In this lively debate you will hear from Calligo’s Practice Leads as they discuss their key takeaways from 2023 and their data predictions for 2024 and beyond.

Topics discussed include:

The post Data Transformation Predictions for 2024 – Calligo Data Leaders Roundtable appeared first on Calligo.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of IT infrastructure, businesses are constantly faced with the critical decision of choosing between on-premises and cloud solutions. The allure of cloud computing, with its promises of scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency, often leads organizations to assess the financial implications of their choices meticulously. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the complexities of assessing on-premises vs. cloud costs, exploring hidden expenses, the concept of shared responsibility, and the role of a trusted partner like Calligo in navigating this intricate terrain.

Comparing On-Premises and Cloud Costs

On-Premises Costs:

1. Capital Expenditure:

On-premises solutions often entail significant upfront costs for hardware, software licenses, and infrastructure setup. This capital expenditure can strain budgets and limit financial flexibility.

2. Maintenance and Upgrades:

Regular maintenance, updates, and hardware upgrades contribute to ongoing operational costs for on-premises solutions. Predicting and managing these costs can be challenging over the long term.

3. Staffing and Training:

Employing skilled personnel for system administration, maintenance, and troubleshooting adds to the on-premises cost equation. Training employees to manage evolving technologies further increases operational expenses.

Cloud Costs:

1. Pay-as-You-Go Model:

Cloud services operate on a pay-as-you-go model, allowing businesses to pay only for the resources they use. This flexibility can be advantageous for managing costs efficiently, especially during periods of fluctuating demand.

2. Operational Expenditure:

Cloud solutions transform IT costs from capital expenditure to operational expenditure, providing businesses with more predictable and manageable ongoing expenses.

3. Scalability and Efficiency:

Cloud scalability enables organizations to adapt quickly to changing workloads, optimizing costs by automatically adjusting resource allocation.

Hidden Costs in the Cloud:

While the cloud offers a transparent pay-as-you-go model, hidden costs may emerge without careful consideration:

1. Data Transfer and Bandwidth:

Cloud providers may charge for data transfer between regions and the internet, making it essential to factor in bandwidth costs.

2. Storage Costs:

The cost of storing data in the cloud can accumulate, especially with large datasets. Assess storage needs and choose cost-effective storage options.

3. Egress Charges:

Cloud providers may impose fees for data leaving their network. Understanding egress charges is crucial, especially for data-intensive applications.

Shared Responsibility Model:

As organizations transition to the cloud, it’s essential to understand the shared responsibility model:

1. Cloud Provider Responsibilities

Cloud providers manage the security and compliance of the cloud infrastructure, including data center security, hardware maintenance, and network infrastructure.

2. Customer Responsibilities:

Customers are responsible for securing their data within the cloud, managing access controls, implementing encryption, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Responsibility Transfer to the Cloud Provider:

With the cloud, certain responsibilities are transferred to the provider:

1. Security and Compliance:

Cloud providers invest in robust security measures and adhere to compliance standards, alleviating some security concerns for customers.

2. Hardware Maintenance:

The burden of hardware maintenance, updates, and upgrades shifts to the cloud provider, reducing the operational workload for customers.

Areas of Responsibility Retained by the Customer:

Despite the advantages of responsibility transfer, customers retain crucial responsibilities:

1. Data Security:

Ensuring the security of data within the cloud, including encryption, access controls, and compliance, remains the customer’s responsibility.

2. Application Security:

Customers are responsible for securing applications deployed in the cloud, addressing vulnerabilities, and implementing best practices for secure coding.

Leveraging Calligo for Informed Decision-Making:

Calligo, as a leading player in cloud services, plays a pivotal role in helping organizations assess on-premises vs. cloud costs:

1. Comprehensive Cost Analysis:

Calligo conducts a thorough analysis of on-premises and potential cloud costs, considering factors like data transfer, storage, and potential hidden expenses. This ensures organizations make informed financial decisions.

2. Expertise in Compliance and Security:

Calligo’s expertise in compliance and security positions them as a valuable partner. They assist in navigating shared responsibility, ensuring that customers meet compliance standards while benefiting from the security measures provided by the cloud.

