Is Your Cloud Computing Strategy Working? Here's How to Find Out

Implementing cloud solutions isn't a simple undertaking. Without a solid cloud computing strategy, you may not achieve the results you were hoping for or may later discover that your approach wasn’t overly effective.   Gauging the success of your cloud computing strategy both during the implementation phases and as you integrate the systems into your normal operations is a must. It allows you to confirm whether your strategy is actually working, creating opportunities to make changes should the need arise.   However, figuring out how to assess the viability and effectiveness of your cloud computing strategy isn’t always easy. Luckily, there are a few key evaluation points that can shine a light on the question of whether your approach is working. With that in mind, here are some tips for reviewing your cloud computing strategy and determining its level of success.  

Compare Your Cloud Computing Strategy Goals to the Results

  A critical part of any strategy is the goals and objectives you set before implementing a new solution. Since you already have a strategy in place, you’ve likely highlighted some desired results for any cloud computing projects, giving you an idea of what you hoped to accomplish.   As you move forward with implementations and adjust your operations to integrate the cloud, monitor how the results do or do not align with your goals. Consider whether you’ve achieved the desired increases in efficiency or workflow improvements. Evaluate the operational costs to see if they are in line with your expectations.   The idea is to use your goals as a baseline for evaluating the success of your cloud computing strategy. If you are early in the implementation, you should be looking for forward progress, not necessarily goal achievement. However, if the new systems have been in place for some time, seeing if you have reached or nearly reached your objectives can let you know if your strategy is actually creating success.  

Don’t Forget to Consider the Future

  If your cloud computing strategy doesn’t allow for or address potential new IT deployments, you will inevitably run into issues. Strategizing based solely on the tech solutions you use today isn’t going to work long-term, as new products and services are guaranteed to be released over time, and innovation in the technology space is ongoing.   Review your strategy to make sure that it leaves the necessary space for future IT implementations based on emerging technology or improvements to existing solutions. This ensures your cloud computing strategy remains adaptable and can roll with the changes as they come.  

Make Adjustments When Necessary

  A cloud strategy is a living, breathing thing. As your environment changes or your needs shift, you need to make adjustments to accommodate your new way of doing business. Similarly, if you identify new potential uses for the cloud that weren’t previously on your radar, change your strategy accordingly. If your budget increases or decreases, examine your strategy to determine its viability based on your new operational paradigm.   Companies that are fearful of changing their strategies will almost always miss out on greater success. Strategies aren’t meant to be rigid, particularly those that relate to the ever-changing world of technology.   If your cloud computing strategy is no longer serving you, then adjust it. It is always better to review what is and isn’t working and change course as required. Otherwise, you may spend a significant amount of time, energy, and money on a solution that isn’t actually going to work.