Exploring Cloud Computing: Business Models and Essential IT Skills

This essay examines the contemporary business model of cloud computing, highlighting its role in connecting companies, systems, and devices. It discusses the benefits such as flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and innovation, while also addressing challenges like security risks, high marginal costs, and legal issues. The essay further identifies crucial IT skills needed for cloud computing, including business and financial acumen, technical expertise in systems management and data integration, enterprise architecture knowledge, project management capabilities, security and compliance understanding, and mobile app development skills. References to articles from The Economist, HBR and IEEE highlight the importance of cloud computing in today's business environment.

CLOUD
COMPUTING
Contemporary business model

Cloud computing and IT Skills
■ Cloud computing connects companies, computer systems, and
gadgets under one roof. Based on a return on investment approach,
this business thrives on a business and open software model.
■ Cloud computers connect to:
 Desktops
 Computer networks
 Laptops
 Mobile devices
 Data centers
 Email communication systems etc.

Benefits of Cloud Computing
■ According to the Economist ( 2015), cloud computing is a plus for
modern businesses. Highlighting some benefits, it indicates that cloud
computing is:
 Flexible
 Cheaper
 Innovative
 Regulated
 Customer (user) specific
 Easy to upgrade
 Effective in large and complex data storage

Challenges of cloud computing
■ Cloud computing risks include:
 Increased internet insecurity
 High marginal costs
 Technical complications
 Taxation challenges
 Legal challenges
Cloud computing works by different models which means different pricing
strategies. This creates varied responses with regards to benefits and
costs ( Riggins and Wamba, 2015)

Cloud Computing Skills
■ McKendrick (2012 ) highlights the important cloud computing skills featuring:
 Business and financial skills: This is the cloud benefits and challenges
 Technical skills: This is for the systems management, open source tools and
data integration
 Enterprise architecture and business needs analysis: It features the
professional IT
 Project management skills: Business goals and user preference
 Security and compliance: System safety, legal agreements and contracts
 Mobile app and development: Designed for stakeholders like employees,
partners and customers to access

References
■ Dinh, H, T, Lee, C; Niyato, D, Wang, P. ( 2013). A survey of mobile computing: architecture,
applications and approaches, Wireless Communication and Mobile Computing, 13 (18),
1587-1611
■ McKendrickJ; ( 2012). The 8 most important skills needed for cloud computing today, HBR,
Retrieved from:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemckendrick/2012/08/27/the-8-most-important-skills-neede
d-for-cloud-computing-today/#
5d31b1256374
■ Riggins, F, J; Wamba, S, F; (2015 ). Research directions on the adoption, usage, and impact
of the internet of things through the use of big data analytics. System Sciences ( HICSS).
2015 48th Hawaii International Conference on , ( pp 1531-1540), IEEE
■ The Economist. (2015). Cloud Computing: The sky’s limit. Cloud Retrieved From:
https://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21674714-shifting-computer-power-cloud-brings-
many-benefitsbut-dont-ignore-risks-skys-limit?
zid=291&ah=906e69ad01d2ee51960100b7fa502595