By Clint Gilliam, Virtual CIO, GreenPages Technology Solutions
The topic of cloud computing currently ranks in the top-five of IT articles published for IT professionals. Daily we hear about the benefits of this new world, the range of exciting new services now available, and of course how to make the transition.
Even with the valuable insights provided by these articles, there is one critical aspect given too little attention or even overlooked entirely. Specifically, how to plan for a breakup.
If one accepts the old dictum that change is the only universal constant, then ask yourself why most people do not plan as carefully for unwinding a cloud / SaaS arrangement as we do in setting one up. The details of ending an arrangement can be tricky and not immediately self-evident.
These issues are beyond standard legal provisions for exit clauses, terms/conditions, and related matters. It deals with practicality and preparedness.
Take this as an example, imagine you use a SaaS system to implement secure e-mail for corresponding with people outside your organization. Even in the world of TLS, many still have a need for such services which provide mailbox-to-mailbox encryption for both e-mails and attachments.
Should you decide to terminate this service, you might be in for some unexpected challenges. If your service provider does not provide bulk decrypt and export tools, you could be in for a painful process.
In a previous role, I ran into this exact situation. We had to write custom scripts to go through each mailbox e-mail-by-email to unencrypt and export; it was slow and costly.
Even without terminating the service, data exporting tools can be useful as a course of normal business. Consider the situation when your organization is involved in litigation. As part of the legal Discovery process, you might have to produce e-mails for individuals covering specific subjects and dates. Should the list be significant or the filters complex, you can again run into unexpected workloads.
Another example is data offloading. Many services, AWS included, offer excellent tools for migration / uploading large volumes into their cloud services. In some cases, particularly with large datasets, such approaches are the only feasible or timely solution.
But what happens when you elect to move those datasets to another cloud provider? Dont assume the comprehensive set of options you have for bringing data into your providers cloud is symmetric. You might just find a long slow process to make a change.
In both examples, specific industry or regulatory requirements such as security, data location, and privacy can compound the challenge.
IT professionals have a lot of experience with managing proprietary solutions and data. The key is leveraging that knowledge when considering cloud-based solutions. Personally, I have found two methods for reducing these risks.
The first is to run some tabletop simulations on what happens in various scenarios, to develop and expand your punch list over time. Scenarios to consider might include migration, legal requests, disaster recovery or other matters specific to your industry.
My second approach is to network: it is a knowledge and experience multiplier thats second to none. Check with colleagues; get their advice and listen to their own experiences.
Of course, you dont know what you dont know, but thinking of the end, as well as the beginning, should put you in a better spot.
See the rest here:
CIOs and factors overlooked when changing your cloud - Cloud Tech
- How Do You Define Cloud Computing? - Data Center Knowledge [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- RCom arm in tie-up for cloud computing - Moneycontrol.com [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Roundup Of Cloud Computing Forecasts, 2017 - Forbes [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing Continues to Influence HPC - insideHPC [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- 5 Cloud Computing Stocks to Buy - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Adobe bets big on cloud computing for marketing, creative professionals - Livemint [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Red Hat's New Products Centered Around Cloud Computing, Containers - Virtualization Review [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Verizon sells cloud services to IBM in 'unique cooperation between ... - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Hospital CIOs see benefits of healthcare cloud computing - TechTarget [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- How Cloud Computing Is Turning the Tide on Heart Attacks - Fortune [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- What is Cloud Computing Technology?: Cloud Definition ... [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Daily Report: Cloud Computing Asserts Itself - New York Times [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- Verizon sells cloud services to IBM in 'unique cooperation between two tech leaders' - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- CIOs embrace the value of cloud computing in healthcare - TechTarget [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- Heptio's Joe Beda: Before embracing cloud computing, make sure your culture is ready - GeekWire [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- CLOUD COMPUTING Cisco Expands Cloud IoT Services with $610M Viptela Acquisition - CIO Today [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2017]
- A prepaid wallet that helps start-ups access cloud-computing services - The Hindu [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2017]
- Google: No to Price War Over Cloud Computing - Investopedia [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2017]
- 3 things to know about the cloud v. data center decision - ZDNet [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2017]
- OpenStack Foundation cites 'capabilities, compliance and cost' as Summit kicks off - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Profit From Cloud Computing Boom With This ETF - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Autonomous Driving Market Focuses on Artificial Intelligence and ... - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- The cloud computing tidal wave - BetaNews [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Aruba predicts a hybrid future for edge and cloud computing - The Internet of Business (blog) [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- China Says Draft Rules on Cloud Computing Have Been Misunderstood - Wall Street Journal (subscription) [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Oracle launches cloud computing service for India | Business Line - Hindu Business Line [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- Microsoft is on the edge: Windows, Office? Naah. Let's talk about cloud, AI - The Register [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- IBM touts its cloud platform as quickest for AI with benchmark tests - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- Enterprise-owned data centres still 'essential' despite cloud growth, research notes - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- You really should know what the Andrew File System is - Network World [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- Microsoft launches Android app to manage its Azure cloud computing platform - Android Police [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- 3 Cloud Computing Stocks To Buy Right Now - May 10, 2017 ... - Zacks.com [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- Virtustream Adds Enterprise Cloud to Global Dell EMC Partner Program - Cloud Computing Intelligence (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2017]
