This document discusses 6 reasons why mid-size companies should embrace cloud computing now. It argues that the cloud provides benefits such as lower costs through reduced infrastructure needs, improved scalability to meet fluctuating demands, faster access to new technologies, easier usability without complex installations, enhanced security and disaster recovery, and simpler management of IT systems. The document provides perspectives from a CIO of a mid-size company that has adopted a hybrid cloud strategy. It recommends mid-size firms initially move 1-2 applications to the cloud to start realizing benefits while maintaining some systems traditionally.

1. 6 Reasons Why You Should
6 Reasons Why You Should
Embrace the Cloud Now!
Embrace the Cloud Now!
Especially if You’re a Mid-Size Company
Especially if You’re a Mid-Size Company
Join the Conversation! #WhyCloud
Follow @HudsonIT
Presented by

2. Agenda
Definitions
6 Reasons to Embrace
Cloud Computing Now
How to Get Started
Mid-size CIO
Perspective
Q&A

3. Presenter
Michael Whitmer
Global Chief Information Officer
and
Executive Vice President of
Operations
Hudson, North America

4. IT Support Requirements
Small Companies:
Small Staff / Small Base to Support
Mid-size Companies:
Small Staff / Middle-Sized Base to Support
Large Companies:
Larger Staff / Large Base to Support

5. What is It?
Formal Definition of Cloud Computing:
Multitenant shared platform
and application via third party,
usually accessed through
the Internet

6. But What Does That Mean?

7. Useful Definition
Cloud Computing is the computing technology and
Cloud Computing is the computing technology and
services that businesses already know and use, but
services that businesses already know and use, but
now, they are acquired, delivered, and paid for in a
now, they are acquired, delivered, and paid for in a
different way.
different way.
With Cloud Computing, you don’t own the physical
With Cloud Computing, you don’t own the physical
infrastructure. Instead, you “pay as you go” by
infrastructure. Instead, you “pay as you go” by
consuming resources and applications as a service
consuming resources and applications as a service
via the Internet.
via the Internet.
© 2010 Mike Whitmer, CIO and EVP Operations, Hudson

8. The Cloud
Desktop PC Notebook PC
Mobile Device Netbook
Remote Display
Database
Servers

9. Cloud Categories
Infrastructure
Platform
Software

10. What is Not Cloud?
If you need to send a 40 page requirements doc to the vendor
…it’s not Cloud.
If they are trying to sell you hardware… it’s not Cloud.
If you need to rearchitect your systems for it… it’s not Cloud.
If it takes you more than 10 minutes to provision… it’s not Cloud.
If you need to install software to use it… it’s not Cloud.
If you own all the hardware… it’s not Cloud.
If you specify the number of machines you want up front
… it’s not Cloud.
If it requires a large capital investment… it’s not Cloud.
Source: “15 Ways to Tell It’s Not Cloud Computing”
James Governor’s Monkchips | www.redmonk.com/jgovernor

11. 6 Reasons Why You Should
Embrace Cloud Computing Now
1. Cost
2. Scalability
3. Speed
4. Usability
5. Security & DR
6. Management

12. Reason #1: Cost
vs.
Buy & Customize
Rent &
Configure

13. CLOUD ROI:Analysis: Moving ERP to the CloudANALYSIS
ROI EMAIL COST SAVINGS

14. ROI Analysis: Moving ERP to the Cloud
CLOUD ROI: ERP COST SAVINGS ANALYSIS

15. Reason #2: Scalability

16. Outside the Cloud
Chart courtesy of GoGrid
Click here to learn more about
Scalability: us.hudson.com/IT

17. Inside the Cloud
Chart courtesy of GoGrid
Click here to learn more about
Scalability: us.hudson.com/IT

18. Reason #3: Speed of Technology

19. Reason #4: Usability

20. Reason #5: Security & DR
Click here for a video with Mike’s
thoughts on Security in the Cloud.

21. Reason #6: Management

22. IT Staff Concerns
Will Cloud Mean Layoffs?
Yes No Not Sure
200 IT professionals
surveyed… 23%
47%
30%
“If we implemented
cloud-based services, many
of our IT staff members would
perceive that our company
was preparing to lay them off.”
-Nov. 2009, ProofPoint Study

23. Before the Cloud vs. After the Cloud
Network Engineer Open Source Specialist
Systems Manager Cloud Service Manager
Storage Manager Virtual Systems Manager
Sourcing Specialist
Network Architect
Cloud Monitor
Click Here to Sign Up for a white paper covering
“Effect of Cloud Computing on Managing IT Staff”

24. Cloud Jobs
Click Here to Sign Up for a white paper covering
“Effect of Cloud Computing on Managing IT Staff”

25. How To Get Started

26. Recommended Strategy
Part Traditional +
Hybrid Strategy
Part Cloud
Leave some applications
with your current
infrastructure
Move at least 1 or 2 apps
into the cloud
[Title]
Allows you to add value to
your organization today!
[Company]

27. Guest Speaker
Kirby Miner
Chief Information Officer
Trex Company
Trex is a Mid-Size
company deploying a
Hybrid Strategy

28. Company Overview
Branded leader in wood-alternative products for outdoor living
Decking, Railing, Fencing, and Trim
High-aesthetic, Low-maintenance
$300M Revenue and near 30% Market Share
“Green” company, recycling >5 Billion lbs of waste plastic and
wood since inception
Publicly Traded: TREX (NYSE)
Our Hybrid Environment
Traditional – ERP, BI (In House)
Portal / Web Solutions – Infrastructure Hosted
Cloud Computing – CRM, Payroll/HR*, Safety

29. Mid-Size Company Obstacles
f
Common Issues for Mid-Size Companies
Need Large Company, Tier-1 Solutions
Limited on Budgets and Staffing
“Buy vs. Make” Mentality w/o Customizations
(Implementers)

30. Factors to Consider
How to Determine the Right Environment
Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary Application?
Where is it being used?
Impact on Business?
Initial Investment of Software and Infrastructure?
On-Going Costs to maintain the Solution?
Staffing (skill set, back-up, training)
Disaster Recovery, High Availability, Security
Integration to Other Solutions
Who is Using?
Dependencies (internal and external)

31. 6 Reasons Why You Should
Embrace Cloud Computing Now
1. Cost
2. Scalability
3. Speed
4. Usability
5. Security & DR
6. Management

32. Dip Your Toe In!

33. Connect with Us
Hudson IT provides solutions
necessary for IT leaders to
deliver business value.
IT STAFFING Our IT consulting services bring
expertise to assess, manage, develop
IT CONSULTING and maintain your critical initiatives.
IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Our IT staffing services provide
specialized professionals on an
as-needed basis, allowing you to
maintain IT service levels with
View Case Studies and reduced fixed costs.
Contact Info: Hudson IT is a part of Hudson (NASDAQ:
us.hudson.com/IT HHGP) with nearly 2,000 professionals
serving clients in more than 20 countries.
1
Follow @HudsonIT | #WhyCloud