Organisations must avoid trying to implement cloud solutions based solely on the examples of others, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach, says Gartner chief of research for cloud computing, Daryl Plummer.
Speaking at the annual Gartner Symposium, on Tuesday, Plummer stressed the need for each organisation to tackle cloud with specific goals in mind.
"I get clients asking me how they should prepare for the cloud," Plummer said. "The first thing I ask is what they want to do with the cloud."
He likened the clients' request to asking how one would prepare to go out to dinner without knowing the restaurant - whether it was take-out or at a five-star establishment.
What is suitable for one situation is not suitable for another. He used the example of cloud-based e-mail that is great for small to medium businesses, but actually costs more for large corporations.
"People think if I buy the treadmill, I will lose weight," Plummer explained. However, the treadmill itself won't make a difference to one's body unless it is used. "Cloud computing doesn't make a difference just by sitting there. It's a tool for you to get the value you're seeking."
Plummer listed the potential benefits of going into cloud computing, provided an organisation does so with a clear head.
"Cloud affects your agility - agility is not about speed, it's about ability to move from one state to another state in the most effective way you can," said Plummer.
In addition, the cost can be cheaper (although it won't always be cheaper).
There are a variety of kinds of cloud services, ranging from software as a service, through to platform as a service. In addition, there are a variety of providers, including those who offer traditional virtualisation services and simply call it cloud ("cloudwashers"), those who believe the cloud simply means being Web-based ("Web cloud"), those who want to use only private clouds ("control cloud"), and cloud purists who don't believe in a hybrid system ("cloud purity"). All have positive and negative aspects, according to Plummer.
"You need to find your own path through the cloud. Ask: Who am I? What do I need?" he advised.
Plummer predicted that, in time, most organisations will use brokers to make these kinds of decisions. Meanwhile, it's critical for organisations to ensure they have a clear idea of the business benefit that the cloud services they choose to use provide and to negotiate contracts that mitigate the possible obstacles, he stressed.
"We're still building the cloud. Failures are going to happen. Plan to assert your rights." he said.
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