CIOs and IT managers must beware of employee feelings when jumping into the cloud

Monday, May 24, 2010

As more companies begin to switch to cloud computing services, CIO.com reports that IT managers, as well as CIOs, must approach the change carefully, lest they upset their staff.

With a move to cloud computing involving a shift away from on-premise servers and the replacement of some of the normal responsibilities an IT department has day-to-day, reactions among these employees can be shaky. Job security typically becomes an issue for those departments going into the cloud.

"With a move to enterprise cloud applications, IT executives shouldn't assume that it will be any different than other technology adoption in terms of the human, cultural and political factors," said Rebecca Wettemann, a Nucleus Research analyst, CIO relays.

Switching to third-party firms for services such as cloud computing and a managed VPN or VoIP is a cost-saving and effective move for businesses. Bloomberg Businessweek recently reported that it is among the smartest fiscal moves a company fresh off the recession can make. But, as CIO.com states, IT leaders must be ready to have "honest" and "informed" conversations with their staff to make sure they feel welcome and part of the team. "The path to success begins with explaining to them clearly the rationale for the move," the report states.

A recent report from CloudTweaks found that 20 percent of all IT companies will begin using cloud computing within four years.