The Future Decision Makers in the Cloud: Managing Expectations as Power Shifts from IT to the Executives Could the reign of the IT department over cloud computing business decisions be coming to an end? Writing for ZD Net, Sam Shead reported on a survey that demonstrated a dramatic changing of the guard when it comes to decisions about implementing cloud technologies. Rather than leaders in the IT department, executives are taking charge of critical decisions involving the cloud signaling both the importance of cloud technology and up coming changes in the way this medium will be managed. The report, issued by
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Survival In The Cloud Depends On Experimentation I was fascinated to hear Jeff Bezos comment that Amazon’s expected $1.5 billion in revenue via their Amazon Web services business was successful due their focus on experimentation. The experimentation paradigm is the most important strategy for cloud executives to execute successfully, lest they fail to take full advantage of the monumental opportunity the cloud is offering. Our brains are actively involved in mental experiments almost continuously. We’re always speculating about what comes next and what our response will be. However, the experimental process Bezos is referring to is something much more formal and takes a lot more effort. Focusing
Solving Problems On The Cloud Part 3: Overcoming Unhealthy Fixations One example of an unhealthy fixation is the 2012 survey by Security Alliance who learned that the top threat listed by survey participants is data loss. Of course security risks on the cloud cannot be ignored but clearly this problem is hugely overstated. Why executives and retail consumers, who lose everything from their car keys to their hard earned cash, (not to mention their own data mishaps) are so concerned about the cloud is more than fearing a loss of control. These individuals are struggling with what Gestalt psychologists refer
Overcoming Denial In The Cloud One of the most critical aspects of doing business in the cloud is clarity. When mistakes are made it’s often due to mistaken judgments based on information processed in the brain incorrectly. Marketers must read their audience and a company like Cisco must not over pay in their $1.2 billion bid for Meraki. Misreading your audience or overpaying for an acquisition is far too common. How do we make sure technology decisions today will have a positive impact on our tomorrow? By painting a crystal clear picture about the situation we are facing. Understanding Denial
Accessing the Real Risk of Cloud Computing: Is the Sky is Falling or are the Failures a Blip on the Radar Screen? It’s interesting to follow the big money that big companies are spending. It’s a lot like watching a huge ocean liner set sail for exotic places or a stretch limousine glide though town. These oddities can’t help but be seen but I often wonder if anyone is really watching. According to a Wall Street Journal article from last spring entitled, “The Sun Shines on The Cloud” the research firm IDC reported 16 billion in cloud revenue for 2009
Changing The Script: Understanding How Mental Schemas Delay Cloud Technology Adoption Fans of the TV show Seinfeld know exactly what to expect. The effects of repeated episodes finds the viewer primed to expect laughter at Jerry’s cleverness, Kramer’s odd interpretations, George’s neuroticism, and Elaine’s adventures. The series is organized around a Peter Pan theme of a never-grow-up philosophy of life. The producers even made the finale a comedic success about the four friends being sentenced to prison. But what if they didn’t? What if the last show was presented as a tearjerker having the characters remorseful about their careless actions
