With any new implementation – whether it’s an operating system, methodology or business solution – must come a thorough review of its risks and rewards. This is especially the case when it comes to integrating a cloud-first strategy to your IT infrastructure.
Even though Canada is among the world leaders in overall cloud adoption, there still exist traditionalists who are unwilling to reap the rewards cloud computing brings forth.
Telus, Microsoft and CanadianCIO were present to dispel the myths of cloud computing and reveal the many benefits it brings to enterprises (as well as the risks) in two exclusive roundtables held earlier this year.
Benefits of the cloud:
Gone are the days of traditional, rigid and one-dimensional business operations. The modern IT environment is focused on expanding its virtual bandwidth and building a powerhouse of secure data. Moving to cloud computing reduces the cost of managing and maintaining your IT systems, reduces time delays and you’re able to scale up or scale down your operation and storage needs.
“Although Canadian businesses have become more knowledgeable and comfortable about moving to the cloud, most still aren’t taking full advantage of the technology,” according to a survey of 700 C-suite executives by Microsoft Canada.
Why Adopt a Cloud-First Strategy?
What to consider before moving to the cloud:
Knowing the current marketplace, asking the right questions and being aware of concerns and best practices is essential before making your journey towards the cloud. For example, did you know that Canadian companies use an average of 46 cloud services, topping their counterparts in the U.S., Germany and Great Britain? And that most Canadian organizations expect to reach 80 per cent reliance on cloud operations within 14 months?
Being well-aware of the regulations about data sovereignty, privacy and security are also factors to consider before making the switch.
But the real question is, does the benefits of cloud outweigh the challenges?
Download this white paper to see what industry influencers and senior IT executives had to say about cloud computing, the benefits and the challenges. CIO and chief digital officer at ITWC, Jim Love, moderates the discussion and is joined by Carlos Carreiro, senior vice-president, service delivery, Business Solutions East & TELUS Quebec, Steve Fast, vice-president of managed IT services & client operations at TELUS and chief information officer at Microsoft Canada, Steve Heck.