3. Tailored Solutions:

Calligo recognizes that each organization is unique. By offering tailored solutions, they ensure that the migration strategy aligns with business objectives, optimizing costs while addressing specific needs and challenges.

4. Managed Services for Ongoing Optimization:

Beyond migration, Calligo provides managed services for ongoing optimization. This includes continuous monitoring, updates, and adjustments to ensure that cloud resources are utilized efficiently, maximizing cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion:

Assessing on-premises vs. cloud costs is a multifaceted endeavor that goes beyond comparing price tags. It requires a deep understanding of the shared responsibility model, consideration of hidden costs, and strategic decision-making. With the expertise of Calligo, organizations can embark on their cloud journey confidently, navigating the complexities of cost analysis, compliance, and security to unlock the full potential of the cloud while optimizing financial investments. Embrace the future of IT infrastructure with a trusted partner by your side, ensuring that every step taken is a step toward efficiency, scalability, and success.

For more comprehensive insights into cloud strategy, visit https://www.calligo.io

View Our Cloud Case Studies

Mayhew

Read more

Eviivo

Read more

Impero

Read more

The Medical Specialist Group (MSG) UK

Read more

1 of

The post What is Cloud as a Service? Exploring Definitions, Current Trends, and Future Horizons appeared first on Calligo.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of IT infrastructure, businesses are constantly faced with the critical decision of choosing between on-premises and cloud solutions. The allure of cloud computing, with its promises of scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency, often leads organizations to assess the financial implications of their choices meticulously. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the complexities of assessing on-premises vs. cloud costs, exploring hidden expenses, the concept of shared responsibility, and the role of a trusted partner like Calligo in navigating this intricate terrain.

Comparing On-Premises and Cloud Costs

On-Premises Costs:

1. Capital Expenditure:

On-premises solutions often entail significant upfront costs for hardware, software licenses, and infrastructure setup. This capital expenditure can strain budgets and limit financial flexibility.

2. Maintenance and Upgrades:

Regular maintenance, updates, and hardware upgrades contribute to ongoing operational costs for on-premises solutions. Predicting and managing these costs can be challenging over the long term.

3. Staffing and Training:

Employing skilled personnel for system administration, maintenance, and troubleshooting adds to the on-premises cost equation. Training employees to manage evolving technologies further increases operational expenses.

Cloud Costs:

1. Pay-as-You-Go Model:

Cloud services operate on a pay-as-you-go model, allowing businesses to pay only for the resources they use. This flexibility can be advantageous for managing costs efficiently, especially during periods of fluctuating demand.

2. Operational Expenditure:

Cloud solutions transform IT costs from capital expenditure to operational expenditure, providing businesses with more predictable and manageable ongoing expenses.

3. Scalability and Efficiency:

Cloud scalability enables organizations to adapt quickly to changing workloads, optimizing costs by automatically adjusting resource allocation.

Hidden Costs in the Cloud:

While the cloud offers a transparent pay-as-you-go model, hidden costs may emerge without careful consideration:

1. Data Transfer and Bandwidth:

Cloud providers may charge for data transfer between regions and the internet, making it essential to factor in bandwidth costs.

2. Storage Costs:

The cost of storing data in the cloud can accumulate, especially with large datasets. Assess storage needs and choose cost-effective storage options.

3. Egress Charges:

Cloud providers may impose fees for data leaving their network. Understanding egress charges is crucial, especially for data-intensive applications.

Shared Responsibility Model:

As organizations transition to the cloud, it’s essential to understand the shared responsibility model:

1. Cloud Provider Responsibilities

Cloud providers manage the security and compliance of the cloud infrastructure, including data center security, hardware maintenance, and network infrastructure.

2. Customer Responsibilities:

Customers are responsible for securing their data within the cloud, managing access controls, implementing encryption, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Responsibility Transfer to the Cloud Provider:

With the cloud, certain responsibilities are transferred to the provider:

1. Security and Compliance:

Cloud providers invest in robust security measures and adhere to compliance standards, alleviating some security concerns for customers.

