 Technology
Services 
So why are
so many people talking about moving their computer needs from their own premises to a Cloud Computing supplier?
Summary
Cloud Computing can provide an almost infinite range of solutions but some of the key reasons why
you might want for doing it are:
1.The Flexibility of meeting the changing
computing resource needs on demand as the changing needs of your business fluctuate but only paying for what you use, hence
lower capital expenditure & reduction in under utilized hardware & software.
2.The ability
to outsource non-core functions from within your business to an organization that have the focused expertise
& skills but the ability to spread that resource over multiple clients.
3.Cost
reductions.
From a Pro’s perspective just think of it as probably a lot cheaper & flexible &
using a supplier whose key expertise is computing as a service business.
From a Con’s perspective you are basically
losing some control over your data & computer operations which mean you have to have processes in place to monitor your
data, & your supplier’s capability to keep it safe & secure & performing to the level promised & delivered.
Just think of Cloud Computing in the same way you would buy any other utility, but make sure you know how it will be
managed & oversee your supplier’s management on an ongoing basis for safety, security & compliance, performance
& value for money.
The first step is to identify suppliers who provide the service you are looking for & through
thorough analysis, questioning & investigation, identify typical scenarios that help to confirm that they are up to the
job. Employ a dedicated Security expert to work with you to validate their answers & to help you ask the right questions.
Carry out your own risk analysis & decide what you want to & feel comfortable to outsource. Check their SLA’s
& contract for specific areas of interest or concern. An external auditor analysis might well be possible before contracts
are signed under NDA. Always work on the basis that this should not be a problem. What have they got to hide? Regular penetration
testing & auditing by an external vendor could be become a regular feature of your relationship with the provider. This
could also be a selling point for the supplier & provide Quality assurance. |
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 Project
& Programme Management
Programme
Management Basic Framework
Summary
Major Transformational changes within your organisation typically introduce
complexity, risk, multiple interdependencies & conflicting priorities. Along the way they also help to identify a number
of key projects that are needed to deliver the corporate vision. To
arrive at the vision we need to put in place a framework that consists of governance, overarching principles & a sequence
of steps to form the transformational flow to be adopted. Below are the key area to consider as part of this initial framework.
The Principles - Remaining aligned with Corporate Strategy
- Leading Change
- Envisioning & communicating a better future
- Focusing on the benefits & threats to them
- Adding
Value
- Designing & Delivering a coherent capability
- Learning from experience
Governance - The
Vision
- Organisation
- Blueprint
Design & Delivery
- Risk & Issue Mgmt
- Business Case
- Planning & Control
- Benefits Realisation
- Leadership & Stakeholder engagement
Transformational
Flow - Programme Mandate
- Identify Programme
- Define Programme
- Tranche Management
- Delivering Capability
- Benefits Realisation
- Closing Programme
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 Business
Transformation
Harnessing the creativity
of your people during Transformational change within your business
Summary
Business growth is not always a linear event & in many situations
it is all about a step change. This step change brings about the need to take a serious look at not only your current business
but where you see your business over the next 3,5 or 10 years.
This major change in your business is likely to need significant time & resource to achieve,
much of which will require the help & collaboration of external organisations & resources. These changes are therefore
Transformational & all encompassing for the business based around a Vision & a Roadmap &/or Blueprint from the
company executive or board.
The start of the journey.
The first step in this scenario might be to capture &
document where the organisation wants to go or see itself sometime in future, out of which a programme team should be put
together to evaluate how the vision & blueprint might be achieved. The work required to reach the vision of the future
will be managed by an internal or external Programme/Project Manager & a number of key steps must be taken on the journey
from current to future state, Using a methodology such as MSP, PRINCE 2 or Agile methods will help to map out the journey
If there is much change involved you must take into account of the human factor & look to run workshops to
not only get the buy-in but significant contribution from the current workforce. Let's not forget that your workforce
are the most valuable resource you have! They often no the history of your organisation, whats been tried in the past &
what elements of the current organisation are worthy to be taken forward with the business into the future.
Blackoak
would recommend developing a strategy using Strategic Visioning techniques to take your Vision & future Blueprint &
work with your teams to map out the roadmap & subsequent strategy to reach the future vision & identify what needs
to be done on your journey to the future state. This is part of a larger review & overview Business development & facilitation Services available, that provides
a snapshot of the key issues, concerns & business drivers that underpin the importance of getting the most out of your
current people & assests & identifying which emerging technologies will deliver most business benefit.
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