A few weeks ago I asked the ebizQ Forum, Has Cloud Computing Changed the Traditional Role of IT?
Of the 11 answers, all answered quite emphatically that cloud is dramatically changing the role of IT. Several offered the condition that this is nothing new, and as I also believe, IT has always been subject to great change.
Mukund Balasubramanian said: Cloud Computing has simplified IT operations to an extent that many of the roles in IT have fundamentally been obviated.
Christian Verstraete replied: Definitely, the IT department should act as the service broker, the entity that provides services to the business and sources those services from a variety of sources.
David Brakoniecki said: Certainly, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) will change role of IT in most organizations but I think that SaaS will have a different effect on IT in different size organizations. SaaS is a great equalizer.
Liran Eshel replied: Of course cloud computing has changed (and will continue to change) the role of IT, but not necessarily more so than previous disruptive shifts in IT have done in the past. There are two major factors at play - the technology aspect and the organizational aspect.
Michael Topalovich said: IT folks are spending less time and effort building and supporting commodity technology services, and are now applying their energy and system-driven thinking directly to the design and management of innovative cloud-based systems that enable business processes that were not even possible five years ago.
Adrian Grigoriu said: I've been working in a large company that has outsourced network, infrastructure, applications, infrastructure, helpdesk and their management all together. What's left: business planning.
Finally, from Manuel Jaffrin: You can now kick off a new business leveraging Cloud based Apps with very little IT knowledge (and almost 0 CAPEX). As you grow and need more integration and eventually some custom development, you will need first an IT project manager rather than a Sys Admin which can map business workflows with App integration.
Me, I think the most profound effect will be on smaller companies, and that instead of the lone IT tech working in a windowless office stuffed with computer parts, that the more successful SMBs will incorporate IT into every level of the business. Which means, those looking for a future in IT might want to step away from the computer and brush up on their people skills.
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