More and more companies have started relinquishing control when it comes to building and maintaining their computing infrastructure in-house and opting for cloud computing instead. You may be interested in doing this for your own company as well, but you still haven’t figured out how this would benefit your company more exactly and where to even begin.
Cloud computing is complex and has solutions that can fit a wide array of needs – this is why you need to research and plan it well. Since you are interested in applying this new business model you are probably already aware of the benefits it has, such as flexibility, agility, as well as considerable cost reduction. However, the question you most likely need answers to is: ’What area of my business needs me to start the cloud project?’

Stay with the advantages
As a first step, it is indicated to simply try and pinpoint the area of your business that can benefit the most from this shift in business models.
• Think about whatever needs revamping in your company, any system or business process that could run smoother and better. Simply delimitate the systems working just fine from those that could do with a revival.
• Have you always felt that your competition is offering more agile solutions and you simply can’t keep up with them? The cloud has started being a go-to option for many companies who aim for innovation and speedier solutions.

Different types of information
Information has always been an important asset, but this has never been more applicable that now, in the digital era. When considering where they should first apply the cloud solution in their business, companies should take into consideration what information these systems are processing. Asking this question usually sheds some light on whether the cloud or hybrid cloud solution is best suited for your company.

Degree of control needed
Is the information geographically-dependent?
Is this information subject to any regulations and if so, to what extent?
Just how much does the organization need to control this data?

In some cases, the IT department does need to strictly control certain type of information. On a bigger scale, there can be regulations that dictate how you should behave with that information. On the other hand, your company might want to share certain information with the public or control the way it is released. These are preferences or requirements that differ from one organization to the other.

Level of importance
As a corporate asset, consider how important the information is when looking at implementation options.
When researching for a cloud computing option, take a minute to think how important this information is within your organization, the role it plays and if the organization’s operations rely on it.

Information grid analysis
After taking into consideration the two aspects exemplified above, companies should have a clearer image of what information flows through their systems and decide what to opt for in order to better harness it. In cloud or hybrid cloud can be better implemented the type of information that is not crucially important to the enterprise and does not require a high level of control. One of the least regulated and in need to be controlled type of information is the one meant to be shown to the public, such as a public webpage. Contrary to this is the type of information that is pivotal to a company, but is also strictly regulated. Of course this information can also be implemented in the cloud or hybrid cloud, but it simply gives you an idea on what level of vigilance you should ask for from your cloud provider. One popular example is the Service Level Agreement.

Test before plunging
It is only natural that you wouldn’t want to implement your choice of cloud solution only to find out it does not satisfy your company’s needs. This is a feeling that many companies share and this why cloud providers have adapted to this need and now offer the possibility to start with a pilot project. This way, you will have a set time that will allow you to see the benefits for yourself and appreciate how much more complex tasks the cloud can take on.

Even if you start out with only a pilot project, you will still need to plan ahead so as to better measure your actual results compared to your pen-on-paper ones. If you have decided to go with a cloud solution, try to key in the factors listed above in order to pick the best possible option for your organization.