Gartner Research

Cloud Computing; CIO Desk Reference Chapter 31, updated Q3 2013

Published: 05 February 2014

ID: G00262311

Analyst(s): Erik Heidt, Partha Iyengar, Matthew Cain, Song Chuang, Kurt Potter, Daryl Plummer , Kyle Hilgendorf, Barbara Gomolski, Claudio Da Rold, David Cearley, Jay Heiser, Andy Rowsell-Jones

Summary

Cloud computing is a rapidly evolving technology trend. Shortly, cloud strategies will be impacted by hybrid computing, brokerage, expanded delivery, cloud-centric design and formalized models. Cloud computing will mature to become integral to IT, and IT will evolve to show value in a cloud world.

Table Of Contents
  • Overview
  • CIO CALL TO ACTION
  • CONCLUSIONS

Analysis

  • What Is Cloud Computing?
    • Private and Public Cloud
    • Cloud Delivery Models
    • Cloud as a Strategic Technology
    • Cloud and the Nexus of Forces
    • Personal Cloud
    • Cloud Email
    • Cloud’s Impact on Mobility
  • Cloud Computing Strategy
    • Cloud Strategy Work Streams
    • How should the enterprise approach cloud computing, and how does it change the IT environment?
    • Cloud Decision Factors
    • Three Important Best Practices for Cloud Service Consumption
    • Cloud Comfort Zone
    • Setting Priorities with the Cloud
    • Cloud Exit Strategy
  • Key Opportunities for Cloud Computing
    • Business Opportunities
    • Financial Opportunities
  • Key Challenges for Cloud Computing
    • Data Privacy, Confidentiality and Compliance
    • Service Performance and Availability
    • Legal and Liability Concerns, Terms and Conditions, and SLAs
    • Poor Provider Transparency and Disclosure
    • Enterprise-Grade Cloud Services
    • Planning Considerations
  • Cloud Computing Architecture
    • Tiered Architecture
    • Gartner Divides Cloud Computing Services Into Six Layers or Categories
    • The Vendor Situation
  • Cloud Security and Privacy
    • Analyze the Complexity and Location
    • Cloud Security Assessment
  • Cloud Sourcing and Contracting
    • Key Issue: What are trends in cloud sourcing, pricing models and contracting?
    • Key Issue: What are the hidden costs in cloud contracts and how can they be avoided?
    • Key Issue: What are the key risks of cloud agreements and how to protect against them?
  • CONCLUSION
    • CIO CALL TO ACTION
    • CONCLUSION

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