Here comes the cloud
Although nobody seems to agree quite what the ‘cloud’ is, people with an interest in how we use IT seem positive. This great amorphous internet cloud is vying to become the definitive business resource. We’re going to plug into it for processing power and storage; for applications and processes; and indeed for knowledge, experience and expertise. The ultimate in agility.
For the business consumer, it becomes the ultimate ‘always on’ resource: an end to worrying about ownership, licensing and the rest. And for the service provider, it becomes the means to deliver function on any scale for any duration – and to charge accordingly.
So far so good.
Balance and evolution
Meanwhile, back in the real world, businesses large and small need to be answerable for cost, compliance and security. Even though we are already seeing innovative and attractive services being presented through the cloud, these critical business issues remain open.
As a constant innovator in IT service, Atos Origin is open and enthusiastic to cloud services. We do, however, see a critical need for controlled adoption within the enterprise, and to ensure that your new cloud peacefully co-exists with everything else you use, including legacy systems.
This need not be such a dramatic development. The cloud, after all, is a natural extension of services such as storage-on-demand or the utility models we use already for many outsourced services.
Step-by-step
Revolution is risky. Atos Origin is constantly helping its clients evaluate the controlled introduction of service innovation. As a service integrator, we are experienced in helping our clients assess the impact of new developments and ensuring their introduction is effectively phased and monitored.
Our clients have worked hard to establish standards across their businesses, and as a result they are enjoying cost control, agility and compliance. Let’s embrace the cloud, but let’s also be careful not to put these hard-fought advantages at risk.