An intelligent cloud network is the bright and flexible solution
DIRECTOR UK ENTERPRISE, CISCO
Q Why is cloud becoming such a hot topic?
A Most UK businesses are already using some sort of cloud service and are looking to provide more of their IT capability this way.
Ahead of the obvious reasons like reducing costs and easier maintenance, today’s drivers are increasingly around performance, agility and efficiency. Providing a modern, mobile workforce, business partners and end customers with access to cloud services anytime, on any device, anywhere in the world.
When delivered well, cloud consumption models facilitate growth. They provide flexible business models that allow scalable services to be launched more rapidly and efficiently, without compromising security or functionality.
Q Which is the right solution?
A We are becoming a world of many clouds. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Organisations are looking to consume their technology in a variety of models; either using public cloud services, their own internal, private clouds, or hybrid solutions that combine both. Most organisations require a variety of sources and want the flexibility to change as their businesses and requirements evolve.
We see most of our customers balancing risk and taking a phased approach to moving any IT services. I recommend addressing the areas that will have an immediate, tangible impact on the business. For instance, areas such as web conferencing, video conferencing and unified communications appear to be creating the highest levels of interest, with healthy growth forecast by industry experts.
Q What do organisations need to consider?
A There are a wide variety of innovative vendors available that can provide and deploy solutions to integrate with your chosen cloud model. However, there are pitfalls, not least the absence of industry standards. Lack of consensus around definitions makes the distinction between cloud and managed services unclear. One key consideration should be accountability, should things go wrong.
Whichever models you opt for, user experience is fundamental when selecting those right for your organisation. User adoption denotes success and the role that the network plays in assuring the experience is key. A cloud intelligent network ensures a secure and consistent experience across delivery models for all the ways that people choose to consume them.
We don’t know what devices people will be using to access services two or three years from now, but a cloud intelligent network approach will ensure your organisation is prepared.