How Does Cloud Computing Impact IT Management?
IT is evolving every day. Nothing exemplifies this statement better than the ongoing shift from on-premise software systems to cloud computing and XaaS. Where the IT manager’s docket used to be beholden to system software patches and routine maintenance, cloud has freed up personnel to tackle more important enterprise-level initiatives. But what does this migration mean for the role and responsibilities of the IT manager? To find out, let’s take a look at the future of IT management in the cloud.
Cloud Operations Isn’t Easier, It’s Just Different
If you’re worried that a cloud migration might eliminate your company’s need for you or your team, rest assured. Cloud doesn’t manage itself. But it does automate some of the more time-consuming administrative tasks like maintaining updated operating systems and patch levels. That workload reduction gives teams the ability to evolve your IT management priorities to the next level of business needs. Whether you’ve been sitting on a new network security protocol overhaul or struggling to answer management’s queries about staff or program performance, cloud management will provide you the time you need to elevate your priorities and focus.
Turning Capital Expenditures into Operating Resources
Because you can scale your resources up or down as demand changes, you no longer have to budget for equipment purchases. Cloud is costed on a pay-as-you go model, giving IT managers more flexibility in their budget, and potentially, more flexibility in reallocating those budgets to other system, process or functional integration projects that have been hanging out on the back burner for a while.
Transitioning from a Team of Doers to a Team of Vendor Management Specialists
Indeed, you and your team will find yourselves increasingly managing hosting, platform and software provider relationships as opposed to tasking out your own people for software updates and security patches. Giving direct control of your technology to someone other than your team after having spent countless hours working so hands-on can take some getting used to, but you or a member of your staff will be in contact with your vendor on a daily basis. Prior to signing a contract, it is important to map out the division of labor between the onsite IT team and the remote provider to get a clear understanding of is expected between both parties. Yes, having a technical acumen is a must, but now IT management requires strong communication and relationship management skills.
Indeed, IT is no longer simply launching and maintaining software. Managers working with cloud will see their job transform and with that their tasks and responsibilities at hand adapt to best support the company at large.
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