IT and business goals must combine in the cloud

The cloud may soon be everywhere, changing practices and granting opportunities.

The cloud may seem as though it's becoming the key source of IT functionality within companies. This is true to a large extent. Software developers are working with Platform-as-a-Service deployments, eager to communicate with one another more effectively and enjoy scalable computing resources. The products they create can then go out to users on a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, with patching and management happening in-house. Cloud infrastructure can be a boon to your business, but you should also consider how it will affect your daily procedures and be prepared to adapt. If implementation is not carried out properly, internal strife could derail the benefits.

Synchronize your business and IT departments IT expert and Forbes contributor Joe McKendrick recently explained a pronounced shift that has grown evident within businesses trying to become more cloud-savvy. He stated that these firms often find themselves with cloud-infused projects springing up at the behest of non-IT leaders. The technical staff will feel marginalized in such a situation, but they are still important. McKendrick specified that the central position of technology within today's major organizations and the rapid pace at which it took root have created a call for support and expertise on a greater scale than ever before.

The next few years might see the role of IT changing but remaining important. It may not be the CIO who floats the idea of a move into PaaS, but there will be a need for help once the transition is complete. McKendrick stated that one thing these leaders should definitely not do is to try and prevent the cloud from taking hold. Since it has already made such strong inroads, becoming a fixture in multiple industries nearly overnight, trying to remove it now would be pointless and counterproductive.

Paradigms shifting Many have predicted that in the months ahead, the cloud become a more prominent support technology than ever before. BusinessNewsDaily recently gathered IT predictions from Easy Office Phone CEO Adam Simpson, who suggested that private cloud deployments will become the order of the day as firms grow more savvy and particular. He also argued that, equipped with cloud solutions, small firms will be able to compete on a worldwide scale.

Moving forward without awareness of the cloud's potential could be a serious misstep for your business. Organizations of all types have begun to realize the benefits of using this technology both internally and in their dealings with clients and partners. Learning about the cloud should therefore be a top priority.