7 Things Successful Implementers Do to Increase Cloud ROI

There is a world of opportunity in the cloud, but not all companies are taking full advantage of it. Partners and resellers can play a key role here, providing technology insight and direction that will enable customers to not just use cloud technology, but to fully exploit it and achieve the highest possible return on investment.

There are a number of factors that combine to result in significant cloud ROI, but there are some common best practices and metrics modeled by companies that have successfully “been there, done that,” including:

1. As companies expand their use of the cloud, it can be challenging to ensure strong identify management that also makes it easy and convenient for end users to access what they need, regardless of where they are and what devices they’re using. Companies that are making the most effective use of cloud resources have implemented a cohesive solution for applying identity to applications and cloud-based services, and enabling centralized access control and provisioning of user accounts.
2. It may go without saying, but success in the cloud requires that services running in the cloud are available 24/7—without exception. Companies that have seen significant ROI from their cloud implementations have SLAs in place with all of the vendors and partners they are working with to guarantee availability for themselves and their customers.
3. Most companies today are using a mix of private and public cloud solutions. Each provides some level of service and support on its own, but they are simply the sum of their parts unless they can be effectively integrated.
4. Beyond integration, companies that have successfully leveraged the cloud have a common management platform for all cloud instances, providing a comprehensive view across all systems and into the ways in which they can be most effectively orchestrated and leveraged.
5. The ability to develop and deploy cloud-based apps—with associated database resources—in order to meet new customer and market demands is critical not just to increase ROI, but to remain competitive. Period. This requires tools that will support and improve developer agility, as well as enable companies to constantly deliver new and updated capabilities.
6. “Mobile first” isn’t just a saying for companies that have achieved the most ROI from the cloud. They have a platform in place that enables developers to create, deploy, manage and secure mobile cloud-based applications.
7. They say that what’s measured matters and what matters is measured, and that goes for the cloud, as well. Companies that implement these best practices will be well positioned to get the most from their cloud deployments, but they must also analyze data generated from all of their systems—on an ongoing basis–to determine how best to proceed.

The Oracle Cloud Excellence Implementer (CEI) program recognizes companies that have demonstrated ongoing expertise and successful track records in Oracle Software-as-a-Service Cloud implementations. Recognized for providing superior customer experience through successful Oracle Cloud Services implementations, these highly skilled Oracle Partner Network members receive the highest level of benefits and deep engagement with Oracle. To learn more about the benefits of the CEI program and how to apply, click here.

Penny Philpot is Group Vice President, Worldwide Alliances & Channels, Oracle.

This guest blog is part of a Channel Futures sponsorship.