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10 Ways Business Leaders Can Get The Most Out Of

Cloud

The end customers are playing a growing role in

selecting and managing cloud services.

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Line of business leaders need to know how to choose and manage an IT-intensive

resource successfully.

Here are 10 tips that will help business leaders avoid common pitfalls and

get the most value from cloud solutions[ Mary Shacklett, TechRepublic: 10 ways

business leaders can get the most out of cloud ]

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1) Know what you want before you shopDon’t let sales staff talk you into a new set of

objectives that divert you from what you originally wanted to accomplish; define and document your business requirements before you meet with a cloud vendor.

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2) Arrange for a cloud trial To ensure that a cloud solution can not only

bring value to your organization, but is also easy to use & adaptable to your work processes,

ask the cloud provider for a trial evaluation period before you sign up.

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3) Establish cloud metrics that tie back to the business

All cloud services should be linked to measurable business values and then regularly assessed.

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4) See if the cloud can deliver specialized expertise your business lacks

internally If you select a cloud provider that offers not only

service but also expertise you lack internally, you can

increase the value of that cloud service to your business.

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5) Check out the cloud provider’s cultureCloud service providers should have business &

cultural values that blend closely with those of your own organization. With similar work values &

ethics, collaboration between your company and the

provider is greatly enhanced.

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6) Understand your costs Get the most out of cloud for the long haul by

capitalizing on critical returns on investment to the business,

such as the cloud’s ability to improve competitiveness,

contribute to revenue growth, or deliver IT capabilities that

don’t exist internally. #CiscoCloud

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7) Make sure IT is covered – and get help if needed

The most successful ventures with cloud providers are

those where IT and the end customer work together. Non-IT business leaders who bypass

IT in their cloud decision-making introduce risk by going at it alone.

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8) Don’t think of cloud as a commodity service

When choosing a cloud provider, it is important to find someone who can answer strategic or

operational questions that your business can’t, especially if you are dealing with SaaS providers.

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9) Look for mobile capability Business is going mobile, so you want a

cloud service that also links into mobile devices. Along with

mobile apps & access, a cloud provider should have strong

security & data sharing standards.

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10) Ask your cloud provider about its future plans

Know what the cloud provider’s plans are for expanding

its products & services. When the provider’s plans blend well with your own, there’s a better chance

that the relationship you forge will be long & productive.

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Get the most out of cloud for your business with the help of Cisco Powered

Check out Cloud Executive Perspectives to learn more

Source: Mary Shacklett, TechRepublic10 ways business leaders can get the most out of cloud

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