Cloud transformation: what it is, why it’s inevitable and how to get started

The cloud is more than just data storage – it’s how your company connects systems, builds new platforms and applications, accesses information and efficiently processes and scales data flows, just to name a few capabilities.

With almost every company moving to the cloud sooner or later, building the foundation for your digital future today is only becoming increasingly important to the success of your business. Most companies understand the need for cloud technology, however, the process of determining how to operationalize the right strategy and tactical activities to be executed to realize true business transformation can be complex.

Businesses can undergo a simple shift to the cloud and gain basic benefits such as speed, access and security. But when companies undergo a cloud transformation, they receive even greater value. For example: an improved client experience with a capacity to meet customers’ growing expectations; a better employee experience, coinciding with the expectations and changing skillsets of the modern workforce; the opportunity to innovate on a larger scale; and the ability to adapt to our ever-changing world.

The matter of whether you can actually capitalize on these benefits of the cloud is the crux of true transformation.

The intricacies of cloud transformation

As Steve Jobs used to say, you start with the end user experience and work backwards.

Simply put, the cloud is a conduit. It’s a means to an end.

What are you looking to achieve through a cloud transformation? To better understand how the cloud can enable your company’s digital transformation, this question must be answered first.

Additional considerations must be taken into account before undergoing a cloud transformation. Begin by asking key questions regarding your company’s path towards your desired future state:

• Why are you engaging in a cloud transformation? Understanding your why will set the tone for your cloud transformation. Ensuring alignment of your main objectives to your company’s guiding principles and core goals will ultimately help you better serve your customers and your employees. If your company can’t clearly articulate its vision to stakeholders, you won’t get their buy-in to come on the journey with you.