January 23, 2014
Moving to cloud computing can be a big change for any company, and change can be challenging. However, the benefits of cloud computing cannot be easily ignored. The real question that must be asked is “How can my business move to cloud computing without the headaches?” The answer for many companies is to utilize a cloud computing company with IT Services Management experience.
What Is IT Service Management?
IT service management includes the installation, setup and management of network technology systems and services. In all likelihood, you already have someone fulfilling this role, at least in part, at your company.
Why Do You Need Additional IT Services Management Expertise?
Even if your company has a few in-house IT professionals, it is unlikely that they have specific experience in transitioning to cloud computing. This experience will prove to be important in assisting your internal staff in transitioning your company to cloud based services in a more timely and efficient manner.
5 Common Challenges That May be Encountered when Moving to the Cloud
#1 – Which IT Service Management Cloud-Based Tools Best Fit Your Company?
Although no one knows your company better than you, evaluating which cloud-based tools will best fit your current business operations can be a challenge. You will need a provider that can mimic or improve your current process, but who can also provide a necessary level of support. Leveraging the expertise of a cloud provider experienced in IT service management will allow you to quickly identify which tools will ensure you not only meet your current needs, but support and foster business growth.
#2 – What Level Of Cloud Service Will Best Fit Your Business?
Each of the following cloud service options serve a unique purpose and offer features that could benefit your company (along with unique challenges that will need to be addressed). An experienced provider can help you fully understand your choices and assist you in making an informed decision.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): With this solution, you agree to per-user terms on specific software that is then at least partially hosted in the cloud. You may still need to install software locally, but the data and much of the application software is hosted elsewhere.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): This type of cloud based service provides a technology base, including both hardware and software, for creating or extending cloud based access. Using this solution, your company can build a custom solution to meet your business needs.
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): This solution allows your existing compatible software to be hosted in the cloud. The benefit of this type of service is that the hardware resources behind your software can be easily increased to meet the growing demands of your business.
#3 – Who Do You Call For Help?
Providing support to users can be a time consuming and costly undertaking, even when everything is installed at your location. When implementing a cloud based solution, it can be a challenge just figuring out whom to call for help when problems arise, if it’s offered. Having a cloud provider that gives your staff access to support for any and all IT issues or questions that arise can be a huge benefit.
#4 - How Do You Move Your Existing Data to Your New Cloud-Based Solution?
Your company has most likely been collecting and storing data for years. Moving this data to the cloud can be daunting and needs to be implemented with the utmost care and attention to detail. If done improperly, the consequences could be monumental. The experience of a cloud provider with IT management experience can help you transition to the cloud with little or no downtime.
#5 – How Do You Handle The Skeptics?
Anytime you implement a new IT solution, you will have a few skeptics who will fight switching from a system they know. An experienced provider can offer documentation and training to ensure a smooth transition to your new cloud-based solution. They can also help your less tech-savvy users understand the benefits of the change.
All things considered, moving to a cloud based system provides many benefits. Cloud based systems are scalable and generally more economical than continually updating and managing your existing internal IT infrastructure. Utilizing a cloud provider with IT Service Management experience to assist your internal staff implement a cloud based solution can help you face these challenges and eliminate stress. Talk to a cloud specialist to get started:
References used:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/netapp/2013/10/31/new-role-cio/
http://www.enterprisenetworkingplanet.com/netsecur/the-challenges-of-cloud-security-deployments.html
