In today's digital era, cloud technology has become an indispensable part of the corporate infrastructure. According to a study by Gartner, over 90% of companies worldwide now use cloud services. This technology enables companies to use their IT resources in a flexible and scalable manner, resulting in significant cost savings and efficiency gains. McKinsey, for example, predicts that cloud adoption could generate a global economic value of 3 trillion dollars by 2030.
However, the introduction of cloud technologies is more than just a technical change. It requires a profound change to the way of working, culture and processes within a company. This is often referred to as the "cloud journey" and is closely linked to change management. Change management plays a crucial role in successfully shaping this transformation and ensuring that employees can use the new technologies effectively.
A successful cloud implementation can shorten time to market, increase innovation and reduce risk. But without effective change management, the transition to the cloud can lead to challenges such as employee resistance, inadequate training and a lack of acceptance of new ways of working.
Let's explore the close link between cloud journeys and change management together and find solutions on how companies can successfully combine these two aspects to get the maximum benefit from their cloud investments.
CHALLENGES IN THE CLOUD JOURNEY
WHY TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE ANYWAY - ESPECIALLY AS AN SME?
The cloud journey is particularly crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as it offers them a number of benefits that can be critical to competing in today's digital economy. Here are some reasons why cloud transformation is especially important for SMEs:
65% of SMEswho have switched to the cloud report a significant reduction in IT operating costs. This is because cloud providers minimize the need for expensive on-premise infrastructure and maintenance costs.
A study by the Boston Consulting Group found that SMEs that use cloud technologies, 1.5 times more likely to generate higher sales than companies that do not use cloud solutions.
84% of the companies around the world plan to continue working remotely after the pandemic, further increasing the need for cloud solutions.
59% of SMEs report that cloud services have helped them to improve communication and data sharing between teams, regardless of employee location.
96% of the companiesthat use cloud technologies can significantly reduce their disaster recovery time.
Cloud technology allows SMEs to flexibly adapt their capacities to their business needs. 54% of the companies state that scalability is one of the main advantages of using the cloud.
Instead of making large investments in hardware or software, SMEs can use cloud providers to only pay for the resourcesthat they currently need (pay-as-you-go model).
65% of SMEswho have switched to the cloud report a significant reduction in IT operating costs. This is because cloud providers minimize the need for expensive on-premise infrastructure and maintenance costs.
53% of the companieswho migrate to the cloud state that the improved agility of business processes is a decisive advantage.
94% of the companies report on security improvements following migration to the cloud.
The Cloud accelerates innovation cycles by up to 30%as new technologies or applications can be integrated more quickly.
Of course, these statistics are not only relevant for small and medium-sized companies, but also for large corporations. They also benefit from the cost savings, scalability and improved agility that cloud technologies offer. They can also make their IT infrastructure more efficient and secure by using advanced security measures and faster disaster recovery processes. The flexibility and innovative power of the cloud enables large companies to react more quickly to market changes and remain competitive.
Using an IT service provider for the cloud journey can be particularly beneficial here, as many companies often do not have the necessary resources and expertise to manage complex cloud projects on their own. Our Sky-E Red team can provide customized solutions that are tailored to the exact needs of the business, ensuring a smooth migration and integration.
Change management is also a crucial aspect of this. The introduction of cloud technologies often requires far-reaching changes to a company's working methods, culture and processes. This is where we come into play: with our comprehensive expertise and deep understanding of the specific challenges, we provide not only technical but also strategic support. We guide you through the entire change process to ensure that your employees can use the new technologies effectively and adapt to the new working methods.
Our proven methods and our commitment to customer satisfaction make us the ideal partner for your cloud journey. Put your trust in our experience and let us work together to future-proof your IT infrastructure. With us at your side, the transition to the cloud will not only be smooth, but also sustainably successful.
WHICH CLOUD PROVIDER IS BEST FOR ME?
When choosing a cloud provider, three factors play a key role: data protection and compliance (especially GDPR), costs and security. Here are some of the best cloud providers that meet these criteria:
Data protection and security: Microsoft Azure offers comprehensive GDPR compliance and focuses heavily on data security with various certifications (ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 1-3). Microsoft also operates data centers in Germany so that companies can store their data on national servers.
Costs: Azure is easily scalable as it offers various pricing models such as pay-as-you-go or long-term contracts. You can get started with a limited budget while the platform grows with the company.
Special feature: The seamless integration with other Microsoft products such as Microsoft 365 and Teams makes Azure particularly attractive for companies that already use Microsoft ecosystems.
Data protection and security: AWS is also GDPR-compliant and offers a variety of security and compliance tools. Here, too, there is the option of storing data in European data centers, including Germany, in order to meet the legal requirements.
Costs: AWS offers a very flexible pricing structure with the well-known "pay-as-you-go" model. The AWS Free Tier, which offers basic services free of charge for the first year, can be particularly attractive for companies.
Special feature: AWS has a variety of cloud services, ranging from pure data storage to complex analysis and machine learning services. Its scalability and flexibility make it ideal for companies that want to grow.