2. Hardware Maintenance:

The burden of hardware maintenance, updates, and upgrades shifts to the cloud provider, reducing the operational workload for customers.

Areas of Responsibility Retained by the Customer:

Despite the advantages of responsibility transfer, customers retain crucial responsibilities:

1. Data Security:

Ensuring the security of data within the cloud, including encryption, access controls, and compliance, remains the customer’s responsibility.

2. Application Security:

Customers are responsible for securing applications deployed in the cloud, addressing vulnerabilities, and implementing best practices for secure coding.

Leveraging Calligo for Informed Decision-Making:

Calligo, as a leading player in cloud services, plays a pivotal role in helping organizations assess on-premises vs. cloud costs:

1. Comprehensive Cost Analysis:

Calligo conducts a thorough analysis of on-premises and potential cloud costs, considering factors like data transfer, storage, and potential hidden expenses. This ensures organizations make informed financial decisions.

2. Expertise in Compliance and Security:

Calligo’s expertise in compliance and security positions them as a valuable partner. They assist in navigating shared responsibility, ensuring that customers meet compliance standards while benefiting from the security measures provided by the cloud.

3. Tailored Solutions:

Calligo recognizes that each organization is unique. By offering tailored solutions, they ensure that the migration strategy aligns with business objectives, optimizing costs while addressing specific needs and challenges.

4. Managed Services for Ongoing Optimization:

Beyond migration, Calligo provides managed services for ongoing optimization. This includes continuous monitoring, updates, and adjustments to ensure that cloud resources are utilized efficiently, maximizing cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion:

Assessing on-premises vs. cloud costs is a multifaceted endeavor that goes beyond comparing price tags. It requires a deep understanding of the shared responsibility model, consideration of hidden costs, and strategic decision-making. With the expertise of Calligo, organizations can embark on their cloud journey confidently, navigating the complexities of cost analysis, compliance, and security to unlock the full potential of the cloud while optimizing financial investments. Embrace the future of IT infrastructure with a trusted partner by your side, ensuring that every step taken is a step toward efficiency, scalability, and success.

For more comprehensive insights into cloud strategy, visit https://www.calligo.io

View Our Cloud Case Studies

Mayhew

Read more

Eviivo

Read more

Impero

Read more

The Medical Specialist Group (MSG) UK

Read more

1 of

The post Navigating the Cloud Cost Landscape: Assessing On-Premises vs. Cloud Costs with Calligo appeared first on Calligo.

In the era of digital transformation, businesses are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to streamline operations, enhance flexibility, and gain a competitive edge. One of the most transformative technologies driving this change is Cloud as a Service (CaaS). In this blog post, we’ll delve into what CaaS means, explore its benefits, discuss key considerations for selecting a cloud vendor, and highlight how Calligo, a leading player in the cloud services domain, can guide organizations considering cloud migration.

Understanding Cloud as a Service (CaaS)

Cloud as a Service, often referred to as CaaS, represents a paradigm shift in how organizations approach their IT infrastructure. It is a comprehensive model that provides businesses with access to a wide range of cloud computing resources and services on a pay-as-you-go basis. CaaS encompasses various service models, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). This approach allows businesses to scale resources up or down based on demand, eliminating the need for large upfront investments in physical hardware and providing a more flexible and dynamic IT environment.

Benefits of Cloud as a Service

1. Scalability and Flexibility:

CaaS allows organizations to scale their computing resources based on fluctuating workloads. This scalability ensures that businesses can adapt to changing demands without the constraints of traditional on-premises infrastructure.

2. Cost Efficiency:

By adopting a pay-as-you-go model, businesses can optimize costs by only paying for the resources they use. This eliminates the need for significant upfront investments and allows for better budget management.

3. Accessibility and Collaboration:

Cloud services facilitate seamless collaboration among teams, regardless of geographical locations. This accessibility enhances communication, productivity, and the overall efficiency of an organization.

4. Innovation and Agility:

CaaS empowers organizations to innovate rapidly by providing quick access to cutting-edge technologies. This agility allows businesses to stay ahead of the competition and adapt to market changes more efficiently.

