Key considerations for would-be cloud users

The ODCA report defining IT requirements for cloud adoption is to be welcomed (ODCA details eight priorities for cloud adoption). Technical issues like security monitoring, I/O control and virtual machine interoperability are, of course, key, as is the regulatory framework, but organisations must also carefully consider the business issues.

No matter what type of cloud an organisation wants to purchase, there is no justification for adoption unless it is shown to improve the service and/or reduce cost. 

Organisations also need to consider if they have the skills and patience to undertake the move. In migrating to the cloud, good change management is a key requirement.

So, while the technical considerations outlined by the ODCA are critically important, organisations must never neglect the business and cultural issues.

Andrew Carr, Bull UK and Ireland