Cloud promises not just cheaper IT, but also faster, easier, more flexible, and more effective IT. It‘s currently difficult to see where this relatively new paradigm will take us.
Computing is undergoing a seismic shift from client/server to the cloud, a shift similar in importance and impact to the transition from mainframe to client/server. Speculation abounds on how this new era will evolve in the coming years, and IT leaders have a critical need for a clear vision of where the industry is heading. We believe the best way to form this vision is to understand the underlying economics driving the long-term trend.
The goal of this whitepaper is to help build a framework that allows IT leaders to plan for the cloud transition. Microsoft takes a long-term view in its analysis, as this is a prerequisite when evaluating decisions and investments that could last for decades.
This whitepaper outlines the underlying economics of cloud, focusing on what makes it truly different from client/server, assesses the implications of these economics for the future of IT, checks out the positive impact cloud will have along with the obstacles that still exist today. Finally, the whitepaper goes on to discuss what‘s important to consider as IT leaders embark on the journey to the cloud.
Download PDF.
