It's hard not to resist the advantages of the cloud: technological innovation, flexibility, performance... But the resistance lies elsewhere: in work habits, lack of in-house skills, misunderstanding of the challenges of migrating to the cloud... The human factor remains the key to the success - or failure - of such a project.
It's a key factor, but one all too often forgotten or neglected by companies: people are the driving force behind business. Not just data! Successful digital transformation goes beyond technical decisions.
If an organization values cooperation, growth and empowerment, it can more easily adapt to change, increasing the chances of success.
Migration to the cloud should not be limited to a simple comparison between online and local ("on premise") applications. Adopting a cloud computing environment involves significant changes, from skills to processes and technology.
Don't neglect internal communication
Yet many organizations are simply not ready to move to the cloud. It's easy to get started with the cloud. But before you know it, your environment may be out of control. And your needs may have been over- or underestimated.
And let's not even talk about security policy and data governance, which have not been determined and applied in line with this new environment...
It's essential to be methodical, and to overcome human resistance, if we are to avoid hitting the wall quickly! First of all, cultural change must come from the top. Management must then start by explaining why migration to the cloud is becoming a necessity. Whenever change of this magnitude occurs, fear of the unknown sets in.
Nobody likes change, but adapting to it is the key to success. Clear, transparent communication is therefore essential to establish the various stages, responsibilities and processes involved in this project.
Secondly, you need to prioritize the applications and services that will quickly benefit from the cloud. The various businesses concerned will need to adopt the change gradually, modifying only a few elements at a time.
This wise precaution will enable management to evaluate the results and thus show the positive evolution. This method is essential for strengthening employee commitment.
Cloud: Business needs
Supported by their management, IT managers and CIOs will need to be both pragmatic and firm in their approach to cloud suppliers. Very often, the latter have a considerable influence on choices. Indeed, "rather than dictating their precise needs to these providers, IT departments will often find that their workloads and strategies are dictated by the latest developments in cloud services" points out Andy Soanes, Head of Integration at Canadian telco Bell.
And yet, meeting the specific needs of business users must remain the priority if they are to perform at their best. Satisfying the cloud provider's sales force won't make your teams more productive!
Finally, it's time to review your IT security policy. The cloud's shared security model - which defines where your cloud provider's responsibilities end and yours begin - is a major topic. It will have an impact on the investments and initiatives you'll need to make this project a success.
Corporate responsibility
Indeed, let's remember that the RGPD has introduced co-responsibility between the Data Controller (your company) and subcontractors. However, your company's responsibility will always be evoked first in the event of a personal data leak. The head of the company remains "responsible for the processing and security applied to personal data including when they are stored on terminals over which he or she does not have physical or legal control", the CNIL reminded us.
You should therefore only use "processors who offer sufficient guarantees as to the implementation of appropriate technical and organizational measures so that the processing meets the requirements of this Regulation and guarantees the protection of the data subject's rights", states Article 28-1 of the RGPD.
Ultimately, migration to the cloud represents a decisive project for boosting your business. But to succeed, you need the support of professionals who can offer you the best solutions to meet your business constraints.
