Welcome back! Once the basic ingredients have been processed, it's time to get down to business. The following components for your cloud governance recipe have it all: their interplay defines how good the dish will taste. Or in technical terms - how well your cloud can be managed.
Ingredient 3: Proteins (= guidelines)
Proteins promote muscle building and similarly, guidelines strengthen your cloud: they protect against risks and ensure the desired application. It is therefore important to define the responsibility for implementing, managing and maintaining your cloud solution. You should also use guidelines to structure the daily operation of your new environment. For example, the data landscape and its administration are factors that require your attention. You should also make it as easy as possible for your employees to use the cloud, but at the same time ensure that the necessary guidelines are formulated to ensure security and compliance.
This may involve a concept for access authorization, the password convention and the structure of your data storage. You may also need to consider the use and installation of device management in your guidelines. Any requirements for device use in the context of compliance must be specified.
Depending on your choice of cloud, the scope of this step will vary. However, it is clear that you need to fully consider the technology, the data, the processes and the end users. This is the only way to achieve successful cloud governance. The cloud expert of your choice can also help you here.
Example: After AgileOMs has carried out a comprehensive analysis with the assistance of innobit ag, the next step is to define the corresponding guidelines. The data categories are the basis for a storage structure and the definition of the encryption levels. A backup and recovery strategy for the data is also developed. As the healthcare system is based on confidential data, it is essential that employees' user accounts are protected in the best possible way. A strict password convention is therefore developed. It is also decided to protect all accounts with multiple authentication. Similarly, access authorizations to the data structure are defined according to business affiliation, thus ensuring that AgileOMs employees only have access to the data intended for them.
Ingredient 4: Vegetables (= implementation)
Now we create the colorful, exciting aspects that add variety to every dish. Once your desired cloud solution has been analyzed and appropriate guidelines have been defined, it is important that the corresponding framework conditions are in place. To this end, you should ensure a good induction with test phases for the parties responsible for cloud administration. In addition, you should adequately prepare your employees for the new services and provide them with the resources they need to make the best possible use of the cloud. This can take the form of workshops and/or a platform with frequently asked questions and short explanatory videos, for example.
Example: To minimize complications during the final implementation, AgileOMs decides to first set up the cloud solution within a test environment. To this end, so-called champions and teams are appointed from the individual departments to test the new environment without restricting operations in the event of uncertainties. In addition, IT is prepared for the cloud solution by innobit ag workshops. An introductory workshop is also held for the selected test persons and a preliminary platform with instructions for the test operation is set up.
Ingredient 5: Spices (= control)
Every dish has to be refined last - often directly at the table and during the meal. Cloud governance is an ongoing process that needs to be constantly analyzed and optimized. This is where your extensive preparatory work comes in handy: you are aware of the target status and the measures implemented to achieve it.
Its clear structure makes it easier for you to control all processes and resources; you can focus entirely on potential for improvement. Feedback from your IT and operations is extremely helpful and should not be neglected. This control process should be firmly integrated into the operational process to ensure smooth utilization. This creates a continuous cycle that always keeps your company up to date with the cloud.
Example: The AgileOMs test environment was successfully implemented and has been extensively tested by the champions in the meantime. This also gave the IT department time to familiarize itself with the new environment. The information gathered during the test phase can be used to optimize resources and refine the cloud offering for overall operations. The feedback from the test subjects is also helpful: AgileOMs decided to implement additional collaboration software in order to make even better use of the cloud services.
As you can see: Managing your cloud is quite possible with the right ingredients. With some practice and support, you can even become a master chef! Have I whetted your appetite? Then get in touch for a no-obligation consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
