Editor's note
The long-range enterprise forecast shows increasing cloud coverage with a 100% chance of risk. Navigating the volatile, rapidly evolving cloud computing environment is more necessary than ever for CIOs, and also more challenging.
The decision to migrate to the cloud is the easy part; successful maintenance of the cloud is where companies are really tested. Today, cloud management strategies involve many tasks -- including constant monitoring, security and compliance governance, application management, vendor contract negotiations, disaster recovery considerations and contingency plans -- making it far from a "set it and forget it" project.
How can CIOs best manage cloud data and applications while curtailing risk? In this SearchCIO Essential Guide, we explore cloud risk management best practices that can help your company master the private, hybrid and public cloud and maximize business value. We provide expert tips on navigating the risk-laden software as a service (SaaS) and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) domains and detail how to develop a clearly defined vendor contract. Plus, we highlight the top security application hazards, give examples of companies that have turned cloud risk into cloud reward, and take a peek at present and future cloud management trends.
This Essential Guide on cloud risk management is designed to give IT leaders strategic management and decision-making advice on timely topics.
1Cloud management practices in action
Are you getting the most out of your cloud management approach? In this section, get advice from cloud experts on conquering the business side of your cloud strategy, including drafting cloud contracts and termination agreements, and other tips on successfully turning the tables on cloud risk.
-
Article
Private cloud termination agreements 101
Leaving your private cloud provider can be operationally, legally and financially messy. David Rutchik of Pace Harmon LLC advises CIOs and companies how to prepare for the breakup and avoid common pitfalls. Read Now
-
Article
Cloud economics: Get a return on your cloud investment
Cloud economics is an imperfect science, subject to a business' demands and constraints. Here are some best practices for sharpening your cloud economics and management strategies. Read Now
-
Article
Cloud-based shadow apps: Risk to reward
Cloud-based shadow apps increase security risk but also help employees be more productive and innovative. How can CIOs both enable these apps and protect the business? IT experts discuss how adoption of SaaS apps enables business goals, beefs up security and saves money. Read Now
2Cloud risk management present and future trends
As more cloud devices, applications and services enter the enterprise, cloud management strategies become more complex and it becomes harder to distinguish which path is right for your business. Stay up on the trends in this section that are shaking up the enterprise and shaping the future of strategic cloud practices.
-
Article
Box hopes to shake up cloud security with its key management tech
Box's new Enterprise Key Management service gives the customer more control of their data encryption keys. Does this mean it's time to move all your sensitive information over to the cloud? Read Now
-
Article
How much will IaaS offerings change throughout 2015?
In this Ask the Expert, IDC analyst Rick Villars expands on why 75% of IaaS provider offerings will be either redesigned or phased out over the course of 2015. Read Now
3How well are you managing the cloud?
The right cloud strategy can make all the difference in your business. Think you're adhering to the best cloud computing management practices? Take this quiz to find out.