Bracing (Or Embrace) for Change: SIs and Cloud Computing
In yesterday’s article, Bracing for Change, Ovum’s John Madden, thoughtfully describes the challenges that Cloud Computing impose on (threatens?) SIs. John cleverly proposes several steps that SIs can prepare for, even implement today, to help them bolster their Cloud business. http://tinyurl.com/ycpy9wg
I certainly agree with John’s analysis but not so sure if the SIs need ‘Bracing for’ as much as ‘Embracing of’ the Cloud. The former implies upheaval that is both unpredictable and potentially destructive. Indeed, for many S the Cloud is seen as less of an opportunity and more of a threat. And in that sense SI’s do need to ‘Brace for’ a ‘Cloudy day’.
John suggests SIs should innovate (presumably like crazy) and create an ‘ecosystem’ as two important cornerstones to Cloud success. His wise prescriptions implicitly describe this notion of ‘embracing of’.
A good analog is when swimmer encounters a rip- tide at the beach (Ok, this is one I’ve NOT experienced!)…but the sage advice goes something like this: swim with the current until the current dissipates and then you can make your way as opposed to try and fight and it you’ll just exhaust your resources and put yourself in a more precarious situation.
While I haven’t had a life threatening rip-tide at the beach, I do have experience with clients that have encountered (more likely present tense, encountering) how to make a profitable Cloud business with the resources and expertise they have. I’ve discovered and encourage my clients to Embrace the Cloud. The more that SIs can embrace the Cloud (less ‘bracing of’ and certainly not in lieu of on-premise) the more likely it is that they’ll create a compelling Cloud value proposition for their clients.