The benefits of cloud solutions are leading to a transition to the cloud in a wide variety of applications, including software designed to improve the customer experience, networking solutions that apply software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN), and security tools that monitor the broad plane of risk that cloud technology introduces. In all areas of technology, enterprises are finding that cloud solutions are cost-effective and help them meet business objectives.
The unintended result of implementing cloud solutions in a variety of ways is that enterprises often find themselves in an increasingly complex environment where they are managing a hybrid cloud situation. A hybrid approach offers a lot of benefits, including the ability to optimize operations and workloads, but it is not always the simplest approach.
The IT division may be interacting with four or more vendors to resolve issues for a mix of public and private cloud, plus on-site legacy systems. The added complexity that comes with Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile technology provides additional challenges for managing security and troubleshooting across branch locations and a fleet of additional devices.
Smarter data: One of the key problems that a complex cloud environment introduces is a flood of data. While data is a valuable tool for analyzing system performance and a host of other business metrics, raw data without any sifting or organization is useless when it comes in droves. Enterprises need a smart data approach that provides metadata on service availability, application performance, reliability, responsiveness, and availability.
This top-down approach gives IT a better view of the cloud environment and how it’s performing, and also allows troubleshooting for what can be changed for better outcomes in the future. Enterprises are investing in cloud solutions with the expectation of enhanced business productivity and cost reduction, but each of these applications is only as effective as the visibility that IT has into the system through smart data.
The momentum surrounding cloud adoption isn’t going to slow down. Even enterprises that have embraced the hybrid cloud approach will likely invest more in cloud solutions as they seek to address overloaded network servers, managing mobile devices and edging out the competition with a better customer experience.
Enterprises that want to maximize the effectiveness of a hybrid cloud approach must begin with smart data. Prioritizing visibility into the successful use of cloud technology is essential for getting the best return on investment.
To learn more about the best way to support, grow, and protect your enterprise and cloud investments, contact us at Enterprise Visions.