In our previous blog we discussed cloud strategy development and today our goal is to explain the different approaches to cloud strategy adoption. Once an enterprise cloud strategy is adopted, the implementation of those strategies requires transformation in the IT organization. Some common approaches and stages to developing an enterprise-wide cloud strategy include: 

Cloud aware
Enterprise users and IT staff are aware of broad cloud trends but are not yet prepared to adopt public-cloud solutions. These institutions may choose to build on-premises solutions in a way that prepares them for an eventual move to the cloud. 

Cloud experimentation
The IT organization begins to learn about the various cloud services available to them in the forms of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS. The organization may begin deploying some common SaaS solutions (such as Office 365), which sometimes grows into testing IaaS deployments.

Opportunistic cloud
The IT organization begins to actively seek out cloud solutions that meet new business requirements. Services may remain as traditional on-premises deployments, but cloud solutions are considered and deployed when reliability, scalability, or other benefits are perceived. 

Cloud first
This strategy places cloud at the top of the decision-making chain. The default assumption within the enterprise is that cloud services will fulfill the majority of the enterprise computing needs. 

In order to evolve into the role of cloud enabler, MITCON's focus is to carefully consider the value we bring with each individual organization's cloud service adoption and ensure we have the correct approach to serve our members. ​

Microsoft 365 is not only for businesses, but offers key insights and is an ideal cloud-based software for nonprofits. Learn more in the Tech Soup video below.

​Here's a brief overview of Microsoft 365 and how it can help your organization stay connected.

The definition of the cloud can seem murky, but essentially it’s a term used to describe a global network of servers, each with a unique function.

​The cloud is not a physical entity, but instead is a vast network of remote servers around the globe which are hooked together and meant to operate as a single ecosystem. These servers are designed to either store and manage data, run applications, or deliver content or a service such as streaming videos, web mail, office productivity software, or social media. Instead of accessing files and data from a local or personal computer, you are accessing them online from any Internet-capable device—the information will be available anywhere you go and anytime you need it.

Businesses use four different methods to deploy cloud resources. There is a public cloud that shares resources and offers services to the public over the Internet, a private cloud that isn’t shared and offers services over a private internal network typically hosted on-premises, a hybrid cloud that shares services between public and private clouds depending on their purpose, and a community cloud that shares resources only between organizations, such as with government institutions.
 
Cloud strategy development is an evolutionary process in most enterprises. Once an enterprise cloud strategy is adopted, the implementation of those strategies requires transformation. Rest assured, at MITCON we are aware of these broad cloud trends and are preparing for the best cloud solution for our community.