Cloud Computing has extensive consequences

It would seem that one of Cloud Computing biggest challenges has been met. Security is now no longer a problem, according to a survey released by PA Consulting Group and Harvey Nash. But new challenges lie ahead - what occupies IT managers now, according to the survey, is the problem of how to make applications from different suppliers “talk” together in a cloud environment.

The survey, conducted in the beginning of 2010, proves that 50 % of the 2,500 respondents are not planning on using cloud computing in 2010. Of the respondents, 13 % indicated that this is due to the lack of maturity in the service, while 21 % point to security.

Nevertheless, Cloud Computing is here to stay. Additional interviews with IT-managers show, that they are looking at adopting Cloud Computing. And an icon shows the way: Google can execute data back-up on several servers and locations, which in theory eliminates single points of failure. This means they offer an almost 100 % guaranty on service accessibility regarding security.

Is this a goodbye to IT-departments?

No. It just means that they are going to be doing something else. The question is - Do companies need an IT-department at all? Why not just simply buy their own Cloud based system?

On one hand, this could increase the risk of security violations and disconnecting systems from a company poses further challenges to the IT architecture, which may in themselves cause further complications.

On the other hand, it means, that IT departments are much more open to cooperation and that benefits the IT department itself as well as the entire company. This implies that a new type of IT employee is needed in the future; especially in the area of supply management a change in paradigm is needed.

Consequently, Cloud Computing has extensive consequences for the companies themselves as well as for their IT departments.

So when thinking about Cloud Computing, here is some good news:

1. Transfer of data between the Cloud and the existing corporate systems can take place without loss of data.

 2. The functionality between the Cloud and the existing IT systems is unproblematic.

3. Transfer of data and functional integration is possible between different Cloud suppliers.

4. The user only has to log on once, no matter how many different services they work with.

If you are interested in Cloud Computing please contact us now.