Important questions about whether you should move your business to the cloud
Interesting article from Phillip Mckinney at Forbes Magazine
The world is abuzz over cloud computing–using virtual servers available on demand over the Internet. But the truth is not every small business needs to operate “in the cloud.” Before you make the move, consider these five criteria, care of Philip McKinney, vice president and chief technology officer of Hewlett-Packard ( HPQ – news – people )’s Personal Systems Group.
How Fast Is Your Business Growing?
Investments in hardware and software typically follow a stair-step pattern. Incremental outlays often lead to too much capacity; that’s why utilization rates for IT systems tend to be low–30% to 40%. Cloud computing can more smoothly match technology expenditures with a company’s natural trajectory.
Fast-growers tend to be good candidates for the cloud, as are those with choppy or seasonal demand. Stable, predictable outfits that feel more comfortable with keeping systems in-house might be better off staying pat.
Where Are The Troops?
Cloud services, by definition, are available 24-7. That gives employees, partners and customers access to information from anywhere and in real time–a huge advantage for companies with operations in different locations and in multiple time zones.
The more spread out a business is, the more the cloud can help. If your company is generally centralized and runs within normal business hours, and if your employees don’t need 24-7 access, the cloud may not be for you.
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Category: Cloud Computing News, Resources, Strategy
