Why CFOs Should Consider the Cloud

In today’s economy, CFOs are focused on reducing costs and improving efficiencies. CFOs are hearing a lot about the benefits of cloud, but need more information to make an informed decision.

The most important consideration of any technology investment is “What business problem am I trying to address?”

Cloud computing is considered an operating expense and uses a “pay as you use it” model. This model shifts IT spending from large capital investments to smaller, more manageable recurring operating expenses.

Some business environments, such as retail, experience peak times in demand during certain periods. In an “on-premise” technology implementation, IT is required to size hardware based on peak demand. This results in more hardware and resources than necessary to accommodate these peak demands. Cloud computing eliminates this issue, as resources are simply scaled up and down as necessary.

Cloud computing is scalable, enabling shorter development cycles. Generally, your IT team can substantially reduce the amount of time necessary to both build and deploy solutions. In a classic IT deployment model, the hardware and software necessary for a proof of concept would require purchase, installation, and deployment. In a cloud model, resources are provisioned for the period they are necessary, then decommissioned. This results in both a cost savings, as well as a reduction in development time.

Cloud computing is not for everyone. It is important to understand your requirements, such as data sensitivity, compliance, and business priorities. By understanding these requirements, you can make an informed decision about whether or not cloud computing makes sense for your organization.