Cloud computing is beginning to shift away from its initial deployment models toward more pervasive usage in the consumer and enterprise sectors. As this trend continues, the technology will be accessed in a variety of different ways that shift the way IT departments function. This is especially clear in the results of a recent Gartner study, which found that cloud computing will soon create hybrid IT departments.
IT changing in response to the cloud
Gartner explained that cloud computing is creating an environment in which individual business units are gaining more control over the technologies they use on a day-to-day basis. Instead of telling IT what they want and dealing with whatever it can support, business leaders are searching through cloud options to find what they want and subscribing to it on their own.
This shifting IT landscape is pushing IT departments to take on the role of cloud brokers. Essentially, IT focuses on providing the oversight and governance necessary to guide the corporate technology strategy and prevent budget problems. This is accomplished by becoming the broker that arranges cloud deals and makes the final decisions pertaining to technology. This role is especially important as more businesses face a need to integrate diverse cloud solutions.
Responding to ongoing trends
David Cearley, vice president and fellow for Gartner, explained that emerging trends, like the hybrid IT department, will affect different companies in a variety of ways. As a result, it is key to evaluate how they will impact operations and act accordingly, not just jump in to adjusting for the technological shift.
"We have identified the top 10 technologies that will be strategic for most organizations, and that IT leaders should factor into their strategic planning processes over the next two years," said Cearley. "This does not necessarily mean enterprises should adopt and invest in all of the listed technologies; however, companies need to be making deliberate decisions about how they fit with their expected needs in the near future."
Companies making IT adjustments to support hybrid IT departments built around the cloud may have to consider application and data integration investments. Business process management software can pay major dividends in this area. The technology automates underlying processes, making it much easier to ensure data is accessible to employees, regardless of what computing solution they are using to gather it.
Cindy Cheng
Director of Product Marketing