Data protection and security: GCP is also GDPR-compliant and offers robust security measures such as encryption and ongoing audits. Google Cloud offers data centers in Germany and Europe, which facilitates compliance with strict data protection requirements.
Cost: The Google Cloud Platform has a flexible pricing model and also offers a free entry via the GCP Free Tier, which includes 300 USD credit for the first year and permanently free services. This is an attractive option for companies working on a limited budget.
Special feature: GCP is particularly strong in data-driven applications, machine learning and big data. Companies that focus on data-intensive processes or plan to do so in the future could benefit from GCP.
Data protection and security: As a German provider, Ionos meets the strictest requirements of the GDPR. All data is stored in data centers in Germany, which is particularly important for companies that require a high degree of control over their data. Ionos relies on German security standards and has a very transparent data protection policy.
Costs: Ionos is often cheaper compared to international providers and offers transparent pricing models with no hidden costs. Ionos can be particularly attractive for companies looking for a cost-effective solution.
Special feature: Ionos scores with its personal customer service, which can be particularly helpful for smaller companies that have fewer IT resources.
Data protection and security: As a German provider, Ionos meets the strictest requirements of the GDPR. All data is stored in data centers in Germany, which is particularly important for companies that require a high degree of control over their data. Ionos relies on German security standards and has a very transparent data protection policy.
Costs: Ionos is often cheaper compared to international providers and offers transparent pricing models with no hidden costs. Ionos can be particularly attractive for companies looking for a cost-effective solution.
Special feature: Ionos scores with its personal customer service, which can be particularly helpful for smaller companies that have fewer IT resources.
Data protection and security: The Open Telekom Cloud is a cloud service operated by Deutsche Telekom that is fully GDPR-compliant and relies on data centers in Germany. It offers high security standards and is aimed specifically at European companies.
Costs: Pricing is flexible and depends on the specific needs of the company. Although Telekom is not always the cheapest option, it offers a high quality of service and German data protection standards.
Special feature: The Open Telekom Cloud has the advantage that it is aligned with European laws and requirements and is particularly interesting for companies that attach great importance to national data protection standards.
Ultimately, the choice of the right cloud provider depends on the specific needs of a company - whether it is maximum data security, cost control or technical flexibility. The scalability of the solutions and the support provided by the provider also play a crucial role. We know there are many providers to choose from, but don't worry - we'll be happy to help you find the cloud provider that fits like a glove!
INITIAL COSTS OF A CLOUD JOURNEY
The initial investment in a cloud transformation may seem high at first glance, but in the long term it offers enormous savings potential and benefits that far outweigh the initial costs. The cloud not only enables scalability and efficiency, but also reduces ongoing operating costs and ensures more flexible use of resources.
Reduced IT infrastructure costs: SMEs can save up to 30 % of their annual IT expenditure as hardware purchases, maintenance and electricity costs for servers are eliminated.
Improved productivity: Companies that move to the cloud increase their productivity by 20 % to 40 % thanks to automated processes, faster communication and the flexible use of cloud-based tools.
Scalability without additional costs: In contrast to traditional infrastructures, the cloud allows for Usage-based pricing. They only pay for the capacity they actually need and can scale their resources as required without additional investment.
Cost savings due to less downtime: Cloud-based systems generally have an availability of 99,9 %which leads to significantly less downtime. On average, one hour of IT downtime can cost companies 100,000 euros costs - savings through higher system availability are therefore significant.
These figures show that cloud transformation is a worthwhile investment that not only enables companies to achieve immediate efficiency gains, but also long-term cost reductions.
Considering the cost of IT consulting during your first cloud journey is also crucial for several reasons. First, consultants bring expertise that can help you avoid costly mistakes and optimize your cloud infrastructure from the start. They can also provide customized solutions that improve security, scalability and performance so that your cloud environment meets your company's specific needs. In addition, their guidance can streamline the migration process, reduce downtime and accelerate the transition to the cloud. Overall, investing in a consultancy can lead to long-term savings and a more efficient, effective cloud environment.
IT consulting companies also play a decisive role in supporting companies not only with the cloud journey, but also with change management. They offer a variety of solutions that help companies to successfully implement technological and organizational changes. They help companies to see the introduction of new technologies not as an isolated IT project, but as a holistic change that affects all aspects of the company.
The connection between the expertise of an IT consulting company, the start of the cloud journey and long-term cloud development (such as hybrid cloud or multi-cloud) can be decisive for the success and sustainable transformation of a company.
CONCLUSION
The Cloud Journey is far more than just a technical move - it's a strategic shift that takes businesses of all sizes to new heights. For SMEs, for example, the cloud offers invaluable benefits in terms of scalability, cost efficiency and agility. But without thoughtful change management, this journey remains a cloud on the horizon. The Sky-E Red team can act as a wind that not only clears the technical hurdles, but also successfully guides cultural change. We create the necessary structure to bring employees along and ensure that technology and people work hand in hand.
Now is the perfect time to set the course for the future. The cloud and we are ready - are you?
