To become a successful tech exec, or any kind of executive, it is imperative to gain knowledge about the technology that influences your company’s business. This understanding will empower you to make informed decisions and effectively drive your organization towards sustainable growth and success.
Searching “cloud” on Google reveals not just info about sky clouds, but also the fascinating world of technology clouds. The frontrunners include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft (Azure), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Although other players exist, let’s focus on this renowned trio for now.
First let’s understand what cloud means.
The term “cloud” may seem mystical, but it’s just a collection of technologies – servers, data storage devices, and more – owned by a provider. By leveraging the cloud, you can easily deploy your software without worrying about underlying systems. Think of it as a distributed data center you can access online, with options for direct connections.
Why is the cloud popular? Well, here are some reasons:
- You don’t need to own or manage the hardware.
- You don’t need to own or manage the operating systems or virtual environments.
- You don’t need to worry about how much added capacity you need.
- You can deploy and have your app go global immediately.
- You can centralize your operations all in one place with one provider (although many companies go to a hybrid cloud environment – more than one provider).
- You can reclassify your capital expenses as operational.
I could keep elaborating, but you’ve got the gist that this is a favorable aspect.
By not owning a datacenter and avoiding the need for a large team to manage systems, a company can save a substantial amount of money.
Improper planning can lead to unnecessary expenses, where one ends up paying for excessive services and capacity. However, careful consideration and strategizing for a migration to the cloud can alleviate this issue. It is crucial to recognize the significance of this planning process in order to ensure optimal utilization and cost-efficiency.
Anyway… this is a good high-level introduction. We’ll talk about cloud and other technology areas in future posts.