August 2015

The uses of cloud computing have evolved over the years, advancing from cost efficiency, productivity and data accessibility to more critical strategies. Information-Age's Ben Rossi reported organizations now want converged cloud environments to deliver new services and applications to market. This capability is essential for helping brands establish a competitive advantage over their industry rivals.

The emphasis on converged cloud computing has not replace other considerations for using the technology completely. Rossi wrote companies still want the ability to scale operations to meet ever-changing demands. This desire will remain in 2015. As a result, vendors should offer consulting services to remain competitive in the cloud field this year.

Rossi indicated service providers may want to communicate with clients on their current IT spending plans, determine their previous spending goals and how these will change throughout 2015. Vendors that do not take this approach will struggle to effectively predict demand and determine how markets are changing based on these analyses.

What are the trends surrounding converged cloud market?
Cloud computing has constantly shifted over the years, not only from how businesses leverage the technology, but to which models – public, private or hybrid – are en vogue. Today, it appears hybrid environments are among the most influential trends to the converged sector. Rossi explained hybrid suites are driving the growth of certain technologies including flash.

Hybrid models, on-site private solutions and software-defined architectures can benefit from converged clouds because they offer automation and SD-network functionality. For vendors and resellers to take advantage of these tools and trends, Rossi indicated both parties will have to work with one another to deliver IT- and-cloud consultancy.

Regardless of cloud model, security is often at the forefront of any implementation. Rossi emphasized this point, noting vendors and resellers must make sure cloud environments function simply and securely.

Otherwise, breaches may occur, leading to compliance fines, unwanted news coverage and loss of trust among clients and customers whose data is exposed during these incidents.

Cloud computing exceeding companies' expectations
As Rossi touched on, the traditional and popular reasons behind cloud computing adoption are not going anywhere. The desire to adopt the service to facilitate productivity and reduce operating costs is still strong even as more firms look to converged environments. A Tata Communications survey discovered 85 percent of organizations believe the cloud has matched the hype, with nearly one-quarter of respondents asserting the service has exceeded their expectations. A similar percentage of companies have experienced unexpected advantages, including productivity, improved data access and cost reductions, eWEEK reported.

In an interview with the news source, John Hayduk, chief technology officer of Tata Communications, said cloud solutions are supporting IT standardization practices.

"So tasks like creating a server can be done virtually, and not require any real human intervention to connect or install a server," Hayduk told eWEEK. "In the cloud application space, you simply have to create a commercial relationship to get access to the service and start using. Gone are the days of getting software, installing it, testing it, and then rolling it out to your user base."

Managed service providers looking for a leg up on the competition when helping clients transition to cloud suites should consider incorporating cloud readiness tools into their offerings. These solutions enable MSPs to determine how customer IT infrastructures will perform in cloud environments before launch, identifying any challenges that may harm efficiency and finding a suitable alternative.

With the market heading toward more converged cloud assets, MSPs that can support clients' demands and help them successfully and securely implement new cloud applications will be the ones leading their respective industries by keeping customers on track even when the market constantly evolves.

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