Human resources and physical infrastructure can be obstacles of speed in IT transformation. However, in today’s interconnected world, it is possible to eliminate these constraints and build out IT with little to no footprint. This is possible by harnessing third-party infrastructure and support to roll out new software and service faster.
Here are five reasons why cloud and virtualization should be the default choice for most organizations:
1. Rapid rollout
Utilizing cloud resources, it is possible to implement new services in a matter of hours, rather than months. Because the resources are elastic, it’s possible to scale up or down instantly. This makes it possible to experiment with new technology while minimizing cost and risk.
2. Greater security
One of the major obstacles to rapid IT is security. Using third-party providers substantially mitigates this risk as they already have security best practices and support in place that can significantly decrease the chance of a breach. By taking advantage of their resources, companies can quickly create secure, reliable solutions.
3. Off-the-shelf solutions
In many cases, it is possible to find solutions off-the-shelf, ready to be used immediately. This way, companies can take advantage of new technologies without spending time on development. Although this may be the fastest way to roll out new functionality, it may lack the fit of custom-made solutions.
4. Cost efficiency
It is often true that using cloud-based infrastructure is more cost effective than building out a solution entirely in-house. Completing a project in-house means buying servers, building infrastructure, and hiring support staff. Using a third-party cloud provider allows companies to take advantage of economies of scale and leverage the power of a large, dedicated cloud IT infrastructure to their advantage.
5. Better business alignment
Although IT leaders were responsible in the past for building new solutions from the ground up, tomorrow, they will likely be more focused on vendor management. This means negotiating contracts, monitoring performance, and acting as a liaison with business leaders. They will still have a technology-focused advising role, helping the business adapt to changing innovations, but they will not be as hands-on with creating solutions. By helping the company work with technology partners, they can help maximize the speed of IT transformation.
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Doug Smith
Managing Director
Doug has more than 20 years of experience as an IT leader and strategist. Before joining Wavestone US, Doug built and led the Enterprise Architecture function for McKesson, a Fortune 15 healthcare company. In his role as VP of Architecture and Solution Management, he led a team to develop technology strategies and roadmaps for McKesson’s businesses worldwide. At McKesson, he also served as VP of Data Center Transformation and led a multiyear, multimillion-dollar program to modernize and transform IT infrastructure and support teams. Doug has also served as an interim CIO for several of McKesson’s smaller businesses. Before McKesson, Doug worked for Novant Health as Director of Corporate Applications; and as a consultant for IBM Global Services, where he built an intranet to streamline delivery of content to physicians and nurses.
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