Hype is a marketer's dream and IT's nightmare. While it helps the former generate excitement, it often obscures reality for the latter. Cloud computing is the latest case in point. The hype would have you believe the cloud is the entire answer when in reality it is just part of the solution.
Cloud computing has a lot to offer, especially to small and midsize businesses (SMB), but you need to get beyond the hype to see the big picture.
FAQ: Cloud computing, demystified
In our first column (see "What shape is your cloud? Part 1") we explained the cloud, identified specific opportunities for making use of the cloud and discussed benefits of moving to
a cloud computing environment. That was the hard part. The next step is to identify signs and inflection points that signal
you're ready to make the move. The most appropriate place to start is pinpointing areas within your company that are ready
for a change or upgrade.
Continued
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