer work together. Non-IT business leaders who bypass
IT in their cloud decision-making introduce risk by going at it alone.
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8) Don’t think of cloud as a commodity service
When choosing a cloud provider, it is important to find someone who can answer strategic or
operational questions that your business can’t, especially if you are dealing with SaaS providers.
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9) Look for mobile capability Business is going mobile, so you want a
cloud service that also links into mobile devices. Along with
mobile apps & access, a cloud provider should have strong
security & data sharing standards.
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10) Ask your cloud provider about its future plans
Know what the cloud provider’s plans are for expanding
its products & services. When the provider’s plans blend well with your own, there’s a better chance
that the relationship you forge will be long & productive.
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Source: Mary Shacklett, TechRepublic10 ways business leaders can get the most out of cloud
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