5. Data Security and Compliance:

Reputable CaaS providers prioritize robust security measures and compliance standards. This ensures that businesses can store and process data in the cloud while meeting industry-specific regulatory requirements.

Selecting the Right Cloud Vendor: What Businesses Should Look For

Choosing the right cloud vendor is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of a cloud migration initiative. Here are key considerations for businesses when selecting a cloud vendor:

1. Security Measures:

Evaluate the security protocols and measures implemented by the cloud vendor to ensure the protection of sensitive data. Look for industry certifications and compliance standards.

2. Service Offerings:

Assess the range of services offered by the cloud vendor. Consider whether they provide a comprehensive suite of services, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, to meet diverse business needs.

3. Scalability and Performance:

Ensure that the cloud vendor can scale resources efficiently to accommodate changing workloads. Performance metrics and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) should be clear and aligned with business requirements.

4. Data Residency and Compliance:

For businesses with specific data residency requirements, confirm that the cloud vendor can adhere to these regulations. Verify their expertise in navigating compliance standards relevant to the industry.

5. Customer Support and Partnership Approach:

Consider the level of customer support provided by the cloud vendor. A collaborative and partnership-oriented approach is crucial for a successful and ongoing relationship.

How Calligo Can Help Organizations Considering Cloud Migration

Calligo, a renowned player in the cloud services landscape, stands out as a reliable partner for organizations embarking on the cloud migration journey. Here’s how Calligo can add value:

1. Tailored Cloud Solutions:

Calligo takes a consultative approach, working closely with organizations to understand their unique requirements. This ensures the implementation of tailored cloud solutions that align with specific business goals and challenges.

2. Comprehensive Compliance Expertise:

Calligo has deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory landscapes. This is particularly crucial for industries with stringent compliance requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and government. Calligo ensures that organizations can migrate to the cloud while meeting regulatory standards.

3. Hybrid Cloud Integration:

Recognizing that a hybrid cloud approach may be optimal for some organizations, Calligo specializes in seamlessly integrating on-premises infrastructure with cloud services. This flexibility allows businesses to harness the benefits of the cloud while maintaining control over critical aspects of their IT environment.

4. Data Residency Options:

Calligo provides a range of data residency options to accommodate diverse geographical and jurisdictional considerations. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with global operations that need to comply with varying data sovereignty requirements.

5. Continuous Innovation and Optimization:

The dynamic nature of cloud environments requires continuous innovation. Calligo is committed to staying at the forefront of cloud technology advancements, ensuring that organizations benefit from the latest features and optimizations to drive efficiency and innovation.

Conclusion

Cloud as a Service is a transformative force reshaping the way organizations manage their IT infrastructure. Choosing the right cloud vendor is a crucial step in unlocking the full potential of CaaS. With its commitment to tailored solutions, compliance expertise, hybrid cloud integration, data residency options, and continuous innovation, Calligo emerges as a strategic partner for organizations considering cloud migration.

Embrace the future of business operations with confidence, leveraging the power of Cloud as a Service and the expertise of Calligo to drive innovation, scalability, and success in the digital age.

For more on how Calligo can help drive your cloud strategy visit https://www.calligo.io

View Our Cloud Case Studies

Mayhew

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Eviivo

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Impero

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The Medical Specialist Group (MSG) UK

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1 of

The post Demystifying Cloud as a Service: Navigating Benefits and Choosing the Right Vendor appeared first on Calligo.

Introduction

Cloud computing has reshaped how organizations approach IT infrastructure and software delivery. Amidst various cloud service models, Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS) emerge as pivotal players. In this guide, we’ll unravel the distinctions, advantages, and drawbacks of each, accompanied by real-world case studies and recent survey insights. Additionally, we’ll introduce Calligo, a managed cloud solutions provider, enhancing the cloud landscape.

Understanding SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS

Let’s begin by defining SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS and exploring their core characteristics.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS delivers software applications over the internet, hosted and managed by third-party providers. This user-friendly model eliminates extensive installation and maintenance, offering accessibility, subscription-based pricing, vendor management, and multi-tenancy. Examples include Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, Dropbox, and Google Workspace.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, allowing organizations to rent IT infrastructure components. Key features include virtualized infrastructure, self-service provisioning, pay-as-you-go billing, and network control. Examples encompass Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS offers a cloud service model providing a development and deployment platform for applications. Notable characteristics include tools for application development, simplified deployment, automatic scaling, and a collaborative environment. Examples consist of Heroku, Google App Engine, and Microsoft Azure App Service.

