As a driver of digital transformation, the cloud now plays a key role in corporate suc-cess. However, users are often restricted by the provider when it comes to implemen-tation. Where options remain, it is important to weigh them wisely.
If you want to keep your finger on the pulse of the time, you can no longer avoid the cloud. Even solution providers have now started to distribute their customers across the cloud in a self-motivated way. Various applications are no longer offered on-premises at all. Example SAP: For the majority of companies, the central ERP core as S/4 Digital Core is located in clouds within their own data centers or with providers who manage the connection and guarantee data security, stable operation and currentness of the software.
SuccessFactors, Commerce or Sales Cloud or specific applications in the Business Technology Platform (BTP) come from different SAP clouds. System enhancements, in turn, are in the BTP. Archives and ECM solutions now also rely on their own dedicated clouds, as do the popular office solutions (Microsoft 365). It therefore quickly becomes clear: if information is not already distributed, the consistent use of common business applications at the latest leads to information distribution across the respective clouds.
In this multi-cloud universe, enterprises and providers need to bring the different worlds together. Software-defined WAN solutions (such as Cato Networks) can be an effective way to better manage the dynamics of change brought about by cloud computing. There needs to be a steering influence for changes between the clouds. Mobility in the data cloud also demands mobility from the user. Enterprises or providers need resources to master and profit from the benefits of cloud computing.
The high level of complexity and the interaction of different providers and technologies require a rethink. The speed at which business processes are being accelerated by cloud computing increases the risk that corporate data will be compromised unnoticed. Each level of virtualization of the entire construct once again increases the attack surface. In addition, there are new regulations from the GDPR: cloud computing and multi-cloud unfortunately also mean many different sets of contracts that need to be mastered and synchronized. This is a challenge for SMEs as well as in the corporate group environment. This is where cloud users should seek advice and support, regardless of the provider.
Even in the cloud, the sovereignty over data storage, backups or changes must remain in the hands of the companies. Those who outsource its data have a responsibility to control it and must know its distribution.
Proximity to experts
Cloud Computing is not an option. It is now the means to organize information in the best possible way, creating speed and access to the most innovative solutions. The use of different clouds should bring companies clearly recognizable advantages. SAP is calling for an increase in data distribution through hyperscalers with its ‘Rise with SAP’ campaign. However, this benefit has not yet been apparent to all prospective customers. Cloud computing as an end in itself makes no sense. Companies only benefit where business advantages are apparent and challenges are mastered.
The best value and speed is secured by sticking to the influence on your digital core (ERP) while staying close to experts for integration. The security to benefit from cloud dynamics comes from in-house skill pools as well as trusted providers.
.
Robert Schuhmann
Managing Director