The Cloud Is Mainstream… Now What?
The Cloud Is Mainstream… Now What?
It seems like just yesterday companies were beginning to consider migrating to the cloud, while many still deciding if the cloud was right for them. Now, the vast majority of businesses are already on their cloud journey or have fully committed to embracing the cloud. Just as we were heading the advice, “the cloud is coming so get ready,’ the cloud has already arrived in full force.
By 2020, a corporate “no-cloud” policy will be as rare as a “no-internet” policy is today.
- Gartner
The Changing Role of IT
The move towards the cloud is creating a fundamental shift in the role of IT. In the past, IT was responsible for building and deploying new technology solutions while maintaining existing systems; the parameters of a successful project were straightforward – finish on time and on budget.
Today, while the cloud is helping businesses overcome many of the limitations of traditional IT, it also comes with a new set of expectations and challenges. Despite business’ desire to capture new opportunities in the cloud, many struggle to reorganize their IT to reflect the new business realities of today.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Being 50% over budget has little impact on overall product profitability. Being six months late reduces profitability by one-third
- McKinsey & Co.
In my three decades of working with customers, the cost of doing nothing has never been so great. As business leaders seek to be the disruptor, not the disrupted, IT leaders need to empower the entire company to embrace a continuous cycle of change by thinking differently, learning new technologies faster, and collaborating effectively. But how do you transform for success in the future while keeping the business running today?
Inaction Risk vs. Innovation Risk: Striking a Balance
Risk mitigation for Modern IT management means embracing change while remaining acutely aware of the risk associated with too much change, too fast. These risks can be categorized as innovation risks and inaction risks.
| Innovation Risks | Inaction Risks |
|---|---|
| Overspending due to lack of planning or understanding | Loss of market share due to rapidly growing competitive landscape |
| Unexpected negative impact on existing systems and processes | Increase cybersecurity concerns due to unpatched systems |
| Indefinite timelines due to lack of planning and/or understanding | Loss of reputation due to customer satisfaction |
| Inability to justify ROI | Loss of productivity due to outdated systems |
| Unexpected security concerns from new technology | Loss of acquisition of top talent |
| Lack of user adoption | Impact on company survivability |
Modern IT Management Framework
As organizations progress down the path towards modernization, they’ll inevitably need more digital experts to meet the challenges of Modern IT Management.
The Modern IT Framework shows what responsibilities are required to provide businesses with the optimal support and strategy guidance to remain competitive in today’s technology-driven business landscape.
While keeping pace in a cloud-first world can feel like an uphill battle, the good news is that you don’t have to go at it alone. BDO Digital's award-winning Managed Services team can help organizations develop cost-effective, flexible, cloud-first solutions that meet & exceed the demands of the business today.
SHARE