Cloud computing has moved past the peak of its hype and more businesses are beginning to embark on meaningful cloud implementations. According to a recent study from KPMG International, many organizations are finding that the cloud is much more challenging to deal with than they first anticipated. Improving business processes in light of the cloud is becoming essential to combat cloud complexity.
Considering cloud challenges
The study found that approximately one-third of respondents, all from organizations already using the cloud, are experiencing higher costs than they expected when turning to the technology. A similar percentage of those polled said they are struggling with general cloud implementation challenges that are more substantial than they initially expected.Rick Wright , global cloud enablement program leader for KPMG, explained that many of the problems organizations face when turning to the cloud is that they focus heavily on the technology and not enough on transforming business to work well with the cloud.
"One of the most important lessons uncovered by this research is that business process redesign needs to be done in tandem with cloud adoption, if organizations hope to achieve the full potential of their cloud investments," said Wright. "Simply put, executives have found that simultaneous process redesign is central to addressing the complexities that often arise in the implementation and operational phases of cloud adoption."
The transition toward using the cloud as a business enabler is well on its way. Wright explained that thesurvey results indicatethat many corporate leaders have begun to transition away from looking at cloud computing exclusively as a way to cut costs and toward approaching the cloud as a strategic enabler that can shape operations in a positive way.
Using the cloud for operational gains
Aligning cloud computing with processes can be difficult because the technology creates many integration challenges that can get in the way of end-user efficiency. Business process management software provides an essential tool in overcoming this problem and aligning the cloud with process-improvement goals. BPM software helps companies align their operations with cloud systems by integrating the diverse applications accessed by end users and ensuring the data needed for everyday tasks is available when employees need it. Process automation also helps in this area, as the software can handle many of the repeatable business processes that can otherwise get in the way of efficient cloud functionality.
Cindy Cheng
Director of Product Marketing
