3 Key Considerations for Integrating Cloud in Your IT Environment

Cloud adoption is at an all-time high with a recent IDG Enterprise Cloud Computing Survey finding approximately 72 percent of enterprises have at least one application running in the cloud – up from 57 percent in 2012. The survey also found that enterprise adoption of cloud applications has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 6.01 percent over the last four years. This should come as no surprise, as it has been widely reported that the cloud is here to stay and has shown impressive business benefits. 

The new challenge has become integration. Disparate cloud systems will not provide the same level of productivity, cost saving or security benefits that an integrated solution can deliver. Now that adoption has skyrocketed, it is time to shift focus to a strategic cloud solution that will display benefits across the business. 

In a large business or enterprise, many business units work in isolation from others, though under the same umbrella and typically using the same software and tools to perform their jobs. However, a cloud deployment that is beneficial to one business unit may cause strain on another, or may not be necessary to any other unit. This can create problems internally as departments may go rouge and implement unsanctioned IT tools (also known as “shadow IT”) and can spread IT function too thin to operate properly. 

Unchecked by IT, these shadow IT deployments do not take into consideration how multiple systems will share data. This is another cause for concern and can inflict chaos for IT teams including complicated mix of databases and management tools. Not to mention, multiple and unsynchronized integrations can become very expensive to manage. 

To address these concerns, it is important for businesses to understand what IT solutions are available and how working with the right technology partner is a strategic decision across all areas of business. 

Here are a few key factors to consider when integrating IT and making decisions around cloud: 

1.       Ensuring compatibility.

As disparate systems can cause integration, synchronization and update challenges, it is important to ensure all departments are consulting IT teams that manage cloud solutions to ensure they are using sanctioned and compatible tools. Be sure to designate a point person within the IT department to maintain open communication with other business units. Custom cloud solutions are a perfect way to build an IT infrastructure that can answer departmental needs across the entire business. 

2.       Strategic implementation and maintenance of the cloud. 

Now that we’ve experienced widespread cloud adoption as an industry, “fine tuning” solutions should be the main focus moving forward. Many companies struggle to assess their current IT environment and, more importantly how to glean insights from their current operations to map out a road to success for the future. It is better to make a strategic investment into the cloud, than to rush into cloud deployments before your IT and business units are ready. As my colleague, Chalva Tchkotoua, stated in a recent blog, the cloud is a marathon – not a sprint. IT teams should regularly monitor and report on IT performance to determine opportunities for new integrations. 

3.       A cloud vendor should not only be a provider, but a partner. 

While there are cloud solutions designed for self-installation and self-maintenance, it is important to find a cloud partner that can assist with the implementation and troubleshooting of new and existing solutions. IT teams should work closely with their cloud partner prior to, during and after a cloud implementation to ensure a manageable and consistent cloud solution for every business unit. An experienced cloud provider should provide guidance and recommendations on how to integrate cloud and legacy IT, as well as how to adopt new cloud solutions. 

As a cloud provider, our mission at Navisite is to offer the highest level of support, expertise and consultancy to help each of our clients conquer their unique IT challenges. Cloud adoption has solidified itself as an important business asset and will continue to evolve with technology. By working with the right partner and engaging all departments in strategic planning, businesses can streamline cloud implementations from the onset and connect business units throughout an organization’s cloud journey. 

Be sure to download this Navisite white paper, Choosing the Right Cloud Provider, to learn more about how to choose a cloud provider with the resources and focus to make the engagement all about you and your company.