Comparing SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS

Now that we’ve established a clear understanding of these cloud service models, let’s compare them across various dimensions.

Deployment and Management

• SaaS: Fully managed by the service provider, ideal for businesses aiming to avoid IT overhead.
• IaaS: Users manage virtualized infrastructure components, providing more control but requiring hands-on management.
• PaaS: Abstracts infrastructure management, suitable for streamlining development and deployment processes.

Cost Structure

• SaaS: Subscription-based, offering predictable costs for budgeting.
• IaaS: Pay-as-you-go, providing flexibility but requiring effective resource management.
• PaaS: Varied pricing models, beneficial for optimizing development and deployment costs.

Customization

• SaaS: Limited customization, with configuration options within the application.
• IaaS: High degree of customization, suitable for businesses with specific requirements.
• PaaS: Balanced customization, offering flexibility with a pre-configured development environment.

Scalability

• SaaS: Provider-managed scalability, accommodating changing needs through subscription adjustments.
• IaaS: Granular scalability, allowing users to adjust resources based on requirements.
• PaaS: Automatic scaling capabilities, handling variable workloads and traffic spikes without manual intervention.

Use Cases

• SaaS: Ideal for applications requiring access from various locations and devices, including email, CRM, and office productivity tools.
• IaaS: Versatile and suitable for a wide range of use cases, from hosting websites and applications to data storage.
• PaaS: Tailored for software development and deployment, commonly used for building web and mobile applications.

Security

• SaaS: Providers secure infrastructure and data, users implement best practices for access and data security.
• IaaS: Shared responsibility, with users securing virtual machines and applications while providers secure underlying infrastructure.
• PaaS: Emphasizes application-level security, with providers managing much of the security infrastructure.

Development and Collaboration

• SaaS: Designed for end-users with collaboration features but may not be ideal for software development.
• IaaS: Offers flexibility for development and collaboration but lacks specific development tools and environments.
• PaaS: Tailored for software development, providing collaboration features for development teams.

Choosing the Right Cloud Service Model

Selecting the most suitable cloud service model—SaaS, IaaS, or PaaS—depends on your organization’s specific needs, goals, and resources. Consider factors such as workload requirements, IT expertise, budget, scalability, data security and compliance, development needs, and collaboration.

Conclusion: Making Informed Cloud Decisions

SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS offer versatile options, each with unique strengths and limitations. Your choice should align with your organization’s needs and resources. The support of a managed cloud solutions provider like Calligo can enhance your cloud experience, ensuring a secure and tailored environment. As cloud computing evolves, staying informed and leveraging the right cloud services will be essential for driving innovation and efficiency in operations. Armed with knowledge and tools, you’re well-equipped to make informed cloud decisions benefiting your organization now and in the future.

For more on how Calligo can help drive your cloud strategy visit https://www.calligo.io

View Our Cloud Case Studies

Mayhew

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Eviivo

Read more

Impero

Read more

The Medical Specialist Group (MSG) UK

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1 of

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The message I want businesses to hear is that cloud and data are not separate. IT only exists to service the needs of a business’ data. Securing cloud services – and therefore your data – is a business-critical issue.

Read on to understand:

1. The limitations of AV
2. The dangers of remote networks
3. The cost of getting security wrong

1. Blind faith in AV

Businesses are too often putting their faith in antivirus (AV) software. This is unintentional blind faith, in my opinion. The problem with AV software alone is that it does not go far enough to protect businesses data assets; it only detects known threats and is not reliable against new variants. We speak to a lot of businesses that assume their security box is ticked, thanks to AV software alone.

But what about zero-day attacks that make up most data breaches these days? A zero-day vulnerability is a computer security vulnerability unknown by anti-virus software creators; they’ve had ‘0’ days to work on a security patch or an update to fix the issue. Zero-day attacks leverage innovative multi-layered approaches – like BitLocker encryption – that haven’t been seen before; anomalies that business software can’t easily detect and protect against without human intervention.

