EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
HOW CAN CIOS SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITION THEIR IT INFRASTRUCTURE TO THE CLOUD ?
As cloud strategies become increasingly vital and complex , CIOs on the continent can help organisations avoid risk and ensure a successful , cost-effective transition to the cloud . Industry experts share with Intelligent CIO Africa on how to ensure success with cloud solutions .
Cloud-based solutions refer to on-demand services , computer networks , storage , applications or resources accessed via the Internet and through another provider ’ s shared cloud computing infrastructure .
The benefits of cloud solutions to end-users and businesses include increased capacity , scalability , functionality and reduced maintenance and cost for computer infrastructure or in-house staff . Additionally , cloud-based solutions can enable companies to focus on revenue driving initiatives rather than timeconsuming , non-core business tasks .
According to research firm International Data Corporation ( IDC ), the wider Middle East , Turkey and Africa ( META ) region , will see public cloud spending increase to US $ 2.8 billion by the end of 2020 , a figure which will rise to US $ 6.5 billion by 2024 . IDC stated that the need for agile cloud-based platforms , secure remote access and seamless collaboration tools are all key influences over cloud spending , as businesses seek to not only aid recovery , but also steady growth .
Osama Al-Zoubi , CTO , Cisco Middle East and Africa ( MEA ), said businesses across the Middle East are increasingly recognising the potential of cloud to streamline processes and are investing in cloud solutions to help properly structure and store their data . “ This is something we are witnessing across both the public and private sector , as businesses of all sizes focus on cloud deployment within their personal digitisation agendas ,” he said . “ The ultimate catalyst for accelerated cloud adoption has been the
COVID-19 pandemic , which caused decisionmakers to implement more robust digital solutions in today ’ s world of remote and agile working . Companies are fast realising the benefits of cloud solutions to improve performance – and this is happening on a large scale in the Middle East , as businesses focus on technologyled transformation , creating smart workplaces and enhancing customer experience .”
Hamilton Ratshefola , Country General Manager , IBM Southern Africa , said hybrid cloud is swiftly becoming the dominant force driving change in the region .
Ratshefola added that with remote work now becoming a norm , the value of cloud computing has never been greater . “ And to date , we ’ ve seen many companies move to all-encompassing work from home without much interruption – thanks in large part to cloud . Dozens of business-oriented applications are now connecting homebound workers to collaborative tools that enable Business Continuity ,” he said .
“ The cloud-based support of video conferencing , file-sharing services , communications platforms , chat bots and a host of data analytics , graphic design , accounting , HR and sales management programmes has allowed remote employees to continue work as if they never left their company offices . Similarly , remote developers continue writing code and building applications in cloud-supported containerised environments , while AI-backed internal and customerfacing applications keep humming along because they are built and managed in the cloud .”
26 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com