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Home / Insights / Blog / With Cloud Adoption Becoming Ubiquitous, What Happens to IT Governance?
May 25, 2018 - by Synoptek
With widespread cloud adoption and multi-cloud implementation rates on the rise, a greater need for IT governance emerges. So, what does IT governance entail and why is it particularly important in cloud environments?
IT governance defined
IT governance is a “formal framework” that helps IT executives implement and manage IT systems, processes, and technology in ways that align with the policies and procedures company decision-makers have agreed upon. Implementing IT governance can also help executives ensure IT investments support business objectives. It’s important to include ways execs can measure and compare current IT performance against those goals. IT governance provides “IT management and control across five key areas.” These include:
Many common frameworks exist, serving as guides to help IT execs develop their own governance based on their companies’ unique needs, cultures, and more. Some of these frameworks include the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT), and Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI). Although each company’s IT governance framework will differ, an effective IT governance program helps business insiders address risk management and mitigation, IT strategies and operations, performance, as well as security.
However, IT governance endeavors do not fall solely on the shoulders of IT department staff members: It requires companywide buy-in, including support and adherence from everyone. Those who take holistic approaches to IT governance are more likely to have successful outcomes. Following agreed upon frameworks is especially important for those working in cloud setups.
IT governance and the cloud
Aligning IT investments with business objectives is even more important in this age of cloud adoption. As IT executives migrate more business functions and applications from on-premises-only setups to the cloud, it’s important they become more diligent about IT management and security. Consider, for example, sensitive data stored in a cloud setup: Using shared resources makes documented security standards in a formal framework even more crucial.
IT governance in a cloud era also includes managing additional investments such as cloud spending, an even more complex task for those working within multiple clouds. Today, approximately 81% of companies employ multi-cloud strategies. As business executives “spend more and spread their investments across multiple providers, the need to ensure manageability and transparency becomes even more important.” In addition, monitoring and measuring IT service performance, risk management, security, and additional IT operations is critical for business execs to ensure they’re getting the most from their cloud investments.
IT governance in the cloud doesn’t have to be a burden: “The new IT governance paradigm must be cloud-driven, innovation-enabling and based on one core principal: Exceed stakeholder expectations for agility, innovation, quality and efficiency to drive business value creation.” As with many aspects of cloud computing, a strategic approach can help business executives harnesses the benefits of well-managed cloud implementations including flexibility, agility, efficiency, and cost savings.
In today’s rapidly changing IT environment, the pressure to implement optimal strategies can be overwhelming. Through the Synoptek IT Advisory approach, we guide clients to manage their risk and maintain competitive advantage. Call us today at 888.796.6783 or visit us online to learn more.
About the Author
Synoptek is an established firm that provides information systems consulting and IT management services. Synoptek and its predecessors have been providing these services for 23 years.
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