The need to have human and AI based security operations centers (SOC) is increasing, but the cost to implement internally is high and the skills are in short supply. This can cause complications when trying to get pay-outs from cyber security insurers – because businesses haven’t invested in a higher level of threat protection.

Against this backdrop, AV is like wearing chain mail with a gaping hole in the front.

2. Leaving doors open in our remote working world

Unsurprisingly, zero-day vulnerability is greater in our remote working world. Weaker control systems, attacks on remote working infrastructure, sensitive data accessed through unsecured Wi-Fi networks, expanded attack surfaces, the use of personal devices…The list goes on. SaaS in one corner, Office 365 and Dynamic CRM in the other. Servers, software and data – here, there and everywhere. Not to mention outdated legacy operating systems.

Businesses have previously relied on remote access virtual private networks (VPN) for users – but this creates a tunnel between devices and company networks that’s hard to secure adequately. It also means a laptop or personal device can easily become a conduit. A virus or malware can scan for open communication channels – and find its way easily into a corporate environment. If your business IT environment has modern applications, your security must also be modernised. And fast.

This is where Zero Trust Network Access can come into play to secure access to internal applications for remote users. ZTNA gives remote users connectivity to private apps without placing them on external network tunnels or exposing the apps directly to the internet.

It’s about changing the architecture to be as secure as possible for the modern way we work.

3. The financial – and reputational – costs

Under British data protection laws, for example, a company could also face a fine of up to 4% of its global turnover if it is found to have failed to have met its data protection duties by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). This is not new news. But despite the serious risk this poses to a business, many organisations still have an ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude.

Zero-day attacks – or any type of data breach – can be hugely costly for a company. We know, because we we’ve had big business customers who’ve been in this predicament (not on our watch, I hasten to add!). Add into the mix GDPR – and uninformed reliance on AV and cyber insurance and a lack of control over remote networks has landed many in trouble with the regulators. Hefty fines – and reputational damage.

Businesses that value their data need to value security, first and foremost. And that starts in the cloud.

The post Security SOS: It’s dangerous to view cloud and data separately appeared first on Calligo.

When you see the phrase “Data Safety”, the chances are you think of Data Security. Most people do.

What is far less likely is that you think of the other two pillars of Data Safety: Data Privacy and Data Governance.

Clearly, all three pillars overlap. But Data Security seems to attract the most media attention, the most scrutiny and the most attention among business data leadership. In fact, when you compare the worldwide relative volumes of searches for the three terms, it shows an almost spookily even distribution:

And yet, when you consider the typical data lifecycle, all three pillars have an equally vital role in the protection of data at every single stage.

A simplistic – and by no means exhaustive – example…

As has been said about Data Security for decades, the only way to ensure robust and continuous Data Safety with every interaction is to design it into the fabric of your data workflows. It is after all well-known that neither security, privacy nor governance can be applied as afterthoughts – they have to be built into a business’s operations from the ground-up. Every process the data flows through, every person who interacts with it and yes, every technology on its journey.

And there is no technology more crucial to data’s journey through a business than your cloud environment. Your cloud sets the tone for how your data is treated.

How can Data Safety become part of my cloud DNA?

We asked our Chief Information Security Officer, Mark Herridge, for his guidance on how to make sure that your cloud environment sets the right tone for how your data is treated throughout the business.

Data Safety in your cloud environment

“Data safety really does entail security, privacy and governance. They go hand-in-hand, you can’t focus fully on one, and not the others – they are both supportive of and reliant on each other.”

Mark Herridge
Chief Information Security Officer, Calligo

The two key takeaways are simple: Data Safety must not be treated as synonymous with Data Security, and the entirety of Data Safety must be written into the fundamentals not only of your cloud environment’s design, but also how data is interacted with from it.

To find out more about data safety and the commercial benefits it can deliver to your organization.

The post How to design Data Safety into your cloud appeared first on Calligo.

