Cloud Computing: Taking it Slow & Steady
There’s been a lot of buzz about Cloud Computing in the last year. Many of the vendors are buying into the notion that business will be flocking to the cloud in droves because it solves so many problems. As an organization that deals with the infrastructure, security and network requirements of hundreds of organizations, I’ve got to believe that the overly simplistic models they present is going to wreak havoc for those that don’t adequately analyze and prepare.
The best advice I can provide is to take it slowly. If you’re intrigued with Cloud and want to test the waters, start with a resource that isn’t mission critical. Set up a team that can pilot the application and help identify areas of concern. Until you fully understand the impacts on performance, accessibility, service levels, true total costs, regulatory compliance, and the interoperability of the Cloud application with your other owned systems, don’t go betting the farm. The Cloud is new and its impact on your business comes with a lot of uncertainty. A healthy dose of skepticism will go a long way to improving your mental health.
-Tim Krueger, PEI
