So I am definitely not a techy. I pride my ability to quickly learn new applications and software, to be able to basically fix my computer when it’s a fairly simple fix. So when I inherited with my new responsibilities a program entitled “Defining the Cloud”, I quickly realized that I had fallen far behind in my techy knowledge.
I thought I would start with my own IT director to see if he could help explain the cloud (I also wanted to invite him to join our seminar). He said, “well, Sarah, it’s not that complicated. Technically the Chamber is already on the cloud as we host several of our major information systems offsite over the internet”. Can it really be that simple? Why then am I receiving email after email talking about the benefits of the cloud, or the cloud will cause your company this or that new problem.
While I still have much to learn, the CIOs of corporations around the country are already fast considering the pros and cons of the cloud and developing their strategic implementation plans for how to move to this more efficient (more cost-effective) manner of data storage.
On Tuesday, September 28th we will hear from one of the cloud’s leading experts – Chris Weitz with Deloitte. He forwarded me and my team a marketing piece that walks through the benefits and challenges of the cloud. I thought I would provide an excerpt of the conclusion in this paper:
“Cloud computing is not a passing fad. It is already a compelling computing services option for many situations, and is rapidly gaining momentum in the market. As the market matures, companies will be challenged to adopt cloud computing services models in order to remain agile and competitive. Making this transition is a strategic business issue, and will require the engagement of top business leaders, working closely with the CIO.”
Throughout the paper, several important points were made that helped me to understand why the CIOs and CTOs involved in the Dallas Regional Chamber’s CIO Symposium were interested in a serious look at this topic. Several points are made below:
“Cloud computing receives significant attention for its disruptive potential.” That explains all those emails I get…
“Cloud computing represents a major shift in how businesses can process information and manage IT. With traditional IT, businesses make massive investments in dedicated resources and infrastructure, including hardware, software, data centers, networks, IT staff and security.”
“At its core, cloud computing is a fundamentally more efficient way to deliver and consume IT services.”
On the 28th, the members of the CIO Symposium will learn about this topic, understand how and why companies are making the shift and hear best practices on advancing their corporate strategy for the cloud. I am looking forward to getting a clearer picture on these issues.
The Symposium is limited to CIOs, CTOs and their direct reports. For an invitation, please contact tech@dallaschamber.org. Thank you to Capstone and Deloitte for their sponsorship of this program.
Maryfran Johnson was named Editor in Chief of CIO magazine and events in January 2009. A longtime journalist and editor, she brings more than 20 years of experience covering IT leadership, technology and business trends to her role, along with an extensive network of CIO contacts from previous leadership positions at Computerworld and CIO Decisions magazine.
