The Gartner Group , a leading technology research firm defined Cloud Computing as, "A style of computing where scalable and elastic IT capabilities are provided as a service to multiple customers using Internet technologies" But what does that mean for business owners and managers?

Cloud computing is an environment were businesses have access to sophisticated business IT services at a much lower and more predictable costs than those provided by traditional in-house systems. Using a cloud computing approach significantly reduces the operational and financial risks involved when implementing new IT systems. As cloud computing services are delivered over the Internet, businesses can provide quickly and easily new locations which allows employees to work from anywhere with a suitable Internet connection.

Because you only pay for what you use and when you use it (just like your gas, electricity and water), your costs are manageable and predictable. A cloud computing environment allows you to free up capital that would otherwise tied up on your IT infrastructure.

While the benefits are of cloud computing are easy to see, a move to using cloud services does require plenty of thought and good planning.

1. Build a Business Case: Link the Key Initiative to the overall drivers and/or objectives of the business.Gain support from the business leaders and stakeholders.Set a baseline for assessing the impact of the investigation. Estimate costs and resource requirements.
2. Develop the Strategy: Align the investigation with the business strategy, and show how it can deliver business value. Show how the investigation might lead to changes that will affect the business environment. Work with key stakeholders to identify business needs.
3. Assess Readiness: Identify the budgetary, staffing, technology and other requirements necessary to prepare the business for the investigation. Develop a total cost of ownership analysis framework. Review established policies for assessing risk and managing governance.
4. Pilot or Prototype: Identify a group to pilot, or develop a prototype for the investigation. Develop and communicate detailed requirements. Manage the pilot/prototype. Assess and communicate the results.
5. Gain Approval: Analyze findings of the readiness assessment and pilot or prototype effort, and revise the strategy and business case accordingly. Present findings of the investigation to senior stakeholders and business leaders.

Our knowledge and experience in the cloud computing area can help you evaluate, plan and implement cloud computing as a viable alternative to the traditional way of delivering your IT applications and  services.