How The Cloud Is Being Used:

A Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) Cloud Usage Index survey taken among 3,645 IT global decision makers revealed the following findings:

Information Access Is Top Driver:

33% of companies adopted cloud primarily to access information from any device rather than cut costs. Top reasons for adopting cloud computing:

• 33% mobility
• 17% cost

The Downsize Factor:

Few companies downsize IT departments after cloud adoption:

• Only 14% downsized IT after adopting cloud
• 20% hired more cloud experts

Money Saving Opportunities:

The majority of businesses save money with cloud, however savings are small.

• 82% of all companies saved money on their last cloud adoption project
• 23% of U.S. businesses reported no savings
• 45% of U.S. small businesses (less than 50 employees) reported no savings
• 35% of U.S. business saved less than $20k
• 92% of Brazilian businesses reaped the most cost benefit
• 70% of Australian businesses saved money

Businesses and Long Term Cloud Adoption:

• 65% of companies choose cloud subscriptions lasting one year or more

Green and the Cloud:

• 64% of companies say that adopting cloud has helped them reduce waste and lower energy consumption

Businesses Improvements:

Nearly all businesses boost improvements in IT performance after cloud adoption:

• 93% of all companies experienced at least one area of improvement in their IT departments after adopting cloud
• 52% reported increased data center efficiency and utilization
• 47% stated they experienced lower operating costs after cloud adoption
• 80% realized improvements within six months of moving to the cloud

Workforce Resistance:

Small Businesses faced less workforce resistance to cloud adoption:

• 74% of small businesses stated that no one in their organization resisted the move to the cloud

Employee Preparation:

Employee preparation in advance of cloud implementation varies widely:

• 97% Brazil
• 81% Australia
• 80% United States

Data Security Concerns:

Data security concerns do not change significantly after adopting cloud computing:

• 25% of companies expressed more concern about data security
• 47% of companies in Singapore expressed more concern about data security
• 47% of Brazilian companies expressed less concern about data security

U. S. Government IT Workers:

Half of U.S. government IT workers say they have moved work to the cloud:

• 48% of U.S. government agencies moved at least one workflow to the cloud following the new requirement that U.S. federal agencies adopt a “cloud-first” policy

Now that we have an understanding of how businesses reported cloud adoption usages, we will move on to examining cloud solutions.

Database Cloud Solutions:

Comparing database solutions is not an easy task, it is tricky at best. Traditional enterprise IT database decisions are mostly restricted to SLA and cost factors. However, in many cases, a specific preferred vendor database solution drives the decision process, such as “we are an Oracle shop.”

On the other hand, decisions about infrastructure, specifically databases, are often driven by more objective considerations.

The Three Dimensional Model (3D):

A simple, powerful, 3D model can be used to compare solutions. Using this 3D model can help you select the most suitable cloud database for your needs. The model is based on three dimensions:

1. Scale – The application determines the level of scale that incorporates measurable parameters such as size, throughput, and high availability.
2. Simplicity –Development and operations require simplicity.
3. Cost – The solution should be efficient in relation to the application requirements. For example, if a solution’s scale and usage cost over time is lower than a fixed cost, then that type of variable cost solution is more efficient.

The 3D Box - An xEround Creation:

Let’s look at the 3D xeround box solution below. Notice the box’s attributes are laid out along several three dimensional paths:

1. The Cost Axis: Varies from zero cost to excess cost, which means that whatever solution is chosen, the cost structure will never be efficient. This applies in the case of over-provisioning for example, where users are required to over-pay for resources that they do not necessarily consume.
2. The Simplicity/Complexity Axis: This shows the “sweet-spot” of the Simple Enough” point – where beyond this point a given solution becomes too complex for the application’s needs.
3. The Scale Axis: Varies from zero-scalability to the point of Excess Scale. The optimal point is the right scale to accommodate the needs of the application. Beyond this point, any addition in scaling capabilities will go un-utilized.

The Blue box in the diagram represents the optimal zone: The optimal zone is where the infrastructure chosen best serves the application’s operational requirements at any given time. A solution that is located within this blue box would be considered an optimal one in terms of cost, scalability and simplicity.

For more on understanding how to select the best cloud solutions with more complex cloud requirements, MatterMax Media recommends that you visit exround.com

Now that you are headed in the right direction to understand how to choose the best cloud solution for your company, you are ready to take the next steps to maximize your IT applications in the cloud.

See you next week at Today’s Marketing Blog’s Thursday Edition, where we will present the final installment, part 3 of the “Head in the Cloud” series, “The 10 Best Personal Computer Cloud Solutions.”

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