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Five steps to cloud success

Cindy Cheng, ​Sr. Director of Marketing Communications, EMEA, Appian
June 11, 2013

Cloud computing is a technology capable of transforming corporate and IT operations, leading to major fiscal and productivity gains. However, the cloud comes with a steep learning curve. Maximizing the value of the cloud depends on being able to align IT efforts with business requirements. Strategic technologies like business process management software can help organizations make this happen.

Solutions like BPM software can help organizations optimize their cloud systems. However, companies also need to make sure they get a good start to set themselves on a path to cloud success.

Step 1: Do some research

Cloud computing is a vast technological ecosystem that includes a diverse array of solutions that meet a wide range of requirements. There is not a single panacea in the cloud, but there are systems that, when aligned with company needs, can have a major positive impact. Understanding the various offerings available in the cloud is vital to making the right purchasing decisions down the line.

Step 2: Get multiple departments involved

Cloud computing is primarily a technological solution, but it has a monumental impact on business departments. This effect is so pronounced that many organizations make cloud investments without oversight from IT. The reality is that cloud computing has a major influence on both corporate and IT trajectories and getting groups involved from both parties is vital to establishing a foundation for success.

Step 3: Partner with the right vendors

Cloud providers are like a lifeline. They connect you to the services you need, ensure reliability, secure data and position you to operate more flexibly. Finding the right provider to partner with can erase many challenges associated with the cloud.

Step 4: Start with a pilot

A pilot project is an excellent way to get an organization's feet wet in the cloud. It allows users to be introduced to the technology and gives businesses a chance to identify what they need to do to refine their cloud plans before moving to a large-scale deployment.

Step 5: Consider BPM and similar solutions

Technologies that help businesses take the foundation created by the cloud and improve it are vital to handling the complex and disruptive solution. Cloud BPM systems can unify data and processes across multiple cloud applications, bridge gaps between services delivered from different sources and help business users align the technological service with their day-to-day operations.

BPM systemsand other solutions that improve cloud operations can be a critical final step in positioning a company for success using the technology.

Cindy Cheng

Director of Product Marketing

Cindy Cheng