Large global organizations seeking to add cloud-based capabilities to their service delivery mix face a wide range of challenges. Key among them is to achieve the flexibility and agility enabled by cloud technologies without unduly compromising oversight of IT service delivery throughout the enterprise.
In this respect, the cloud presents a “careful what you ask for” dilemma. While on-demand computing and pay-as-you-go consumption models appear attractive both to clients and service providers, in reality these benefits can undermine control and pose a variety of risks if not properly governed. Effective cloud initiatives must therefore be integrated into the organization’s existing service delivery model, and governed like any other delivery method.
This ISG white paper examines the challenges businesses face in managing cloud initiatives, and examines the role of governance mechanisms to ensure smooth integration as well as continued alignment to business needs over the long term.
About the author
Stanton Jones
Stanton helps clients maximize value and reduce risk in their third party relationships. In his role as lead analyst for the ISG Index™ Insider, Stanton helps ISG clients, service providers and equity analysts understand how disruptive technologies are transforming IT and business services markets. Stanton also regularly guides enterprise technology executives through the global digital ecosystem via the ISG Digital Innovation Tour™. An ISG Digital Fellow, Stanton has been quoted in CIO, Forbes and The Times of London and has appeared on Fox Business News.
