One would think that we're getting pretty good at cloud computing, considering the hype that's driving some quick projects -- and some quick failures, for that matter. The fact is that this has been -- and will continue to be -- a learning experience, at least for the new few years.
Considering this, I came up with the three most common blunders I've seen when organizations move to the cloud. Perhaps you can learn from these mistakes; perhaps some of them sound familiar.
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Cloud computing mistake No. 1: Ignoring governance and security until the end of the project
As I've been stating, both governance and security should be systemic to the architecture, and those IT organizations that consider these concepts as something that's just part of the deployment strategy are doomed. These are very complex models and mechanisms and should be built into every step of the planning, design, and deployment. Security is not a one-size-fits-all concept for cloud computing, and neither is governance. You can't just check those boxes.
Cloud computing mistake No. 2: Leveraging "big consulting"
I understand that the partner in the large consulting firm that's been hanging around forever belongs to the same country club as your CEO. Also, that the firm has a very good-looking cloud computing multimedia presentation. However, you will find that you need heavy hitters for your cloud computing strategy and deployment efforts: key mentors that stick around after the engagement is signed.
Most big consulting firms lead with well-polished presentations and, perhaps, some pretty smart people. However, when it comes time to do the real work, you're staring across the table at very inexperienced individuals whose knowledge of cloud computing is limited by the number of article printouts they could read on the plane flight out.