It’s a safe bet that your business uses the cloud in some way or another – it’s as essential now as having a company website. But here’s the real question: can you confidently say your business is doing cloud the right way?
A strong cloud strategy is more than just paperwork – it’s the blueprint that helps the cloud pull its weight for your business goals. And if steering your cloud journey sometimes feels like trying to read a map with half the landmarks missing, an MSP is your satnav – helping IT teams plot the best route, dodge the potholes, and actually get somewhere worthwhile with their cloud strategy.
What’s Next for Cloud and IT Teams
- By 2025, 30% of companies will have IT resilience roles. That means faster recovery when things go wrong – think 45% quicker bounce-back times.
- Over 50% of new cloud provider offerings will focus on real business needs by 2026. Less fluff, more solutions that actually solve your day-to-day challenges.
- Automation and cloud skills are becoming must-haves. By 2026, 60% of data centre teams will have these skills – double the 30% we saw in 2022.
- Real-time cloud optimisation is going mainstream. By 2026, half of all organisations will be optimising cloud spending and performance in real time – a huge leap from under 20% just a few years ago.
The Real Value of a Smart Cloud Strategy
The cloud isn’t just about saving a bit on servers; it’s a massive driver of business value, split between two core ideas:
- Rejuvenate (£340 Billion Potential): This is about smoothing out your current IT setup. Think: trimming costs, lowering risks, and digitising your key processes so your team spends less time putting out fires.
- Innovate (£610 Billion Up for Grabs): If you’re itching to try new services or scale quickly without extra hassle, this is the ticket. The cloud gives you the speed and flexibility to experiment, launch faster, and stay competitive.
Key Questions to Ask About Your Cloud Strategy
- What is cloud strategy, and why do I need one?
Think of it as your game plan for the cloud. Without it, you’re just winging it – and that’s no way to run a business. A solid strategy ensures the cloud works for you, not the other way around. - How do I ensure my cloud strategy meets stakeholder expectations and aligns with customer needs?
Translation: How do you keep everyone happy? The trick is balancing what your stakeholders want with what your customers actually need. It’s like hosting a dinner party – everyone’s got to leave satisfied. - What essential components should be incorporated when developing a robust cloud strategy document?
This is your cloud playbook. It should cover the what, why, and how of your cloud journey – no fluff, just the good stuff that keeps your team on track and your business moving forward.
The CEO’s Role: Leading the Charge from the Top
Cloud success isn’t just an IT thing – it needs strong leadership from the top. Here’s how the CEO can team up with key players to make it happen.
With the CIO
Together, they can build a cloud-ready infrastructure that’s not just stable but flexible. It’s all about creating a new way of working where tech and business teams collaborate to move faster and grow smarter.
With the CFO
Cloud adoption needs investment, and that means rethinking budgets. The CEO and CFO need to work together to create a financial plan that supports ongoing costs while unlocking real business value.
With the CHRO
The best tech is useless without the right people. The CEO and HR leader need to attract and keep top engineering talent with competitive pay, flexible work options, and a culture that values specialised skills.
With the Business-Unit Heads
The CEO sets the tone: if the company is investing in a top-notch cloud setup, business leaders need to deliver results. No more blaming bad tech for missed targets – the tools are there, and it’s time to use them.
More Than A Tagline: It’s A Game Plan
So, the real question isn’t whether you’re using the cloud – it’s whether you’re nailing it. With a Microsoft partner like Intelliworx, your cloud journey turns into more than just a plan – it’s a playbook for success, perfectly aligned with your business goals.
Ready to thrive in the cloud? The next move is yours.