Some businesses were more prepared than others, meaning many had to hastily adopt new technology and tools to enable the company to remain productive, have access to their data and be able to communicate and collaborate securely with staff, customers and suppliers.

Whilst these were short-term fixes, now is the time for CIOs and IT leaders to reassess the situation and look for a long-term solution. COVID-19 exposed how insufficient, out-of-date, restrictive, and expensive many businesses’ data infrastructure really was.

Now they must look at improving the safety and security of their data, improve accessibility, and ensure the right tools are in place for their workforce, as well as reducing not only IT spend but also supporting organization-wide cost reductions.

Now is the time for digital transformation. But with a twist.

Digital Transformation Post-COVID

There’s no more room for error. No more tolerance for inaccessible or poorly structured data. Especially as those organizations who were well-prepared as COVID-19 hit are accelerating further and further away.

Armed with new knowledge of what works and what does not, and know exactly where the shortcomings in their strategy lie, CIOs have the ammunition they need to build a digital infrastructure that will be impactful today and future-proofed.

But digital transformation has to be different this time.

This time, CIOs cannot resort to their historic “go to” approach of simply deploying new technologies that meet the business needs no matter how innovative or well-integrated they may be. Under the heightened scrutiny of recent months, this “technology down” approach has been shown to be too short term, narrow and often expensive.

IT leaders need to instead make data the starting point and create a strategy that starts with how data needs to move around the business, and in ways that support workforces’ needs today and also their new ideas – and most of all, securely and compliantly so that every data interaction is safe.

This approach – and this approach alone – will allow businesses to rebuild quickly, reliably and competitively.

What sort of CIO are you going to be in 2021?   Read why CIOs must become data-focused and build data strategies over outdated technology strategies Learn More

What’s the difference between a technology strategy and a data strategy?

A technology strategy looks at business’ requirements and identifies which tools, platforms and policies can best meet those needs.

The infrastructure and tools will be tightly cost-controlled and reviewed to prevent overspending, especially on superfluous licenses or features. And the entire IT environment will be protected against internal and external IT security threats. In some cases, there will also be organization-wide processes and policies in place that follow recognized standards such as ISO 27001, as well as frequent awareness training to ensure processes are understood and followed.

This looks like the right approach. It is certainly not incorrect. But for cost-efficiency and competitiveness today, it is not enough. It fails to address the wider and more modern requirements of data – including its secure global accessibility, its privacy, its ethical use, its continuous governance (not just “point in time” audit compliance) and its suitability and readiness for automation and insights.

These are the extra factors that enable an organization to put data safely in the hands of the teams that needs it to be more productive, reduce costs and earn greater customer loyalty and value.

What business benefits does a data strategy provide?

Productivity:

Organizations that improve their access to data and make their data more visible have a better understanding of what is relevant and what is not. This provides clarity on data workflows, enabling businesses to focus on the data that will deliver the most returns. It also enables more ambitious organizations to introduce automation to remove risk and error as well as providing more time for employees to focus on new tasks.

*Statistics taken from Calligo’s survey of 500+ businesses across Europe and North America,
comparing those with data strategies to those with technology strategies

Customer satisfaction and retention:

Data strategies have an enormous impact on client experiences, from initial engagements to the delivery of services to clients.

Having a greater visibility of data workflows enables businesses to have a clearer and more accurate picture of every engagement and touchpoint, meaning organizations can offer a more personalized experience, tailoring services and communications, identifying any failings before they manifest, or even just delivering a faster and better service – all of which lead to better client satisfaction.

Profitability:

Needless to say, if you have a more productive team and happier clients, this will lead to an increase in profitability. Businesses that adopt a data strategy are twice as likely to see a 50% increase in profitability than those who have taken on a technology strategy.

Reinventing Digital Transformation

Whether your digital transformation project seeks to improve productivity and data accessibility, reduce costs, or ensure continuous IT security and data privacy adherence, Calligo can help.

Calligo is the world’s first end-to-end managed data services provider. We have a global track record in improving organizations’ productivity & profitability by making their data more available, secure, and safe.

