How is cloud computing impacting the role of the CIO?

Cloud computing more than proved its worth during the global health pandemic and the industry is expected to grow from $371.4 billion from 2020 to $832.1 billion by 2025, according to Globe News Wire.

However, the rapid adoption and evolution of cloud computing across industry sectors has meant many Chief Information Officers (CIO) have had to adapt, and have even found their entire teams changed by greater cloud dependency.

The urgent need to be more digitally resourceful has brought the role of the CIO to the fore of the C-suite as a position that can guide an organisation’s trajectory into the future through a properly realised cloud strategy. CIOs now have a more pivotal role within organisations because of cloud implementation, however, this brings with it its challenges and triumphs that are moulding the role of the CIO into a more forward-thinking position that supports business decision-making further.

Benefits of cloud computing in business

Cloud implementations come in many shapes and forms, however, they all have shared benefits that organisations can leverage:

• Flexibility

Using cloud computing allows employees greater flexibility in how they work. They can access files both in the office and remotely using a variety of devices from smartphones to laptops.

• Cost-efficient

The amount of money spent on setting up cloud computing is mitigated by reduced costs elsewhere. CIOs can position cloud systems as a means to spend less on office space and the save on the costs of running a data centre such as power, insurance and maintenance. Providing a strategic element of budgetary support that can be used for other departments and processes.

• Collaboration

Employees can collaborate in real time using file sharing and online conferencing systems. You can even encourage collaborative social spaces to improve employee engagement.

• Easily scalable

With the cloud you can scale resources up and down as demand necessitates meaning that your business is future proofed immediately and since you are only paying for what you use your costs and performance are optimised.

Impact of cloud computing on business: Challenges CIOs face

There are a number of challenges you might face when making the switch to cloud computing particularly when many employees may continue to work from home.

1. Set up

Initial setup may be difficult to coordinate and implement remotely as it needs to integrate with existing infrastructure(s). Choosing the correct setup and service provider for your business’ needs is key. Ensuring your setup sticks to internal and external governance guidelines is also challenging particularly since current guidelines may prove insufficient or inflexible.

2. Customisation

Although there are many cloud solutions on offer, with market-leaders including Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services, however a vast majority of them are limited in terms of customisation. A custom solution has increased associated costs since this requires creating and maintaining bespoke, complex code. You may also find that existing solutions are not as mature and well developed as other tech solutions.

3. Security

Security is possibly the most concerning and debated issue surrounding the use of cloud computing. With an increased number of users accessing the cloud remotely the chance of security threats becoming a reality is higher than ever.

What are the security risks of cloud computing?

1. Malware - there's always added risk when you include a third party in the handling of your data. Additionally, as the cloud utilises an internet connection to store data it is vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks such as DDoS.
2. Compliance violations - it can be difficult keeping track of who can access sensitive information, potentially violating GDPR laws.
3. Misconfiguration - misconfigured resources can result in exposed or lost data and intellectual property as well as disruption to day-to-day business.

How can CIOs meet the complicated needs of cloud-driven transformation?

- Be consistent
Treat data in the cloud the same way you would data in your data centre. Even if this means processes are more challenging.

- Share responsibility
Cloud providers have certain expectations placed on them, but responsibility works both ways. Ensure your employees use technology in the correct way and develop strong internal processes to lessen the chances of a security incident.

- Upskill your team
Focus on staff training to ensure your employees know how the cloud works and what they can do to avoid security issues.

- Source the right team
With the right team, skills and experience in place, you can ensure that your transition to cloud-based computing will be as smooth and trouble free as possible. Partnering with a recruiter who specialises in tech and particularly the cloud, will mean you have access to cutting-edge talent much faster than traditional recruitment routes. At Energize we help you create dynamic and engaging attraction strategies, and then use our deep market understanding to properly position them to your ideal candidates. With a wide range of recruitment marketing tools at our disposal, we ensure that your vacancy not only attracts your ideal cloud candidates, but also quickly and efficiently pre-screen them so only those that truly fit the brief are put forward through thorough and effective shortlisting.
 

How can Energize help recruit skilled cloud professionals?

Providing you with the best-possible recruitment experience is what drives us. We pioneered service standardisation within the recruitment industry via our implementation of Net Promoter Score®, and through our continual pursuit of customer excellence, customers choose Energize time and again, forming lasting relationships and enjoying a more effective – and successful – hiring process.

With a global network of more than one million active and passive candidates cultivated over 14 years of recruitment expertise, Energize empowers organisations to access high-value local cloud talent supported by specialist Consultants experienced in scaling businesses with the experts they need.

Our commitment doesn’t end there though, we continue to offer support when you interview or onboard new team members ensuring you draw out the right soft skills and make the right organisational fit with every hire.

For expert guidance on enhanced hiring strategies, contact Energize Group today.