Can we consider a firm without IT?

I assume you have been reading about cloud computing for many years. To make a long story short, cloud computing is the future of IT. Large IT players all bet their future revenue on cloud computing. Cloud computing could lead to billions in energy savings and could help recycle mainframes. Cloud computing is the nirvana for road-warriors and information workers.

The last 5 years

Cloud computing offers has been evolving quickly for the last 5 years and now comes in multiple flavors for the most security-centric-minded. Migrating the mail system to the cloud is more often than not the first step to a long transformation process and a new IT paradigm. In my daily work I had many occasion to hear IT managers saying “Now that the firm’s mail system is hosted by X, I realize the energy / money I wasted“. The truth is, for most firm, IT is not a competitive advantage anymore, it is a burden. Hosting your own IT means buying the hardware and software at a regular basis, recruiting and training dedicated staff and struggling with painful evolutions.

For sure, large firms large firms has legacy issues, nevertheless what about smaller / younger ones? For service businesses, this is a no brainer: If I had to setup or evolve my IT, I would consider twice the option of NOT doing it and go for the cloud. For other type of businesses, firms could gain a strong competitive advantage by not investing the initial amount and investing it elsewhere, in more critical expense areas. Do not get me wrong: I am not saying cloud computing helps you reduce your IT budget, it is only apportioned as time goes by.

I assume the idea of not hosting / owning your IT can be frightened, however the alternative does not necessarily means a better or more reliable service and implies immobilizing a certain amount of cash which could helps you develop faster in your core business. Yes, I am referring to your core business, the one your customers are paying for, not a side-activity.

I have been working in the internet for more than 12 years as a consultant on various missions for french and international firms and I am currently self-employed, providing consulting, training and speaking engagement all around the world.