The document provides seven arguments that can be made to a CEO to convince them of the merits of cloud solutions: 1) cloud will allow the company to better manage data, collaborate, and grow into new markets; 2) cloud will make the business more flexible and productive while bringing insights about customers; 3) cloud will help strengthen collaboration and empower workers to better serve customers; 4) cloud will improve data security and reduce service downtimes; 5) cloud is necessary to avoid disruption and exploit new opportunities; 6) cloud can transform the supply chain through information sharing and cooperation with partners; 7) cloud solutions can boost the CEO's profile and reputation.

1. Your CEO is ready to be convinced about the merits of
cloud solutions. He just needs to be reminded about its
power to achieve tactical transformations.
Here are seven things you can say to him.
“IT is no longer just the digital plumbing of the business. We
can now manage data better, collaborate better, and grow
in new markets via cloud. We can also build you that
bespoke KPI dashboard app you’ve asked for.”
Remind him that technology should
change the game, not get in the way.
“Cloud will bring our board closer to customers and
that will mean our people are always on tap while on
the road. Plus we can share the latest internet trends in
real time.”
Tell him that the business can be
made more flexible and productive.
“The customer has more power and influence than ever.
Deeper, data-led customer insights will make us more
responsive and enable us to offer services others can’t.
Yes, foresight and science, finally coming together.”
Promise that he will know what customers
think and want before they do.
“Helping our people collaborate better will strengthen ties between
departments and empower our frontline to do more for customers. And if
they refuse, the next time you suggest replacing them with machines
wouldn’t be just an idle threat.”
Stress the merits of a more open
and networked workforce.
“We’ll be more robust in the cloud with less service downtime and better data
security. Also, you won’t have to identify scapegoats as often in future.”
Main source: IBM’s Leading Through Connections:
Insights from the Global Chief Executive Officer Study
Tell him he won’t have to worry about
securing customer data and precious IP.
“Others will use technology to disrupt our business unless we beat
them to it. Putting cloud at the centre of the business will give us the
tools and flexibility to exploit the opportunities technology offers. I can
see you being interviewed by major publications about it already.”
Remind him the business must master
technology or be at the mercy of rivals.
“We can transform our supply chain by sharing more
information with partners. By working with sector peers
on co-operative projects via cloud. Your higher industry
profile will also mean gushing magazine profiles and
brand new opportunities.”
Tap his desire for external partnerships.
The Career-Advancement
Playbook: Cloud Edition.
ibm.com/cloud
This is cloud on a Smarter Planet.