151
In the next step, concrete Cloud scenarios are developed, Cloud services are
selected, and an estimate made of the effort necessary to introduce the
Cloud. In the case of a favourable risk‐benefit ratio, a detailed business case
can then be prepared so as the pave the way for a final decision.
Planning costs
Cloud computing is currently only at the beginning of its development and,
therefore, also of the possibilities that this technology and its
implementation offer. Currently, many projects are already being
implemented, and models for cost calculation and comparison with
"
classical" IT solutions already exist. However, quantitative estimates should
not be given too much significance. Concrete cost comparisons depend very
much on the environment, the applications used, business processes and
the organisation of the company as well, and therefore require an individual
analysis.
If Cloud computing is utilised properly, savings will result almost
automatically due to standardisation and automation and the advantages of
economies of scale. To what extent these savings are passed on to
customers depends on the respective provider.
At this point in time, it is often advisable to first approach Cloud computing
on a project by project basis, and thus gain experience in manageable
phases. However, the first attempts should not involve core areas of the
company services and day to day business management processes. There
are many SMEs who still do not have a software‐based customer
relationship management (CRM) or a collaboration platform (collaborative
document management). For these, it would be a good opportunity to take
a new approach in these areas and establish new functions in the enterprise
by means of Cloud computing.
In the long term, the experience won here can flow into planning more
extensive use of Cloud computing. In the process, the application examples,
which are increasingly tailored for specific industries and functional areas,
will provide useful orientation.
Risk management
The use of Cloud services includes a number of risks that go beyond the risk
of an application used within a company. It is therefore essential that a risk
analysis for the specific situation of the company is performed before the
selection, use, and operation of Cloud services.
