TO MAXIMIZE ROI ON CLOUD INVESTMENT, CONSIDER THESE SEVEN POINTS

Cloud Computing is supposed to lift many of the workload burden of the organizations and help them gain agility and speed. However, in order to realize these benefits, organizations need to have a thorough understanding of what services to pick, and capability to integrate off site offerings with on site data and operations. For achieving possible benefits out of Cloud computing services in NY, requires a range of skills.

Here are the seven points to consider before making a move to cloud.  

• Business & financial skills - Cloud Computing is a powerful technology and in order to drive ROI from cloud one needs business skills along with technical knowledge. It is a complex process and requires meticulous handling for a cloud deployment case. One needs good financial skills to monitor and analyze metrics based on business performance vs. total cost of subscribing to the cloud-based model.

• Technical Knowledge - In order to get best out of the cloud investment, technical knowledge is required. How much technical expertise is required on staff depends how many services are shifted to cloud and how much is managed in-house. Knowledge of Java and .Net framework, understanding of virtualization process, open-source tools and other languages may come to the forefront.

• Business needs Analysis - Laying out a roadmap regarding business services will give a clear insight and will help analyze that initially which services or applications should be shifted to cloud and understanding the basic principles of service-oriented architecture model would prove beneficial.

• Project Management Skills - Effective project management skills are required to manage IT projects effectively along with finding adequate resources, meet deadlines, in a timely manner. An IT vendor goes through many challenges when handling projects at the last moment more deliverables are added, and most of the times go over budget.

• Negotiation skills – You would need good negotiation skills when dealing with cloud providers regarding service level agreements. Keeping a track of how cloud-computing services are performing and ensuring whether company is getting all those services that were written in contract and guidance as and when needed. 

• Security and Compliance - When shifting to cloud services, an understanding of security protocols, is required for efficient cloud deployment. In addition, knowledge about data handling laws, regulations including HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley is mandatory.

• Mobile app development & management - The use of mobile devices at the workplace is increasing every year. Today, many companies are making move to the cloud to enable their employees to access data anywhere, anytime from all devices including laptops, Smartphone, and iPads. There is much demand for professionals who can build and deliver apps that resonates with cloud and is accessible by employees, partners and customers.