Impact of Cloud on IT

I chanced upon a recent report on ‘Impact of Cloud on IT’ from Freeform Dynamics. Here are few highlights.

• Cloud is complementary to existing IT infrastructure and service delivery concepts
  • Few are contemplating a wholesale move into the Cloud, with the result that when Cloud is adopted it needs to integrate and interoperate with the existing IT infrastructure.
• External Cloud services will co-exist with existing third party services in the market
  • Traditional hosting and managed services providers are already starting to work Cloud options into their service portfolios, and the market will increasingly be defined by players who adopt an inclusive approach.
• Cloud will change the skills required to deliver IT services
  • From an IT skills perspective, this increases the demand for IT professionals that are comfortable working across traditional operational silos and domains of expertise.
• Cloud may make life easier in some areas, but also creates challenges elsewhere
  • Improvements in provisioning and operating services are countered by the challenges of implementing security and information management across in-house and (often multiple) service provider environments, and making sure the network communications are up to the task.
• Without integration, Cloud is more plug-and-pray than plug-and-play
  • Once Cloud becomes a core part of the business then architectural challenges arise that need time, planning and investment to solve. This negates the “easy on ramp” advantage claimed for Cloud over traditional IT applications and services, and essentially places Cloud on a level footing with the rest of IT.

http://www.freeformdynamics.com/