Adopting a Private Cloud? Things to Consider

Cloud computing allows organizations to deliver highly scalable and reliable applications more quickly and cost effectively. With a robust cloud computing environment, companies can drive reduced capital expenditures and achieve significant savings. They can benefit further by increasing the efficiency of applications for employees and by increasing the utilization of the company’s computing resources.

However, a move toward building your own cloud, or private cloud computing, has some drawbacks. One key consideration is that IT departments have to buy, build and manage the cloud themselves. End-users, too, must be brought into consideration. Some of the questions that affect users are: How will applications be optimally delivered to enable key decision making? Will simplified IT management and maintenance that comes with cloud computing really benefit employees?

The differences between public cloud computing and a private cloud can be likened to the differences between owning your own car, and using public transportation. Although worker efficiency, scalability, and lower costs can be achieved with a private cloud, it requires thorough planning and often a change in mindset.

That’s because changes in the computing structure that result from private cloud adoption affect employees just as much as IT.

Building a private cloud requires companies to shift focus. As strategic planning and future results are brought to the forefront, employee engagement and relationships must also be taken into account. Sadagopan “Sada” Singham, HCL Technologies’ (News - Alert) global vice president of Cloud Computing, explains, “This new level of engagement will be very high as employees have more access to information more quickly than in the past.”

The goal is to enable employees to make key decisions faster due to an increase in private cloud information and access. Ultimately, building that private cloud requires involvement of every division within a company, from IT to finance and executive teams. And the responsibility for ensuring success with private cloud adoption falls equally on each group.

Executive teams must demand more strategic insight from their CFOs and controllers. Similarly, IT needs to address the needs of employees to ensure that their working processes are truly benefiting from adoption. Ultimately, the goal of building your own cloud is to achieve a competitive edge and increase the profit margin. Along with that, companies need to consider how a private cloud will enhance employee collaboration and decision-making. If that’s not brought into consideration, then it’s likely that a company’s cloud adoption will fall short of its goals.

Want to learn more about cloud communications? Then be sure to attend the Cloud Communications Expo, collocated with TMC’s ITEXPO East 2012taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 3 2012, in Miami, FL. The Cloud Communications Expo will address the growing need of businesses to integrate and leverage cloud based communications applications, process enhancement techniques, and network based communications interfaces and architectures. For more information on registering for the Cloud Communications Expo click here.

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