- Trump signs cybersecurity executive order, mandating a move to cloud computing - GeekWire [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- Cloud Computing, Term of Art Complete Preakness Works - BloodHorse.com (press release) (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- IBM Announces The Defense Calculator And A Cloud Computing Service - Forbes [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- Achieving compliance in the cloud - CSO Online [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- Boston schools CIO Mark Racine takes hybrid approach to cloud computing - EdScoop News (press release) (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- Benefit-risk 'tipping point' for cloud computing now passed, says ... - Out-Law.com [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- Cloud Computing puts in work for Preakness before deluge - Daily Racing Form [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- How telecom is shifting its strategy to support cloud computing - SiliconANGLE (blog) [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- Cloud computing - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- How Alphabet Views the Cloud Computing Price Wars - Market Realist [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Keying Longshot Cloud Computing in the Preakness - America's Best Racing [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Microsoft Extends Cloud-Computing Arms Race to Africa - Fox Business [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Firms Face Decelerating Cloud Spending: Analyst - Investopedia [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Is edge computing set to blow away the cloud? - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Microsoft Extends Cloud-Computing Arms Race to Africa - Wall Street Journal (subscription) [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Rested and ready: 13-1 shot Cloud Computing wins Preakness - Fairfield Daily Republic [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Watch Cloud Computing's thrilling come-from-behind finish at the Preakness Stakes - For The Win [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing wins the 142nd Preakness Stakes in front of a record crowd [Photos] - Baltimore Business Journal [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- 13-1 shot Cloud Computing edges Classic Empire, springs upset in Preakness - News3LV [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing Wins Preakness Stakes, and Techies Are Stoked - Fortune [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing wins Preakness Stakes, dashing Always ... [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Cloud computing, Galeria Inno and change at Deka - Delano.lu [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Roundup Of Cloud Computing Forecasts, 2017 - Enterprise Irregulars (blog) [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing Does Not Need Help From Washington - Cramer's ... - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- CTOvision Assessment on The Megatrend of Cloud Computing - CTOvision (blog) [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing's Trainer Wins One for His Mentor at Preakness - New York Times [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Make sense of edge computing vs. cloud computing | InfoWorld - InfoWorld [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing Takes the Preakness - RFD-TV [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing takes Preakness - CNN.com [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Make Sense of Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing - Linux.com (blog) [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- How will cloud computing and analytics affect Citrix shops? - TechTarget [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Red Hat to acquire cloud computing firm - Triangle Business Journal [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Cloud computing streamlines oil field monitoring - Williston Daily Herald [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Fans should appreciate Cloud Computing's Preakness win - ESPN [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Cray Takes the Plunge into Cloud Computing - TOP500 News [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Baidu to leverage cloud computing, artificial intelligence, in effort to ramp up behavioural analysis - South China Morning Post [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Cloud computing will change the nature of hospital IT shops - Healthcare IT News [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Microsoft's weapon in high-stakes cloud-computing battle with Amazon? Freebies - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Amazon Shares Hit $1000, Showing Dominance of E-Commerce, Cloud - The VAR Guy [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2017]
- Oracle set to expand cloud reach with Tencent alliance - South China Morning Post [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2017]
- Cloud Computing to Skip Belmont as Field Comes into Focus - America's Best Racing [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2017]
- Movers: Amazon's Stock Price Hits $1000 - New York Times [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Mary Meeker: Healthcare technology is booming thanks to cloud computing and wearables - SiliconANGLE (blog) [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Will Amazon's Web Services Business Get Hurt by Cloud Computing Commodification? - HuffPost [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Box CEO Aaron Levie: Artificial intelligence to revolutionize cloud computing - MarketWatch [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Cloud computing takes off as top new discipline on campus - Education Dive [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- The 3 dumbest things enterprises do in the cloud - InfoWorld [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2017]