CJ’s Way: How Far Along In The Cloud Are You?

Written by CJ Arlotta
March 3, 2015

There's a way of thinking about cloud computing that the channel needs to throw out the window faster than IBM can lay off employees — and that's the "all or nothing" approach. Transitioning to cloud — if you choose to make the shift — is a journey, not a race

There’s a way of thinking about cloud computing that the channel needs to throw out the window faster than IBM can lay off employees — and that’s the “all or nothing” approach.

Not everything needs to live in the cloud, even though almost every partner conference points you in this direction. There are times when businesses will want to keep sensitive data on the ground, and their needs — not a vendor’s solutions roadmap — are what keep you in business, don’t you agree?

Going all in with cloud isn’t always the best route for every channel partner. Some business models leave room for opportunity in the cloud while others don’t. What’ll happen to your margins if you move certain offerings to the cloud? Sit down and do the math. Find out what works best for you.

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Something else to consider is where you are on your journey to the cloud. Not everybody is on the same level — and that’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with diversifying your portfolio. Some channel partners will go all cloud and others will dabble with it here and there. Remember: Transitioning to cloud is a journey, not a race.

“CJ’s Way” is a weekly column written by Talkin’ Cloud Executive Editor CJ Arlotta. It focuses on the cloud, the channel and the chatter.