Managing your transition to Cloud Computing

LONDON - Aug. 30, 2016 - PRLog -- Do we all need software defined networks for our business right now? That is the question posed by Computacenter, a leading UK-based IT services & solutions provider. The trend towards cloud services to manage core IT is one of the great challenges for any business heavily reliant on digital infrastructure support. The answer is 'no', but Software Defined Networking (SDN) will eventually become the norm, according to Colin Williams, chief Technologist of Security and Digital Collaboration. "In five years' time we won't be talking about Software Defined Networking as a distinct entity, it will simply be a conversation about 'networking'," says Colin in a white paper released by Computacenter.

The paper suggests a hybrid approach, integrating cloud storage and data management with existing systems to create a more efficient procedure that creates immediacy and retains intimacy. In other words, moving forward with software technology without too much disruption to established methods.

Organisational and process optimisation are integral to the transformation journey to a software defined hybrid cloud platform. As an example, organisational optimisation must begin with an understanding of your current services management. Ultimately your staff and clients or consumers will be the main users of the system and any changes need to keep them in mind, rather than be strictly technology driven.

Dean Hogan, Operation Architect at Computacenter says, "IT has to consider all the points of engagement and view the services needed at each point as a product. While the CIO and IT directors have got to grips with cloud technology itself, this productisation of IT services is something new. Traditional IT has not looked at IT as a set of service products aligned with shared consumer demand. And, like any product being developed, it has to be something that gives value to the consumer."

Dean suggests a six step strategy towards implementation, which includes; organisational optimisation, scrutinising your service operational team to ensure they have the right skills and tools for implementation, process optimisation, identifying weaknesses in the procedure, and defining the services you wish to ultimately deliver.

The employment of hybrid cloud platforms depends to a large extent on self-service provisioning, the ability for personnel to set up application themselves, without the need for IT technicians. The challenge for the CIO is to determine how far the technologists go in defining the procedures of the business and how much is driven by the end user with the benefit of tools enabled through a well-designed system. That is the job of a company like Computacenter, helping businesses to get the most out of their move.

To learn more about how Computacenter can help with your transition to cloud IT, please click http://www.computacenter.com/uk/uk/it-agenda/transforming...