INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Cloud
How cloud is bringing
application and
process users together
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Kevin Hall says the cloud has evolved
T
he cloud has evolved and no longer
defined by an air of silence between
those who implement cloud systems
and their customers, who are mostly
business users. Today, as offerings evolve
into more bespoke solutions, cloud vendors
must deal directly with operations and
business leaders.
This is according to Kevin Hall, National Sales
Manager at local ICT solutions provider Elingo.
Hall endorses the company’s message
to the market which is that there is a lot
more discussion involved when considering
migration to the cloud, especially between
cloud service providers and customers.
“In my view we can never do enough to
offer peace of mind, our business directors
have duties we need to be sensitive to and
learning from them how to mitigate their
risk and understanding the business better
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often gives one a better sense of how to
develop the solution around the needs of the
customer,” said Hall.
“Once we understand the issues, it’s easy
to find solutions in the cloud. Somebody
out there probably has a similar issue. Our
problems and concerns are normally not as
unique as we believe.”
Currently in the market, the argument that
hybrid provides the best of both worlds is
gaining traction, says Elingo. Companies
with security concerns or looking for better
redundancy opt for hybrid solutions quicker
than their competitors.
“The hype is probably created because it is
easier to sell and the objectives are easily
dealt with,” added Hall.
Elingo’s standpoint is that cloud is already
changing the way companies do business
and deploy solutions – one only has to
consider the adoption of Office 365 – a
simple solution to many SME market
players not wanting to invest in costly
Capex services.
“Agility and flexibility can only be
implemented in companies with an agile
culture and approach to business,” said Hall.
“The culture shock of rapid change in other
organisations can take time to realise. Your
business needs to tick all the right boxes.”
Elingo advises business owners who are
considering solutions and relevant service
providers that nothing beats a proven track
record with customers.
Hall adds that it is best to visit customers on
their site and do some market research to
find out what customer experience has been
like from the service provider. n
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