The companies that have successfully moved to the Cloud cite benefits such as simplicity of access, efficiency, easier administration and management, and lower costs in general, Statistica surveys report.  Between 2018 and 2019 there have been far greater benefits than anticipated. Nearing 2021, how can we better line up expectation with reality so fewer businesses miss the mark?

Aligning Cloud and budgetary needs

With teams working remotely and IT budgets flattening in response to threats of an economic downturn, research suggests business decision makers are rethinking their Cloud usage.

Alignment is rarely simple – but aligning the key strategic areas with the financials that matter to business may be the secret to success. The removal of capital expenditure costs – CAPEX – and replacement of operating expenditure – OPEX – means worries about the wrong investments are largely removed, opening each business up to new realms of experimentation and possibility.

“Migrating to the Cloud also means your workforce can be flexible – and we’ve all witnessed first-hand this year how significant that can be to your business,” Kelly explains.

“You’ll also have access to automatic software updates so you’re always working with optimal technologies and maintaining a competitive edge.”

Building your Cloud architecture game plan

The overarching and multi-faceted capabilities that come with having a presence on the Cloud have far-ranging benefits – but the specific direction is bespoke to each business. As an example, part of the changeover process involves re-evaluating your IT goals. Common Cloud IT goals cover questions of agility through methodologies such as DevOps.

Kelly’s view: “Organisations will be focusing on lowering costs more than ever, so moving to the cloud makes so much sense. It gives your business scalability at the drop of a hat, provides continuity of service and allows for greater collaboration internally and externally.”

Thinking future-first with the Cloud

There are risks to be aware of that will continue to trigger change toward the Cloud in the future. Kelly explains the need to be savvy to these risks, especially that, “Things to watch out for are complexity of business and organisational change, legacy infrastructure and/or application sprawl and lack of Cloud skills within the organisation.”

Kelly believes partnering between business and technology is the marker of success in a global Cloud economy, where different skillsets and specialisations can be teamed together to produce greater impact.

“Like any new technology, it’s vital to have a plan in place for moving to the Cloud and consulting with a qualified third party to guide the way is highly recommended.”

“Cloud adoption takes time but the journey is definitely worth it.”