The advantages of cloud computing are becoming well-known as more and more companies choose cloud technology as a cost-effective business solution. It enables pervasive, convenient, on-demand access to a variety of computing resources including applications, networks, servers, and storage needs. All with very little effort and maintenance expense. Moreover, the flexible scalability of cloud-based services supports the feasibility of usage for large corporations, as well as SMBs.

Knowing the benefits, the question is no longer whether or not to employ cloud technology. The pertinent query now is: how to build a functional cloud strategy to maximize business efficiency through heightened IT functionality. Companies must know how to delineate which specific system elements should be migrated to the cloud. And they should also understand which service provider to choose from among the many available.

System Element Migration

Successfully migrating system elements/applications to the cloud requires a careful analysis. The platform, scaling model, communications, and resource utilization of each element must be assessed to determine whether it will function properly in the cloud-based environment. Companies need to know if those elements will perform with a hosting provider “as is,” or whether they should continue operating it internally. For cloud migration, most elements should include at least the following attributes:

• Proper Layering Protocols: the system element or resource should respect layering protocols
• Permit Vitalization: the necessity to run in a virtual environment means that implementation can’t employ unsupported languages, and that software shouldn’t be able to access depreciated libraries
• Independent Modular Design: Service Oriented Architectures (SOA) are easier to migrate than legacy systems, which rely on other applications for reporting

Remember, the key to creating a functional cloud strategy is to provide easy, scalable access to various computing resources and IT services. Businesses should consider which elements of their systems will be best served through cloud migration, and alternately, which ones to modify for optimum performance and cost-efficiency. In most cases, it is always more cost-efficient to move to an external service provider than to retain costly internal operations and the manpower necessary to support various processes. Therefore, choose a reputable service provider that can offer a range of as-a-service options.

Maximizing Cloud Potential

Depending on the specific dependencies, it’s easier to adopt new applications than it is to modify existing ones for cloud-based processing. Many service providers offer the three major cloud models, SaaS (software as a service), PaaS (platform as a service), and IaaS (infrastructure as a service), which provide agility and on-demand scalability.

Working from a hybrid approach allows businesses to leverage the technological capabilities provided to maximize potential functionality and cost-savings. The hybrid approach is typically lauded as the best tactic for balancing security and functionality requirements. Therefore, businesses must establish defined goals for cloud implementation. Avoid integration issues by defining priorities—i.e. security (provider and cloud provisions), monitoring capabilities, IT controls, and the ability to integrate company specific modules.

Choosing a service provider who can offer a pre-planned or customizable integration strategy offers the best option for many companies.