Cloud services
IT Taps Outside Experts to Handle Cloud Complexity
Rather than eliminating the need for solution providers, the rise of the cloud is actually creating more demand for their services than ever.
Top Cloud Business Benefits
Surprisingly, the top business benefit cited by respondents was increased security (45%), followed by greater agility and cost savings (tied at 39%). Gaining a competitive edge came in at 38%.
Biggest Strategic Cloud Challenges
Integrating new cloud services (59%), integrating services from multiple vendors (58%), aligning cloud investments with business objectives (57%) and integration of cloud services with legacy apps (57%) were high on the list.
Biggest Tactical Cloud Challenges
A full 75% said implementing cloud services creates new process challenges, while 74% said they need more external help. More time than anticipated (73%) is required to manage cloud service implementations.
Appreciating the Complexity of the Cloud
Almost three-quarters (72%) said cloud computing increased the complexity of their IT environments. The leading cause of that complexity is operating cloud applications (36%).
Number of Cloud Services Being Used
More than 88% of survey respondents said that they managed more than one cloud vendor, with nearly 18% saying they manage five. A third (33%) said they plan to use fewer clouds going forward to minimize complexity.
The Cloud Involves a Lot of Trial and Error
Two-thirds (66%) of organizations moved one-third or more of their systems or applications back to a physical infrastructure.
Reliance on Cloud Expertise
A full 98% said expert help proved critical to cloud integration efforts. In fact, 74% report bringing in additional external support to implement cloud solutions.
Future Cloud Plans
Nearly half (48%) plan to increase the use of hybrid cloud services. Boosting integration of cloud services and adding new ones are tied at 43%.