We will guide and deploy your entire digital transformation project, ensuring your immediate and long-term objectives are met. Our data strategy consultancy teams include experts in:

	Strategic consulting			Infosecurity
	Cloud technology			Data privacy & data residency
	Machine learning & automation			Data architecture
	Business productivity & data workflows

The post Reinventing Digital Transformation appeared first on Calligo.

Journeys like this need guidebooks, written by people who have travelled the route hundreds of times before, just as Calligo has.

Calligo has created two guidebooks – one for each half of the journey – and a map, that together will help you identify the obstacles to overcome and the common wrong turns.

1st Half: Exploring the business case, planning your trip and setting off on the expedition
 

What does the first half of the cloud migration journey entail? 

Defining your strategy
 

        Measurable Business Objectives

A successful cloud migration needs to have clear and defined business objectives planned from the very start. There are three different types of objectives to consider: technical, strategic and end-user. All three need to be considered equally, ensuring you have balanced project outcomes that will benefit every corner of the business.

        Public, Private or Hybrid Cloud?

Deciding which approach will be most beneficial to your business early on is crucial. Much of the success of the project depends on the suitability of the model you choose, so this is undoubtedly the area that requires the most careful consideration – and the hardest to reverse out of if you get it wrong.

        Application Analysis

For any cloud migration, conduct a thorough assessment of all applications, tools and processes to determine their suitability for the cloud. It’s also important to be flexible when analysing your current applications; not everything will be suitable for the cloud, and some legacy applications can be replaced with newer cloud-based tools.

Vendor Selection
Once you have decided on your strategy, you now have to make the most important decision – the most suitable vendor to help you deliver on them. There are two areas to consider here: the technology and the service.

        Technical preferences

These include questions like the vendors’ data centre locations and whether they meet your practical and data residency needs, or whether they have the security and governance frameworks in place to satisfy your own policies, plus a roadmap of development that will keep up with your needs.

       Service preferences

What type of service are you looking for in a vendor? Do you need the support of a dedicated account manager or team, or is a personal service not necessary? What metrics are you looking for? Are the contracts and SLA assurances sufficient for your business and customers? And what additional useful services are in the portfolio that could help you not just store your data, but also help your teams extract insights from it, maintain its compliance or optimise the delivery of your data?

Compliance frameworks

What compliance frameworks can your potential vendor prove adherence to, and which are important to you? For example, ISO 27001, ISO 9001 and SOC 2 are all reasonably typical, but what is their stance on ISO 27018, the first international code of practice for the protection of persona data?

And how can they support your data residency and sovereignty needs? Are you nervous about the CLOUD Act or FISAs and will this vendor be vulnerable to such government data access requests?

2nd Half: How to perform the migration itself

Here are just some of the key aspects of any migration project.

        The 6Rs of Cloud Migration

The six potential courses of action for each application when migrating to the cloud, including Rehosting, Rearchitecting or Retiring. You can find out more about the 6Rs of cloud migration, here.

        Interoperability and Portability

Interoperability is vital to ensure as it enables cloud services to understand each other’s APIs and data formats in order to co-operate. It’s often frustrating due to a lack of standards, but it is regardless the key to much of the ROI of a cloud migration.

        Portability

The ability to move your cloud environment from one cloud provider to another, often in response to price increases or outgrowing the current vendor. Fail to ensure this, and you will create your legacy of tomorrow.

        Supplier management

A cloud migration inevitably involves the input of numerous suppliers. The main cloud platform provider is, of course, the key one, but you may also have new and pre-existing software vendors, MSPs and connectivity providers to consider – all of whom may have their own demands on the timeline.

        Hidden costs

Just because the shift to the cloud removes the burdensome CAPEX investments, it does not mean the OPEX spend requires any less scrutiny. The benefit of OPEX models is that businesses only pay for what they use. What many forget is that the other side of this coin is that without constant oversight, there is a real danger of paying for surplus resources.

Interested in migrating to the cloud?

Our team of experts will guide you through the most appropriate deployment of cloud technology for your business. We’ll design a bespoke cloud strategy for your organization, ensuring your security and accessibility needs are met plus any data privacy obligations. The team will also select the most suitable platform and ensure a quick and smooth loud migration.

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