Cloud computing, along with growing digital technologies and the remarkable growth of the Internet of Things, is driving wave after wave of disruption across industries.

Disruptive forces, both internally and externally, are among the key challenges companies will face when they shift to a cloud technology solution. It’s a fundamental reality when embracing the cloud – challenges will be there; the successful companies will concert those challenges into opportunities.

Every change comes with challenges.

Here is a closer look at some challenges faced during a cloud transition:

1. Managing Disruption — External. Disruptive cloud technologies are how companies like Uber and Airbnb have changed the transportation and travel industries. By leveraging new approaches and Big Data, these companies have transformed the industries they have entered. One challenge to companies transitioning to the cloud is that others, not yet in your industry, maybe using cloud technology in ways you have not considered, which leads to …
2. Managing Disruption – Internal. A cloud migration usually brings with it big changes to business processes and collaborations within a company. How will the company encourage and foster this disruption? How will employees be trained on the new technology and encouraged to use it for different ways of doing business? These messages and skills can go a long way towards driving innovation.
3. Security and Compliance. For better or worse, companies with in-house systems were in control and responsible for security, both physical and digital, of the systems, machines, and data stored there. With the cloud, security is relegated to a third-party provider. Usually, these companies have robust systems to protect digital and physical systems. That’s why it’s imperative that companies be clear on what those protocols are when selecting a system. Similarly, compliance issues can be a headache in certain sectors such as healthcare, public sector, retail. Ensuring compliance among cloud providers is a new obligation for those companies shifting services.
4. Interoperability. For any new system, the ability to intersect with other areas of the company is of great importance. In cloud computing, it’s no different. As data migrates into and out of the cloud, it’s important for companies to understand how cloud systems will operate with on-premises systems that haven’t or won’t migrate. The same goes for IT staff, who will be interacting with cloud provider staff to ensure smooth operation and coordinate patching, updates, upgrades, and new services coming online.
5. Bandwidth and Performance. Costs are often a key driver for cloud implementation. With cloud solutions, companies can save considerably on hardware, storage, space, and cooling expenses. There may be efficiencies gained in use or number of staff for IT, data entry, and reporting functions. However, in an increasingly mobile world, the demand for data and applications may result in increased bandwidth costs that may not be fully predictable. Lack of proper bandwidth allocation can result in performance issues, disrupting credibility among employees and customers.

At Denovo, we help companies select and launch successful cloud computing solutions that mitigate the risks and drive productive disruption and innovation. To learn how Denovo can help your company, contact us.