Check out the 7 easy steps to overcome challenges faced in a cloud-based business model to derive maximum returns from minimal investments and become a cloud ready CIO.

1. 7 Easy Steps for Becoming a Cloud-Ready CIO - Netmagic
Check out the 7 easy steps to overcome challenges faced
in a cloud-based business model to derive maximum returns
from minimal investments and become a cloud ready CIO.
Cloud computing, cloud-based business model, Cloud
challenges, Cloud service providers, Netmagic
http://www.netmagicsolutions.com/blog/become-a-cloud-
ready-cio
7 Easy Steps for Becoming a Cloud-Ready
CIO
Article by Karan Kirpalani
Posted on: Dec 22, 2014
 Cloud Computing
Traditional businesses are now opting spin-off to a cloud-based business model. A cloud-
based business model pays its way for itself while contributing to the bottom line as well.
Hence this is a great profit making approach for companies and businesses to explore.
However, with a cloud-based business model there are few set of challenges that needs to be
overcome at the onset to derive maximum returns from minimal investments.
The seven key steps elaborated below will help CIOs transition smoothly to a cloud-based business
model. CIOs are required to carefully understand the political intricacies of working with the
Board of Directors and senior management, to study patterns and find out means to achieve
long-term business objectives in shorter periods of time.

2. 1. Stay IT Savvy
A sound knowledge on IT industry trends with technical background is a “must-have” credential
to become a CIO. Technology know-how in itself cannot prove to be a game changer for
businesses on cloud. The CIO should be able to understand the history of company origins, the
strengths of the company and align them strategically in sync with the current technology to
meet business goals and customer expectations. A careful integration of technology with
business strengths of a company will help CIOs deliver results as expected from the industry and
customers at large.
2. Identify Key Areas Of Strength To Explore Business
Opportunities
As a CIO leading the business enterprise, it is important to stay abreast of the current industry
trends, understand customer requirements and make most of the company’s strengths to cash
on the business opportunities available. CIOs often receive cost-sharing ideas from other
organizations, and are required to justify business initiatives and costs incurred to meet those
goals.
Prior to implementing a business and technology plan on cloud, it is shared with the members
on board to seek final approval. Thorough study and careful analysis of business plans helps
CIOs identify potentially winning business opportunities easily and accelerate growth.
3. Understand Parent Company’s Business
Companies looking forward to growth would unlikely appoint a CIO who is just technology savvy
to head the business unit. The right person for the role of a CIO should possess in-depth
understanding of the parent company business lines, the political intricacies involved, the needs
of customers, current market trends and a sound knowledge of IT to contribute to enhancing
business value. The CIO on board should be able to forge strong relationships with internal and
external partners to support business growth and development.

3. 4. Hire And Allocate “Service-Oriented” Cloud Personnel
From an operational perspective, many enterprises embarking on cloud-based business model
initially struggle because the IT staff is repurposed to serve external customers and internal
users as well. To deal with outside clients, your business needs certain professional skills and
strong service attitude. It is the duty of a CIO to ensure right from the beginning of a commercial
cloud IT operation, that the service staff is well trained to provide excellent levels of service, to
meet clients’ demands and expectations.
5. Align Strategic Business Initiatives And Manage Big
Data
Traditional businesses slowly transforming to a cloud-based business model are hawk-eyed
about the benefits offered by the medium to implement IT-based initiatives such as business
analytics, enterprise mobility and cloud computing. CIOs are required to manage big data by
implementing organization-wide strategies for storing and managing both structured and
unstructured data. Building business-specific data models and defining standardized processes
is the key to success of new cloud-based business.
6. Always Venture With Necessary Backing
Mere enthusiasm about commercializing your cloud operation is neither going to lead you as a
CIO nor the business anywhere. Stake holders and top management involvement to approve a
new business idea is of critical importance before you embark on a cloud venture and begin
implementation of the idea.
As you begin directing business efforts to meet long-term goals of profitability, support from
critical mass of immediate clients is a must for the operation to break even. A necessary
financial backing with approvals from the top management is a must before your company gets
started on cloud initiatives.

4. 7. Drive Compliance For Enhanced Security
Cloud-based businesses should stay compliant with the security norms and pay special attention
to data security policies. IT teams need to define areas of data access, secure sources and
processes throughout the enterprise, to make the business audit-ready and user-friendly.
In Summary
Cloud presents vast opportunities for CIOs to increase business value. Be it reinventing cost
structure by using a cloud-based business model or expanding business reach through
automation, cloud-based business innovation will be on the agenda of progressive CIOs.