IT Governance (ITG) is helping companies find the efficiencies and savings of cloud computing without putting business information at risk. Through cloud computing, a company’s IT functions are moved to an external, shared service provider and accessed over the Internet. Data is no longer stored in-house and software applications are no longer owned by the company. IT Governance’s latest book, Above the Clouds: Managing Risk in the World of Cloud Computing (http://www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/2826), explains the potential benefits of adopting this approach.
Author Kevin T. McDonald challenges the misconception that cloud computing must necessarily offer weaker data protection than an in-house server. In fact, he argues that cloud computing can help to defend an organisation from IT security threats such as denial-of-service attacks, viruses and worms. The risk management process begins when choosing a service provider. McDonald says: “You need to be confident that your business information will be secure. You need to make sure you carry out due diligence on the service provider before you entrust this firm with your vital data. The challenge for procurement professionals is determining what questions to ask, what assurances should be in the contracts and how much risk is being assumed when a service is moved to the ‘cloud’.”
McDonald says the concept of ‘outsourcing to the cloud’ is proving increasingly attractive to companies seeking to save money. “The cost is falling dramatically, which means it’s no longer rare for a company to consider cloud computing.” A company is charged for the use of software applications, and for data storage, just like being charged for electricity. In only paying for the resources used, therefore, operating costs can be reduced. After all, as McDonald explains, in-house data centres typically leave 85%-90% of available capacity idle. Visit the ITG portal for complete service details
Author Kevin T. McDonald challenges the misconception that cloud computing must necessarily offer weaker data protection than an in-house server. In fact, he argues that cloud computing can help to defend an organisation from IT security threats such as denial-of-service attacks, viruses and worms. The risk management process begins when choosing a service provider. McDonald says: “You need to be confident that your business information will be secure. You need to make sure you carry out due diligence on the service provider before you entrust this firm with your vital data. The challenge for procurement professionals is determining what questions to ask, what assurances should be in the contracts and how much risk is being assumed when a service is moved to the ‘cloud’.”
McDonald says the concept of ‘outsourcing to the cloud’ is proving increasingly attractive to companies seeking to save money. “The cost is falling dramatically, which means it’s no longer rare for a company to consider cloud computing.” A company is charged for the use of software applications, and for data storage, just like being charged for electricity. In only paying for the resources used, therefore, operating costs can be reduced. After all, as McDonald explains, in-house data centres typically leave 85%-90% of available capacity idle. Visit the ITG portal for complete service details
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